Acts 12:1-16 - When Peter was put in prison, prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him (v.5). After Peter was delivered by the angel of the Lord, he went to the house where many were gathered together praying (v12).
Why then do you think they doubted it was Peter who knocked at their door (v15), and why were they astonished to see him?
2007-10-22 03:32:57 · 8 answers · asked by Virginia B (John 16:33) 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because we have little faith. Great faith would have been waiting at the door for Peter and knowing that he would be coming to them at any moment because of their prayers.
2007-10-22 03:40:15 · answer #1 · answered by Jeancommunicates 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This was at a point where the Jewish leaders had decided to move against the Christian faith. They were arresting and executing anyone they could find who was a Christian. History tells us that one of the techiques the used was to pretend to be a Christian, and get into one of the groups in order to spy on them.
The apostle James had just been killed, and how Peter was arrested. While the local Christians were praying for Peter's release, it appears that they (or at least Rhonda who answered the knock at the door) did not really expect it to happen. It would be like if after hearing that your neighbor had died, and you opened the door to find him standing there.
You would probably slam the door in his face. It seems to me a very natural reaction to a surprising situation.
Rhonda tells the others that he is there, but they are reluctant to believe it until they look themselves. Again, that seems a very normal reaction in the situation. If someobdy told you that your supposed dead neighbor was standing outside the door, would you believe it before you looked?
2007-10-22 10:45:29 · answer #2 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Same like
Mr.16:6-8
Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
2007-10-22 12:17:55 · answer #3 · answered by Mosa A 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is an angel of the Lord ? There never was , or ever will be , a part human - part bird freak . Such an animal is impossible . Even if a person could possibly grow wings on his shoulders , flight would be impossible . The balance point of a stretched-out human body is the small of the back . All flying objects , live or mechanical , must be perfectly balanced in order to fly .
2007-10-22 10:45:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
He had been in prison, and was likely about to be put to death by Herod Agrippa. It was suprising to have him suddenly show up free.... it might be a commentary to the confidence the people at the house should have had about their prayers for him....
2007-10-22 10:36:58 · answer #5 · answered by Cuchulain 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, cause previously, all of them had gone out to do healings and resurrections.... maybe the relationship was so deep for each diciple (with Jesus) that little attention could be paid each other/ like how close is your group of friends?/
2007-10-22 10:38:10 · answer #6 · answered by Luke A. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone thoght Peter was still in jail, & thought that this was a trick of the authorities.
2007-10-22 10:41:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People pray like crazy but they really don't think their prayers will be answered.They were thinking ,"Well,after he is killed,at least I can say 'I prayed for him'".That is called 'Lack of Faith'. It happens to all of us.
2007-10-22 10:40:18 · answer #8 · answered by AngelsFan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋