The days of Unleavened Bread

King Herod Agrippa arrested James and had him beheaded. “When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter as well. (Now these were the days of Unleavened Bread.)” (1) The Jews were pleased with the death of the Apostle James. They had grown hostile toward the church. (2) Herod Agrippa, seeking further favor with the Jews, decided to arrest Peter. He did have a cause to do so. Peter, despite being a leader of the church, had associated closely with Gentiles. This alone could serve as grounds for his arrest. It was “the days of the Unleavened Bread.” (1) The most impactful day to execute Peter would be during the festival when Jewish pilgrims from all over gather in Jerusalem. (2) The Feast of Unleavened Bread refers to the Passover festival. Luke uses both names interchangeably. The Passover is a one-day feast, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasts for seven days, making it an eight-day festival in total. (3) Peter was on a path similar to that of Jesus’ suffering. This was the third time Peter was imprisoned (Acts 4:3, 5:18). “When he had arrested him, he put him in prison, turning him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending only after the Passover to bring him before the people.” (1) This prison was located in the Antonia Fortress. During the festival, Herod Agrippa stayed in Jerusalem. (2) He ensured that Peter would not escape by setting up a strict security system, having learned from past miraculous events. (a) Four squads of four soldiers each, totalling16 soldiers. (b) They guarded Peter in shifts, with 24-hour surveillance. (c) Two soldiers were chained to Peter inside the cell, while two more stood guard outside. (3) Peter’s execution was scheduled immediately after the Passover festival. Time was running out for Peter, and everyone believed that Peter would be kiIIed like James. “So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made to God intensely by the church.” This verse presents a clear contrast: (1) Peter was bound. (2) But prayer was not bound. Faith cannot be restrained by anything. Prayer based on faith is the believer’s greatest weapon at all times. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Let us remember this truth.