Theory question 107
Persecution of the Early Church(a) Relate Peter's miraculous escape from prison. (b) State three factors that motivate people to pray.
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(a) Herod killed James and arrested Peter, guarded by four squads of soldiers (Acts 12:1-4).
The church prayed earnestly for him (Acts 12:5).
The night before his trial Peter slept between two soldiers, bound with two chains (Acts 12:6).
An angel appeared, light shone, the angel struck his side and said, "Get up quickly"; the chains fell off (Acts 12:7).
"Dress yourself and put on your sandals… follow me" (Acts 12:8).
They passed the first and second guard; the iron gate opened by itself (Acts 12:9-10).
The angel left him; Peter realised the Lord had rescued him (Acts 12:10-11).
He went to the house of Mary, John Mark's mother, where many were praying (Acts 12:12).
Rhoda heard his voice and ran to tell them; they said she was mad (Acts 12:13-16).
He told them how the Lord freed him and went elsewhere (Acts 12:17).
(b) Any three: problems and trouble; sickness; gratitude to God; desire for guidance; fear and danger; love for God; need for forgiveness; concern for others.
Narrate Acts 12:1-17, then three factors.