By: Dr. Jacquelyn Simmons
Scripture: Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 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. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 (Acts 12:1-11 KJV).
Dear Gerald, words are inadequate to describe my joy at your release from prison. As one of your classroom instructors, your calamity certainly took its toll on me and others of us at Wossman High School, and the Monroe Community. Immediately, prayers went up among us because we knew you were not guilty of those crimes of which you were falsely accused. Some of us gathered together at school and prayed for your complete exoneration and others indicated that they were praying individually and among their family members and friends, also. It is also noted that prayers to God without ceasing where offered up to him for Peter by the church
As is noted in the aforementioned scripture for this article, Herod deliberately had James, the brother of John, killed. John was only guilty of being a Christian. Herod’s plan to kill Peter was twarted because God sent his angel to release him.
What a blessing to know that the tireless efforts put forth by Rev. Roosevelt Wright, Jr. and others, who relentlessly kept blowing your “not guilty horn” until God gave them the blessing they requested and opened your prison doors as his angels opened the door for Peter.
Gerald, pray daily and thank God for your release and ask him, also, to guide your footsteps of life during your remaining years.
Love you much,
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Jacquelyn Simmons
