The story I am about to write is true. It has been told untold numbers of times. It is one of my favorites.

It seems there was a man, Peter who was locked up in prison. He was chained to two guards to make sure he’d not escape. In the church where Peter preached were many who prayed for Peter, that he might be rescued.

At night, an angel visited Peter. The guards were sleeping, and the angel told Peter to follow him. Then, immediately, the chains fell open and walking, Peter followed the angel.

Then, once Peter was free, he went to the house of one of the church members, whose name was Mary. He knocked on the door of the gate and a woman, Rhoda answered it. When she recognized Peter’s voice, instead of letting him in, went to announce the arrival of Peter.

They told Rhoda, “Your are beside yourself.” For those unaware, that is sort like saying she was mistaking. It’s sort of like saying your nuts. In other words, they didn’t believe her,

But Rhoda insisted. Those in the house said, “It is Peter’s angel,” assuming him to be dead.

Peter, of course, was somewhat wondering that no one opened the door. So he continued to knock.

Now here is the really neat part, the part I really like. When they opened the door and saw Peter standing there, they were astonished.

Now, to be honest, I did skip a few parts. To read the whole story as it was written, read Act 12 :1 to 16 or perhaps as much as 18.

I guess I have read the story a few dozen times and I still wonder, after all the praying, why were they astonished? Why did they not expect Peter to show up. Maybe they should have even had some kind of a welcome home party ready.

They prayed to God, expecting an answer. They got their answer and yet, according to the Bible, they were astonished.

I guess we can’t really hold the new Christians too much at fault. After all, it was just a short time earlier when they became Christians. Moreover, God, when he decides to, can amaze even the most devout follower.

Moreover, I guess it is kind of an object lesson. When we pray earnestly, maybe we should expect an answer, regardless of how unlikely. And, by the way, regardless of the power of the king (government) they really can’t keep us chained up should God decide to let us go.