The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 392

And all this Jlll81!8B as in a dream. So oft,en when swin help and wondrous dellvorance1 come by the Divine hand. "When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were M them that drel\med." So doubtless in the !Mt conflict, the escape from life and 1111 its troubles will appear as a dream to the depllrting soul, So swiftly on, through the first and second guard, to the iron gate leading into the city, which opens of its own acoord ; the street is reached, and the angel departs. 'l'he extraordinary and the marvellous lasts no longer than it is needed. We are governed and guided by constant law, which is the expression of loving and constant will. We are taught by experience to build on the constancy of law; but lest we should adore law instead of God, he appears from time to time from behind law, as will, personality, love. The knowledge left behind on Peter's mind is that God has interfered for his deliverance from the bands of his enemies. That is the lesson for us, whenever by a change of circumstances, not to be foreseen and not to be commanded by human forethought, God's ways with us give rise in retrospect and reflection to thankfulness. We see not tho good hand that is leading us, the wisdom that causes all things to work together for good, before we have reached the goal and end of his purpose. Ill. PETER's REUMION WITH THE DISCIPLES. 1. Notiu the coincidences of events. For his refreshment, Peter is led from the cold prison and the rough society of soldiers into that of praying brethren. And they who had been in the-depth of trouble because of his supposed loss, behold the beloved brother in the midst of them-for the strengthen- ing of their faith. 2, The struggle of faith with unbelief. Here, though they had been praying, and praying doubtless for Peter's release, when the answer comes, they find it difficult to accept and believe. How true is this to the human heart I People are not conscious that they are not quite sincere in their prayers until some event like this brings them face to face with their own thought. When Rhoda tells the simple news of joy, they reply," Thon art mad I" Faith in the heart says," God can work wonders if he will;" an opposite feeling says, " It is not likely that he will work them.n A man may argue, "My faith in the goodness of God is shadowy, but my faith in the constancy of his laws in nature is absolute: it is the contrast of one faith with another." We cannot find a solution to this contradiction; but it does seem in the course of events as if it were solved for us by a higher light and leading. 3. The result. Peter con- tinues knocking, till those within open, see him, and are astounded. After grasping their hands in friendship, he tells the story of his deliverance, bids them repeat it to James and the brethren, then departs to another place. So had the Lord commanded (Matt. L 13). The protection of Providence does not supersede the exercise of caution and prudence; it should rather encourage us to observe these. By removing Peter, the main pillar of the community, the Church was taught that no one man was indispen- sa.ble to its existence and welfare. They were to learn to stand without him, The break of day brought a great disturbance among the soldiers. " What had become ~f Peter ? " Herod takes prompt measures for his arrest, and betakes himself to Caasarea. So ends an episode of apostolic history. We may extract from it the following lessons: -(1) The time of trial is the time of Divine education. Faith in the trial of fire is proved more precious than the gold which perisheth. "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." (2) Brotherly love in affliction, in watching and waiting; power of soul in rest and endurance ; Divine power in healing and saving ;-these are the fruits and energies which spring up in the soil of persecution; these the "precious pearlB for which men dive in sorrow's sacred stream." (3) The arms and defences of the Church against its foes are-unflinching courage in witness, calm patience in suffering, unwearied urgency in prayer.-J. Vera. 20-25.-77ie death of Herod. L Tim OIRCUMBTANOEB. In the height of hie power and haughtiness he is suddenly cast down. While raising himself arro~antly against the Majesty on high, by that Majesty he is brought low and put to shame. .Also it is while he is being sought by petitioners, and hailed by the flattering voice of the multitude u a god. These features have all the elements of the most solemn tragedy. The messenger of Divine judgment smites him straightway, and he perishes miserably. II. In IIOB.6..L. L " Becall88 he gave not the glory to God" is the reason of the judgment. To God alone beloDp honour. He is the Foun~ill of power, the .Foundation OIL Xll. 1-25,] THE AOTB OF THE APOSTLES, 389