The night before his appointed execution, Peter, bound with chains, slept between the two soldiers, as usual. Herod, remembering the escape of Peter and John from prison, where they had been confined because of their faith, took double precautions on this occasion. The soldiers on guard, in order to secure their extra vigilance, were made answerable for the safe-keeping of the prisoner. He was bound, as has been described, in a cell of massive rock, the doors of which were bolted and barred. Sixteen men were detailed to guard this cell, relieving each other at regular intervals. Four comprised the watch at one time. But the bolts and bars, and Roman guard, which effectually cut off from the prisoner a possibility of human aid, were only to result in making the triumph of God more complete in Peter’s deliverance from prison. Herod was lifting his hand against Omnipotence, and he was to be utterly humiliated and defeated in his attempt upon the life of the servant of God. {3SP 338.1}

Natten før tidspunktet for hans henrettelse, sov Peter som sædvanlig, bundet med kæder imellem de to soldater. Herodes huskede Peters og Johannes’ flugt fra fængslet, hvor de var bundet på grund af deres tro, tog han dobbelte forhåndsregler ved den anledning. For at sikre at de vagthavende soldaterne var opmærksomme, var de ansvarlige for fangens sikkerhed. Han blev bundet som foreskrevet i en celle af massive klipper, og dørene var boltret og stænget. Seksten mænd var beordret til at passe på denne celle, afløse hinanden ved regelmæssige mellemrum. Fire var på vagt på en gang. Men boltene og spærringerne, og den romerske vagt, som effektivt afskar fangen fra enhver mulighed for menneskelig hjælp, var blot resultatet at Guds sejr blev mere fuldkommen i Peters udfrielse fra fængslet. Herodes opløftede sin hånd imod den Almægtige, og han blev ydmyget fuldstændigt og overvundet i sit attentatforsøg på Guds tjeners liv.