Acts of the Holy Spirit: A Study in ActsSample

What does it say?

After Herod arrested Peter, an angel released him from prison.

What does it mean?

The martyrdom of Stephen and James gave Peter every reason to believe that he, too, would be killed. Yet he could sleep so soundly that the angel had to strike him to rouse him from sleep! Perhaps Peter looked forward to testifying about Jesus during his trial, knowing that his days of denying Christ were long gone. His sound sleep evidences faith that grew beyond acting in his strength or by his agenda (Matt. 26:35; John 13:8). Little is said about Peter after Acts 12, but it’s clear that Peter, the impetuous disciple, matured into the Spirit-filled Apostle Peter Jesus meant him to be.

How should I respond?

Signs of physical aging are seen more easily than signs of spiritual growth, but signs of your new life in Christ should be evident. God’s faithfulness in past difficulties serves to grow your faith today. If you look to God for guidance and strength in the crisis you face today, your future trust in Him will increase. What evidence of spiritual maturity do you see over the last year? How could total dependence on the Holy Spirit in your current situation exercise your spiritual muscles? Following Jesus will never mean a complete lack of trouble, but those times can help mature you into the person God intends for you to be.