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Every chapter in Church history develops the old decree that enmity should exist between the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman. This is the underlying spring of all the commotions, anarchies, persecutions, and wars of the ages. But the "old serpent" assumes no serpentine nor supernatural form in carrying out his aims, but the form of a man — here the form of a malignant and servile king. "On thy belly shalt thou go." Note what Satan cannot do.

I. RENDER UNAVAILING THE INTERCESSIONS OF THE GOOD (ver. 5). It would have been easier for Herod to have controlled the winds of heaven than to have neutralised the prayers of these poor people. Satan was mighty in Pharaoh, but a few of the oppressed ones prayed and their deliverance came. He was mighty in Nebuchadnezzar, but God's people prayed and were rescued from his demon grasp.

II. DESTROY THE PEACE OF A GOOD MAN (ver. 6). Think of the place — a dark, filthy cell, Think of his position — linked to two wretches from whose nature he must have recoiled with horror. Think of those who watched — sixteen soldiers. Think of the time — the night before execution. Yet Peter sleeps; which suggests —

1. A gracious providence. "He giveth His beloved sleep." Sleep is one of God's choicest gifts. How it drowns our cares, restrings the harp of life, binds up our energies afresh. What more did Peter want than sleep? Had he the most comfortable chamber in Herod's palace could he have had more than sleep?

2. An approving conscience. A condemning conscience would have kept sleep away. Peter knew that he was engaged in the right work.

3. A sense of security. He had no fear about the future. He had committed himself to the care of Heaven. "God is our refuge and strength."

III. HINDER THE VISIT OF ANGELS TO GOOD MEN (ver. 8). The Bible teaches not only the existence of angels, but their ministration Note —

1. The ease with which an angel does his work. The walls, gates, etc., presented no obstruction. The chains fell off without effort, and Peter led through his guards without a struggle. God's greatest agents work quietly.

2. The extent to which an angel does his work. Only what a good man cannot do for himself. Peter could tie on his sandals, etc., but could not snap his chains.

IV. CANNOT PREVENT THE FRUSTRATION OF HIS OWN PURPOSES (ver. 11). That Herod's purpose was frustrated is seen —

1. In the deliverance of Peter. This deliverance was —

(1)  Consciously Divine. "I know of a surety."

(2)  Very wonderful. The disciples were incredulous.

2. In the progress of truth. "Go show these things unto James," etc. What an impulse this fact must have given to the new cause!

3. In his confusion (vers. 18, 19). Satan's plans may be very subtle in their structure, vast in their sweep, imposing in their aspect, and promising in their progress; but their failure is inevitable. They must break down, and their author and abettors must be everlastingly confounded. Take heart, ye children of the truth; as soon as God's day comes "there will be no small stir" amongst God's enemies

(D. Thomas, D. D.)

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KJV: Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

WEB: Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him.