New Testament: Acts 12.16

To read the Bible in a year, read Acts 12 on July 4, In the year of our Lord Christ 2022

By Don Ruhl 

Acts 12.5 says that while Peter was in prison, the church prayed for him. God heard their prayers and sent an angel, who led Peter out of prison. 

Peter went to a home where he knew people of the church would be gathered, praying for him. He knocked on the door and a girl went to answer the door, but when she heard Peter’s voice, she was so excited that she did not open the door, but went to tell the others. Luke continued the narrative: 

Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.

– Acts 12.16

I find it easy to criticize them for being astonished, because they were praying for him and so they should have expected his freedom. However, I look over my own life, and I can see when I act surprised that God answered my prayer, and even the fact that he would consider what I have to say. Yet, the Scriptures make clear that he cares for what we say to him. 

Questions: 

• Have you been surprised when God answered your prayer? 
• Did you thank and praise him when he answered your prayer? 

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Don preaches with the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Listen to his sermons here: GrantsPassChurchOfChrist.com