he martyrdom of James, and the imprisonment of Peter. (1-5)
He is delivered from prison by an angel. (6-11) Peter departs,
Herod's rage. (12-19) The death of Herod. (20-25)
Verses 1-5: James was one of the sons of Zebedee, whom Christ told that
they should drink of the cup that he was to drink of, and be
baptized with the baptism that he was to be baptized with, (Mt
20:23). Now the words of Christ were made good in him; and if we
suffer with Christ, we shall reign with him. Herod imprisoned
Peter: the way of persecution, as of other sins, is downhill;
when men are in it, they cannot easily stop. Those make
themselves an easy prey to Satan, who make it their business to
please men. Thus James finished his course. But Peter, being
designed for further services, was safe; though he seemed now
marked out for a speedy sacrifice. We that live in a cold,
prayerless generation, can hardly form an idea of the
earnestness of these holy men of old. But if the Lord should
bring on the church an awful persecution like this of Herod, the
faithful in Christ would learn what soul-felt prayer is.
Verses 6-11: A peaceful conscience, a lively hope, and the consolations
of the Holy Spirit, can keep men calm in the full prospect of
death; even those very persons who have been most distracted
with terrors on that account. God's time to help, is when things
are brought to the last extremity. Peter was assured that the
Lord would cause this trial to end in the way that should be
most for his glory. Those who are delivered out of spiritual
imprisonment must follow their Deliverer, like the Israelites
when they went out of the house of bondage. They knew not
whither they went, but knew whom they followed. When God will
work salvation for his people, all difficulties in their way
will be overcome, even gates of iron are made to open of their
own accord. This deliverance of Peter represents our redemption
by Christ, which not only proclaims liberty to the captives, but
brings them out of the prison-house. Peter, when he recollected
himself, perceived what great things God had done for him. Thus
souls delivered out of spiritual bondage, are not at first aware
what God has wrought in them; many have the truth of grace, that
want evidence of it. But when the Comforter comes, whom the
Father will send, sooner or later, he will let them know what a
blessed change is wrought.
Verses 12-19: God's providence leaves room for the use of our prudence,
though he has undertaken to perform and perfect what he has
begun. These Christians continued in prayer for Peter, for they
were truly in earnest. Thus men ought always to pray, and not to
faint. As long as we are kept waiting for a mercy, we must
continue praying for it. But sometimes that which we most
earnestly wish for, we are most backward to believe. The
Christian law of self-denial and of suffering for Christ, has
not done away the natural law of caring for our own safety by
lawful means. In times of public danger, all believers have God
for their hiding-place; which is so secret, that the world
cannot find them. Also, the instruments of persecution are
themselves exposed to danger; the wrath of God hangs over all
that engage in this hateful work. And the range of persecutors
often vents itself on all in its way.
Verses 20-25: Many heathen princes claimed and received Divine honours,
but it was far more horrible impiety in Herod, who knew the word
and worship of the living God, to accept such idolatrous honours
without rebuking the blasphemy. And such men as Herod, when
puffed with pride and vanity, are ripening fast for signal
vengeance. God is very jealous for his own honour, and will be
glorified upon those whom he is not glorified by. See what vile
bodies we carry about with us; they have in them the seeds of
their own dissolution, by which they will soon be destroyed,
whenever God does but speak the word. We may learn wisdom from
the people of Tyre and Sidon, for we have offended the Lord with
our sins. We depend on him for life, and breath, and all things;
it surely then behoves us to humble ourselves before him, that
through the appointed Mediator, who is ever ready to befriend
us, we may be reconciled to him, lest wrath come upon us to the
utmost.
he martyrdom of James, and the imprisonment of Peter. (1-5)
He is delivered from prison by an angel. (6-11) Peter departs,
Herod's rage. (12-19) The death of Herod. (20-25)