Acts 12

Acts 12 marks the transition from the narration of Peter's ministry to that of Paul's ministry.  Before Peter "left for another place" (vs 12:17b), he experienced God's miraculous rescue from prison.  He had been under such heavy guard that even those in a prayer meeting for Peter did not initially believe that he could escape and be at their door.  Yet, he was delivered.

And, while King Herod, who perpetrated this persecution of the Church to please the Jews, for political gain, was later struck dead for accepting the exaltation of men to divine status, rather than giving glory to God; "but the word of God continued to spread and flourish"  (vs 24). 

The passage shows the sovereignty of God - James was executed, but Peter was delivered; and Herod died, but the Church grew.  It also shows that when we pray, we should be looking for God's answer, even if it is not what we may expect.