Acts 12:1 About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. ² He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. ³ After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.) ⁴ When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. ⁵ While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him. 

We are told that Herod ordered “four squads of soldiers” to guard Peter, which is something on the order of 40-50 soldiers. To guard one man. By this time Peter was well known for demonstrating acts of God’s power in the name of Jesus. So Herod could not order the typical 1-2 guards for this special prisoner. Four squads would have been understood as ridiculous overkill by the original readers. But while Peter was in prison… the church was praying.

When God acts, no manner of earthly power can get in the way.

It’s important for me to remember this today. So many parts of our world are a mess right now it can seem as if evil has won. But with God there is always hope. Lord move with power this day. Bring light where there is darkness, hope where there is despair, joy where there is pain. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.