Response to Trials

In Acts 12:1-19 we come across two other ladies mentioned in the early church: Mary & Rhoda. Before we actually talk about them and their role, we need to set the background of why they are mentioned.  In verses 1-5 we learn that Herod has killed James and to politically advance his reputation with the Jews, Herod also arrests Peter intending to kill him after the Passover.  Verse 5 gives the response of the church to Peter's arrest: "but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church."  The word "earnest" (or "fervent" as used in other translations) is related to the word ektenēs, a medical term describing the stretching of a muscle to its limits. This word is also used in Luke 22:44 to describe the Lord's prayer in Gethsemane. So we have a better picture of how the church prayed for Peter. Wow! We are going to talk much about prayer in the days ahead, and we pray that this will encourage you as you trust in the Lord during times of difficulty.