Article July 15, 1916 Issue

From Bondage to Freedom

REGINA B. M. NASH

In the twelfth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles is chronicled a remarkable incident, that of Peter's imprisonment and the manner in which he was released. From this narrative Christian Scientists may glean many valuable lessons. Though all appeared dark and the prison walls impenetrable, yet the faithful band of Christians, "of one mind," united in prayer for Peter's deliverance. We read that they prayed "without ceasing." Doubtless Peter too was realizing the truth, his freedom in divine Mind, and thus naturally when the angel-message of life and liberty appeared to his consciousness he was able to receive it; for he had been cleansed of wrong thinking, and his thought was permeated by rays of spiritual light. In the ninety-first psalm we read, "He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways," and this was completely demonstrated in this instance.

Without any hesitancy Peter in obedience and confidence arrayed himself in garments of faith and sandals of trust, and followed, not losing sight of this message of Love, though he saw but dimly, for he thought it a vision and knew not at first that he was free. Perhaps he was dazzled and overpowered for a time by such a sudden, wonderful revelation of angelic presence; nevertheless, by following and obeying he was enabled to see clearly, to know the truth, and to realize his freedom.

Now what did Peter do? He knew it was right to express his gratitude and at once declare what omnipotent good had done for him. He went to the house where many of the Christians had gathered in prayer for him. In all probability he went to tell them of the demonstration made and express his thankfulness for the work done. It seems that Rhoda, the damsel who came to the door in answer to Peter's knock, was the first and only one who instantly perceived the truth sufficiently to realize that the demonstration had been made; for it is said of her, "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." When, however, she told those on the inside, they considered her mad, but after Peter's continued knocking, his endeavor to make them see the truth brought them to the door,—"and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished."

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