Mark’s mother was evidently a woman of property, as her house was large enough to receive the many who felt that prayer was the key to open Peter’s prison. Rhoda is Rose. Her portrait has charmed every generation. It is so lifelike and natural. How good for every servant-maid to-love the devotional meeting, and to be welcomed to it! Christianity had introduced a new spirit into the world. How often our deliverances seem too good to be true!

These praying friends of Peter Would not believe the maid, though she told them that their prayers were answered. This proves that while their faith was very imperfect, their request was granted. When we believe not, God remains faithful; he cannot deny himself, 2 Tim, 2:13. The James mentioned in v. 17 was the brother of our Lord, and afterward head of the church in Jerusalem, 15:13. See Jas. 1:1.

What a contrast between Peter’s deliverance and Herod’s death! Be not afraid of the reproach of men, for ‘‘the moth shall eat them up like a garment,’’ Iso. 51:8. During these happenings Paul and Barnabas were in Jerusalem, and in after years their minds must often have reverted to them. Probably Paul’s remembrance of this incident inspired his constant request for prayer in his own behalf, Eph, 6:18-20.

(The questions on Sections 1-33, to be found on pp. 64, 65, will serve as a review at this point.)