An Angel Rescues Peter from Jail

King Herod was not a nice king. He wanted to hurt the followers of Jesus, so he killed James, one of Jesus's special disciples. When he saw that this made some people happy, he arrested Peter too! He put Peter in prison with sixteen soldiers guarding him. Peter was chained between two soldiers, with even more guards at the door. Herod planned to hurt Peter after the Passover festival. It looked like there was no way Peter could escape!

But Peter's friends in the church didn't give up. They gathered together at a house and prayed and prayed for Peter. They prayed all the time, day and night! They believed God could help Peter, even though the situation looked impossible. Meanwhile, Peter was sleeping in his chains the night before Herod planned to bring him out. Can you imagine sleeping when you're in such danger? Peter must have had great peace from God!

Suddenly, the whole prison cell lit up with a bright light! An angel appeared and tapped Peter on the side. 'Quick, get up!' the angel said. The chains fell right off Peter's hands! Peter thought he was dreaming. The angel told him, 'Put on your sandals and your coat, and follow me.' Peter obeyed, following the angel past the first guard, past the second guard, and then to the big iron gate that led to the city. The gate opened all by itself! They walked down the street, and then the angel disappeared.

Peter finally realized, 'Wow! This is really happening! God sent an angel to rescue me from Herod!' He hurried to the house where his friends were praying. When he knocked on the door, a servant girl named Rhoda came to see who it was. She recognized Peter's voice and got so excited that she ran back inside without even opening the door! 'Peter is here!' she shouted. But everyone said, 'You're crazy! Peter is in prison!' 'No, it's really him!' Rhoda insisted. Peter kept knocking and knocking.

Finally, they opened the door, and there was Peter! They were absolutely amazed! Peter told them to be quiet and explained how God's angel had led him right out of the prison. The next morning, the soldiers woke up and couldn't find Peter anywhere. They were so confused! King Herod was very angry, but there was nothing he could do. God had answered the prayers of the church in the most amazing way. This story teaches us that nothing is impossible for God, and that our prayers are powerful. Even when things look hopeless, God can do miracles!