In Acts chapter 12 we find the incredible story of Peter being locked up by King Herod and placed under heavy guards while Herod planned a public trial.
But miraculous events ended the trial the night before it began. As the church prayed, an angel appeared in Peter's cell, the chains fell from Peter's arms and he was ushered past guards to a gate that opened on its own, freeing Peter into the city.
You probably remember the account of Peter late night knock at the door of the house where other disciples were gathered for prayer and the servant girl getting so excited at Peter's presence that she forgets to even open the door to let him in.
So Peter is spared and is able to continue many more years in the ministry that God had called him to.
What a beautiful story. God heard the church's prayers and spared Peter's life and ministry.
But what about poor James? He gets one verse of attention and it falls just before Peter's story miraculous story gets rolling: "[King Herod] had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword." (Acts 12:2)
God's plan contained no reprieve for James. Herod's evil plan succeeded without a hitch. The end. No angels, no invisibility, no open gate.
This begs the question:
What the heck?
Could it be that the church didn't unite to pray in James' case?
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