When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him.
God could have whisked Peter away in an instant, but instead He led him past guard after guard, through gate after gate, so the miracle might be seen plainly and our faith strengthened. He made the world in six days for the same reason: to teach us, not because He needed the time. Here we witness not one deliverance but ten.
AI summary
Prayers and tears are the church's arms; therewith she fights for her friends. The delay of Peter's trial gave them time for prayer, and they pressed God fervently to snatch the lamb out of the lion's jaws. The death of James alarmed them to greater fervency; if the enemy breaks them thus with breach upon breach, what will become of Peter?
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 12:5-19
The soldiers either slept or their eyes were held, or the angel and Peter moved so swiftly they were unseen. That iron gate, the prison's great outer door, opened by divine power alone, with no human hand. Once Peter was safe beyond pursuit, the angel left him to find his own way to the brethren.
AI summary