Good morning,

On 1 June 2026, the Daily Devotion will begin new content. Grace Gems will appear Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Wednesday, will be my Bible study notes.

What are Grace Gems?

Our purpose is to humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. 

Our desire is that the Holy Spirit, who is the Divine Revealer and Interpreter of Christ and His truth, may impart to your hearts a sober, spiritual and sanctifying receptivity of His Word—abasing self, and exalting Christ!

Our intention is to unfold and illustrate the Lord Jesus Christ in the relation in which He stands to His people—to unveil His glory, beauty, and fullness—to define the close bond of union that unites all His people to Him, and to bring you into a more personal realization of what Christ is to you, and of what you are to Christ.” (Octavius Winslow)

Our objective is to set before the Christian pilgrim some reflections which may prove challenging, consolatory and encouraging—as he journeys up from this bleak, arid, wilderness world, leaning on his Beloved.

May God’s blessing attend our humble effort to minister comfort to the downcast, strength to the weak, and courage to those who have set their faces towards their glorious eternal home. (https://www.gracegems.org/)

The greatest earthly blessing that God can give to any of us

Charles Spurgeon, “David Encouraging Himself in God“

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

I bear witness that the worst days I have ever had, have turned out to be my best days. In the same way, when God has seemed to be the most unkind to me, He has then been the most kind. If there is anything in this world for which I would thank Him more than for all else, it is for pain and affliction. I am sure that in these things, His richest and tenderest love has been most manifested towards me. I am certain that I have never grown in grace, one-half so much anywhere else, as I have upon the bed of pain. I have learned to kiss the wave, that throws me against the Rock of Ages.

Affliction is the best piece of furniture in my house. It is the best book in a minister’s library. Those who dive in the sea of affliction, bring up rare pearls.

God’s love letters are often sent in black envelopes. The cloud that is black with horror, is big with mercy. We may not ask for trouble; but if we were wise, we would look upon affliction as the harbinger of an unusually great blessing.

Dread the calm: it is often treacherous; and the pestilence is often lurking beneath its wing. Fear not the storm: it brings healing in its wings, and when Jesus is with you in the vessel, then the tempest only hastens the ship to its desired haven.

God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken.
When we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart.

I venture to say that the greatest earthly blessing that God can give to any of us is health, with the exception of sickness. The furnace of affliction is the most beneficial place for you, Christian.

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives. Our earthly fathers disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” (Excerpted from Hebrews 12:5-12)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

On 1 June 2026, the Daily Devotion will begin new content. Grace Gems will appear Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Wednesday, will be my Bible study notes.

What are Grace Gems?

Our purpose is to humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. 

Our desire is that the Holy Spirit, who is the Divine Revealer and Interpreter of Christ and His truth, may impart to your hearts a sober, spiritual and sanctifying receptivity of His Word—abasing self, and exalting Christ!

Our intention is to unfold and illustrate the Lord Jesus Christ in the relation in which He stands to His people—to unveil His glory, beauty, and fullness—to define the close bond of union that unites all His people to Him, and to bring you into a more personal realization of what Christ is to you, and of what you are to Christ.” (Octavius Winslow)

Our objective is to set before the Christian pilgrim some reflections which may prove challenging, consolatory and encouraging—as he journeys up from this bleak, arid, wilderness world, leaning on his Beloved.

May God’s blessing attend our humble effort to minister comfort to the downcast, strength to the weak, and courage to those who have set their faces towards their glorious eternal home. (https://www.gracegems.org/)

Yes Father

John MacDuff, “Memories of Gennesaret“

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.

Psalm 31:15, “My times are in Your hand!”

Here is the secret of strength in encountering our seasons of trial and difficulty: the conviction that our times are in the hand of God; thus leading to complete and entire subordination of our wills to His.

How it would disarm affliction and bereavement of their bitterest stings, if we were enabled to give as the history of our darkest times: “This is my heavenly Father’s will. This hour has come, as the hour appointed by His loving wisdom.”

The Christian, like his Lord, is able to view every circumstance as emanating from . . .
  a hand of infinite love,
  a mind of infinite wisdom,
  and a will of infinite faithfulness.
Every phase in his history; every step in his pilgrimage; its most trifling incidents and circumstances; are each Divinely appointed. Feeling that he is under this kind and gracious guardianship, the Christian resolves his own will, into the will of the Supreme One! All that concerns him, is a part of His Father’s vast harmonious plan.

The future (mazy, dark, and mysterious) is fully known to the One who causes all things to work for good to His redeemed people–bringing good out of apparent evil, and order out of apparent confusion.

Even when a cross looms gloomily on his path, he breathes with unmurmuring lips, “Yes Father, for this was Your good pleasure!” Matthew 11:26

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearms, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

On 1 June 2026, the Daily Devotion will begin new content. Grace Gems will appear Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Wednesday, will be my Bible study notes.

What are Grace Gems?

Our purpose is to humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. 

Our desire is that the Holy Spirit, who is the Divine Revealer and Interpreter of Christ and His truth, may impart to your hearts a sober, spiritual and sanctifying receptivity of His Word—abasing self, and exalting Christ!

Our intention is to unfold and illustrate the Lord Jesus Christ in the relation in which He stands to His people—to unveil His glory, beauty, and fullness—to define the close bond of union that unites all His people to Him, and to bring you into a more personal realization of what Christ is to you, and of what you are to Christ.” (Octavius Winslow)

Our objective is to set before the Christian pilgrim some reflections which may prove challenging, consolatory and encouraging—as he journeys up from this bleak, arid, wilderness world, leaning on his Beloved.

May God’s blessing attend our humble effort to minister comfort to the downcast, strength to the weak, and courage to those who have set their faces towards their glorious eternal home. (https://www.gracegems.org/)

Complaining Christian

James Smith, “Bread from Heaven!” 1857

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

“Do you have a father?” Genesis 44:19

Standing at my window one day, while the cholera was raging in London, I saw two corpses carried by, followed by one little child, walking alone next to the coffins, with a few neighbors behind. That child was now an orphan. Both parents had been carried off by the pestilence. The sight of that child produced deep emotions, and awakened painful sympathy in my heart.

I was led to think of the sorrows and privations of orphanhood, and then of the happiness of the Lord’s people to whom Jesus has said, “I will not leave you as orphans” John 14:18. A believer can never be an orphan! He has an ever-living, ever-loving, ever-present Father! But many of the Lord’s people do not realize this, therefore they do not live and act under its influence.
There are believers who are always complaining of their circumstances:
  they are worked too hard,
  they are tried more than others,
  they have such a vexing family,
  they have such a demanding job,
  they have such financial losses,
  they have no end of things to vex, harass, and distress them!

Complaining Christian, “Do you have a father?”

If so, had your Father anything to do with fixing your lot?
Did He place you where you are?
Is He wise?
Is He good?
Has He ever told you, that all things shall work together for your good?
Does He know what is best for you?

Has He left things to ‘chance’–or has He arranged all in His own infinite mind, and does He work all by His unerring providence? If He does, then are you justified in complaining?

Have you any real cause to complain?

Will it better your circumstances?

Will it please your Father?

Will it any way help you?

If not, leave off complaining, and “having food and clothing, let us be content with these!”

Seek grace from God, that you may . . .
  do all that is required,
  bear all that is sent,
  and endure all that is to be suffered, to His glory!

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4005 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

On 1 June 2026, the Daily Devotion will begin new content. Grace Gems will appear Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Wednesday, will be my Bible study notes.

What are Grace Gems?

Our purpose is to humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. 

Our desire is that the Holy Spirit, who is the Divine Revealer and Interpreter of Christ and His truth, may impart to your hearts a sober, spiritual and sanctifying receptivity of His Word—abasing self, and exalting Christ!

Our intention is to unfold and illustrate the Lord Jesus Christ in the relation in which He stands to His people—to unveil His glory, beauty, and fullness—to define the close bond of union that unites all His people to Him, and to bring you into a more personal realization of what Christ is to you, and of what you are to Christ.” (Octavius Winslow)

Our objective is to set before the Christian pilgrim some reflections which may prove challenging, consolatory and encouraging—as he journeys up from this bleak, arid, wilderness world, leaning on his Beloved.

May God’s blessing attend our humble effort to minister comfort to the downcast, strength to the weak, and courage to those who have set their faces towards their glorious eternal home. (https://www.gracegems.org/)

The eye of Divine Providence

(Letters of John Newton)

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Matthew 10:29-30, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

Let us learn to see and acknowledge God’s hand in all we have, and in all we meet with. Such a deep and abiding persuasion of the Most High God, ordering and over-ruling all our concerns, would, like the light, diffuse a luster and a beauty upon everything around us! To consider every comfort of life, as an effect and proof of God’s mercy towards us, would, like the fabled magic stone–turn all our possessions to gold, and stamp a value upon things which a common eye might judge as insignificant.

The eye of Divine Providence is upon every flitting sparrow of the field. We cannot properly term any circumstance of our lives as small, since such things as seem most trifling in themselves, often give birth to things which become most important.

On the other hand–to be able to discover the wisdom and goodness of our heavenly Father, through the darkest cloud of troubles and afflictions; to see all our trials as appointed to us–in number, weight, and measure; nothing befalling us by chance; nothing without a needs-be; nothing without a divinely designed advantage–what a support must this be to the soul!

Take away this truth of Divine Providence–and man is the most forlorn, helpless and miserable object in the world! He would be pining for everything he has not–and trembling for everything he has! He would be equally suffering under the pressure of what does happen–and the fear of what may happen! He would be liable to thousands of unsuspected dangers–yet unable to guard against those which are most obvious!

Let us learn the secret of being content in any and every situation: “Our heavenly Father knows what we have need of, before we ask Him!” “The earth is His, and the fullness thereof;” and His goodness is equal to His power.

In Jesus, He has already given us more than ten thousand worlds!

Are you poor? Be satisfied with the Lord’s appointment. It would be as easy to Him to give you a large estate–as to supply you with the bread you eat, or to continue the breath in your nostrils. He knows that poverty is best for you; and that prosperity would prove to be your ruin! Therefore He has appointed you the honor of being in this respect, conformable to your Savior, who, when on earth, “had nowhere to lay His head!”

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

On 1 June 2026, the Daily Devotion will begin new content. Grace Gems will appear Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Wednesday, will be my Bible study notes.

What are Grace Gems?

Our purpose is to humble the pride of man, to exalt the grace of God in salvation and to promote real holiness in heart and life. 

Our desire is that the Holy Spirit, who is the Divine Revealer and Interpreter of Christ and His truth, may impart to your hearts a sober, spiritual and sanctifying receptivity of His Word—abasing self, and exalting Christ!

Our intention is to unfold and illustrate the Lord Jesus Christ in the relation in which He stands to His people—to unveil His glory, beauty, and fullness—to define the close bond of union that unites all His people to Him, and to bring you into a more personal realization of what Christ is to you, and of what you are to Christ.” (Octavius Winslow)

Our objective is to set before the Christian pilgrim some reflections which may prove challenging, consolatory and encouraging—as he journeys up from this bleak, arid, wilderness world, leaning on his Beloved.

May God’s blessing attend our humble effort to minister comfort to the downcast, strength to the weak, and courage to those who have set their faces towards their glorious eternal home. (https://www.gracegems.org/)

What more could I desire?

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Song of Songs 2:16, “My Beloved is mine, and I am His!”

What a sweet and wondrous relationship exists between the believer and the Lord Jesus! What a privilege to call Him my Beloved! He is not only my Savior, but my daily Bread, my hourly Companion, my constant Joy. The more I know Him, the more I love Him.

This short verse is a well-spring of soul-satisfying truth. It is the language of holy intimacy, breathed from the heart of a redeemed sinner who has been saved from eternal perdition by Jesus. Here the sincere Christian speaks with the warmth of experiential knowledge: “My Beloved is mine, and I am His!”

“My Beloved is mine!” Who is this Beloved? He is the altogether lovely One, the fairest of ten thousand, the eternal Son of God. The believer dares to say that this glorious Person–this Prince of Heaven–is his! The One who reigns over angels, who upholds all creation by the word of His power–has freely given Himself to His redeemed people. All that He is, and all that He has, becomes theirs. His righteousness covers them.
  His intercession sustains them.
  His Spirit indwells them.
  His love surrounds them.
  His promises anchor them.
Oh what infinite condescension, that such a Savior would belong to such unworthy and Hell-deserving sinners.

“And I am His!” The believer belongs to Jesus–not merely by profession, but by redemption. He is . . .
  bought with a price,
  sealed with His Spirit,
  and set apart for His glory.
The Christian is not his own. His heart, his will, his time, his affections, his very life–are bound up in the One who gave Himself for him. What a glorious blessing it is to wholly belong to the tender, faithful, wise, and holy One, who loves us perfectly.

In these few words lies the believer’s identity, security, and joy.
  All the storms of life,
  all the assaults of the enemy,
  all the changing winds of emotions and circumstances;
cannot rob us of the assurance that Jesus is mine, and I am His.

If Jesus is mine then:
His love is mine to enjoy,
His power is mine to protect me,
His wisdom is mine to guide me,
His righteousness is mine to clothe me, His glory is mine to crown me!
I am His, and He is mine! What more could I desire? If I lose everything, yet retain my Lord, then I am rich beyond imagination! But if I had all the world, and not my Jesus, then I would be poor indeed.”We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19                                                    
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In the Book of Acts, “prison” or “jail” refers to the confinement of apostles and believers, notably in Acts 5:18-23, Acts 12, and Acts 16. Key instances include the apostles’ imprisonment in Jerusalem, Paul and Silas in Philippi, and Paul’s detention in Caesarea and Rome. 

Acts 16:19-28  Paul and Silas cast into prison

¹⁹ And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,²⁰ And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,²¹ And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. ²² And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.²³ And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:²⁴ Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.²⁵ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.²⁶ And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.²⁷ And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.²⁸ But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

Paul and Silas are beaten and cast into prison in Philippi. The jailer thrusts them into the inner prison, securing their feet in stocks. At midnight, Paul and Silas sing praises to God in prison. A great earthquake shakes the prison, opening doors and loosening bonds. The keeper wakes and sees the prison doors open.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In the Book of Acts, “prison” or “jail” refers to the confinement of apostles and believers, notably in Acts 5:18-23, Acts 12, and Acts 16. Key instances include the apostles’ imprisonment in Jerusalem, Paul and Silas in Philippi, and Paul’s detention in Caesarea and Rome. 

 Acts 12:1-25 Peter in prison

12:1-5 Peter put in prison 

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.² And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.³ And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)⁴ And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.⁵ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

12:6-11 Angel of the Lord leads Peter out of prison

⁶ And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.⁷ And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.⁸ And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.⁹ And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.¹⁰ When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.¹¹ And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

12:12-16  Unbelief of the praying saints

¹² And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.¹³ And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.¹⁴ And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.¹⁵ And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.¹⁶ But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

12:17 Peter’s testimony

¹⁷ But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

12:18-25 Herod’s response and death

¹⁸ Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.¹⁹ And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.²⁰ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.²¹ And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.²² And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.²³ And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. ²⁴ But the word of God grew and multiplied.²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Herod puts Peter in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers. Peter is kept in prison, but prayer is made for him. Peter is sleeping between soldiers in prison, bound with chains. The angel of the Lord leads Peter out of prison. They pass the first and second ward, leading to the iron gate of the prison.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In the Book of Acts, “prison” or “jail” refers to the confinement of apostles and believers, notably in Acts 5:18-23, Acts 12, and Acts 16. Key instances include the apostles’ imprisonment in Jerusalem, Paul and Silas in Philippi, and Paul’s detention in Caesarea and Rome. 

Acts 5:17-24 The high priest and Sadducees “put the apostles in the common prison.“

¹⁷ Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,¹⁸ And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.¹⁹ But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,²⁰ Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.²¹ And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.²² But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told,²³ Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

The high priest and Sadducees “put the apostles in the common prison. “Angel of the Lord opens the prison doors. Tells them to speak the words of life. The high priest sends to the prison to have them brought, but they are gone. The officers find the prison shut, the keepers outside, but no one inside.

Acts 12:1-25 Peter in prison

12:1-5 Peter put in prison 

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.² And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.³ And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)⁴ And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.⁵ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

12:6-11 Angel of the Lord leads Peter out of prison

⁶ And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.⁷ And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.⁸ And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.⁹ And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.¹⁰ When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.¹¹ And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

12:12-16  Unbelief of the praying saints

¹² And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.¹³ And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.¹⁴ And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.¹⁵ And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.¹⁶ But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

12:17 Peter’s testimony

¹⁷ But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

12:18-25 Herod’s response and death

¹⁸ Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.¹⁹ And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.²⁰ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.²¹ And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.²² And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.²³ And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. ²⁴ But the word of God grew and multiplied.²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Herod puts Peter in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers. Peter is kept in prison, but prayer is made for him. Peter is sleeping between soldiers in prison, bound with chains. The angel of the Lord leads Peter out of prison. They pass the first and second ward, leading to the iron gate of the prison.

Acts 16:19-28  Paul and Silas cast into prison

¹⁹ And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,²⁰ And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,²¹ And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. ²² And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.²³ And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:²⁴ Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.²⁵ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.²⁶ And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.²⁷ And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.²⁸ But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

Paul and Silas are beaten and cast into prison in Philippi. The jailer thrusts them into the inner prison, securing their feet in stocks. At midnight, Paul and Silas sing praises to God in prison. A great earthquake shakes the prison, opening doors and loosening bonds. The keeper wakes and sees the prison doors open.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In the Book of Acts, “prison” or “jail” refers to the confinement of apostles and believers, notably in Acts 5:18-23, Acts 12, and Acts 16. Key instances include the apostles’ imprisonment in Jerusalem, Paul and Silas in Philippi, and Paul’s detention in Caesarea and Rome. 

Acts 5:17-24 The high priest and Sadducees “put the apostles in the common prison.“

¹⁷ Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,¹⁸ And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.¹⁹ But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,²⁰ Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.²¹ And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.²² But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told,²³ Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

The high priest and Sadducees “put the apostles in the common prison. “Angel of the Lord opens the prison doors. Tells them to speak the words of life.The high priest sends to the prison to have them brought, but they are gone.The officers find the prison shut, the keepers outside, but no one inside.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

In the King James Version (KJV) of the Book of Acts, explicit references to “persecution” primarily highlight the intense opposition against the early church, notably in Acts 8:1, which mentions a “great persecution” in Jerusalem, leading to the scattering of believers. Other key instances include persecution acts in Acts 5:17-42 and Acts 8:1-4. 

Persecution

And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. (Acts 8:1)

What was the result of the persecution?

Acts 4:3-4 ³ And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.⁴ Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Acts 5:29-33 ²⁹ Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.³¹ Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.³² And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.³³ When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

Acts 8:4-8 ⁴ Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.⁵ Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.⁶ And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.⁷ For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.⁸ And there was great joy in that city.

Acts 9:17-21 ¹⁷ And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.¹⁸ And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.¹⁹ And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.²⁰ And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.²¹ But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com