1
That's when King Herod got it into his head to go after some of the church members.
2
He murdered James, John's brother.
3
When he saw how much it raised his popularity ratings with the Jews, he arrested Peter - all this during Passover Week, mind you -
4
and had him thrown in jail, putting four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. He was planning a public lynching after Passover.
5
All the time that Peter was under heavy guard in the jailhouse, the church prayed for him most strenuously.
6
Then the time came for Herod to bring him out for the kill. That night, even though shackled to two soldiers, one on either side, Peter slept like a baby. And there were guards at the door keeping their eyes on the place. Herod was taking no chances!
7
Suddenly there was an angel at his side and light flooding the room. The angel shook Peter and got him up: "Hurry!" The handcuffs fell off his wrists.
8
The angel said, "Get dressed. Put on your shoes." Peter did it. Then, "Grab your coat and let's get out of here."
9
Peter followed him, but didn't believe it was really an angel - he thought he was dreaming.