Herod seemed to take great delight in persecuting the Christians. James had been arrested and killed and then Peter was arrested. However, the angel of the Lord rescued Peter and led him out of prison. Peter recognized the hand of God in his rescue and gave God the glory.

Paul was reflecting on his impending death. He encouraged Timothy to follow his example - to be strong in the faith and to be willing to suffer for the Gospel. Paul had done all that he could, and he felt that he had "kept the faith". He was certain that the Lord would reward him for his faithfulness - the reward would not only be for Paul, but for all the faithful. This is the hope that Paul communicated to the community.

Matthew recorded Peter's confession about the identity of Jesus. Jesus had asked an easy question about what others were saying about his identity - some said he was John the Baptist, or Elijah, or Jeremiah, or another prophet. Then Jesus asked the disciples what they felt about his identity. Peter immediately responded that Jesus was "the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus, recognizing that God had revealed this to Peter, declared that Peter would be the rock on which the Church would be built. Peter was faithful to the Lord, and when we are filled with faith, we too become like a rock for God's Church.