As the gospel continued to expand, the culture and government surrounding the believers became more threatened. This resulted in believers being persecuted, James being executed, and Peter being imprisoned. They were in what seemed to be impossible and discouraging circumstances, but the church called for help. Acts 12:5 says that “the church was earnestly praying to God…” and God did what only He can. He released prison chains, opened prison doors, and made a way where there seemed to be no way. Acts 12 begins with God’s people surrounded by hardship, but it concludes with the word of God continuing to spread and flourish. Make no mistake about it, when the church calls for help, God hears and delivers.
