In celebrating today the two great Apostles who are the 'pillars' of the church, we hear about both of them being specially protected and guided by the Lord, being rescued in fact from dangerous situations.

The Acts of the Apostles tells us about Peter being arrested and put in prison, but then being released by an angel who took him to safety. At first Peter thought he was just dreaming, but then realized it was actually happening. "Now I know for certain," he said, "that the Lord¡K rescued me'.

Writing to his friend and disciple Timothy, Paul is reflecting over his life and all he's been through, grateful for the faith that has guided and protected him. "The Lord stood by me and gave me strength," he writes, "I was rescued from the lion's mouth."

Both men recognize that what the Lord had done for them was for the benefit of God's people, of us who are their modern - day followers in Christ's footsteps. As we honour them, our thanks and glory go to the Lord who so dramatically rescued them from real dangers, and we ask His continued protection for ourselves through their intercession.