Definition: And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and [from] all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 12:11. It’s a really important passage about Peter’s situation. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Peter was facing serious trouble with King Herod. Herod had imprisoned many Jewish people and planned to kill them, including Peter. He was essentially being held captive. Let’s unpack the key parts: “And when Peter was come to himself…” – This means Peter was thinking about what was happening. He realized he was in a difficult situation. “…he said, Now I know of a surety…” - This is a crucial part. Peter says, “I know !” He’s not just feeling confused; he's having a definite understanding of the truth. “that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod…” – This is the heart of the verse. He’s saying that God sent an angel to rescue him from Herod's grasp. He’s acknowledging divine intervention in his situation. “…and [from] all the expectation of the people of the Jews.” - This explains why he was being held captive. Herod intended to kill many Jewish people, and Peter is saying that God intervened to prevent this. He's also acknowledging that the people of Judea (the Jewish community) were expecting a terrible outcome. In short, it’s a story about divine protection and a desperate situation where God is working to protect someone. What does this tell us? God’s Sovereignty: It emphasizes that God is in control and works for good, even when things seem hopeless. Faith & Trust: It highlights the importance of trusting in God because He can intervene to help us. Divine Protection: The verse speaks to a powerful act of protection against evil. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of Acts 12? Discuss the significance of the angel? Talk about the role of the Jewish people in this story?