An Angel Helps Peter Leave Prison

About that time, King Herod began harming some people in the church. He killed James, the brother of John. Then, seeing that this pleased some people, he had Peter arrested during the days of unleavened bread. Peter was put in prison under heavy guard, and Herod planned to bring him out after the Passover.

While Peter was kept in prison, the believers kept praying to God for him. On the night before Herod planned to bring him out, Peter was asleep between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while guards stood at the door.

Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by Peter, and a light shone in the cell. The angel woke him, and Peter's chains fell off. He was told to get dressed, put on his sandals and cloak, and follow. Peter obeyed, but at first he thought he was seeing a vision, not something real.

They passed the first and second guard and came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened by itself. They went along one street, and then the angel left. Peter realised that the Lord had truly sent his angel and rescued him from Herod and from what people were expecting.

Peter went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people were gathered and praying. A servant girl named Rhoda recognised Peter's voice at the gate, but in her joy she ran back without opening it. The others said she was mistaken, but when they opened the gate and saw Peter, they were amazed.

Peter motioned for them to be quiet and explained how the Lord had brought him out of prison. He told them to report it to James and the brothers, then he left for another place. At daybreak the soldiers were thrown into confusion, and when Herod could not find Peter, he ordered the guards to be put to death.