# Peter Released from Prison explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This hymn celebrates the power of fervent, persevering prayer, using Peter's miraculous release from prison as its central image. It draws a parallel between Peter's physical liberation and the spiritual liberation of sinners from the chains of guilt and sin through the awakening voice of Jesus.

## Themes in this chapter

### Prayer and Dependence on God

The hymn emphasizes that fervent, persevering prayer is the assured resource of faith and can overcome any obstacle.

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The release of Peter and the liberation of sinners are portrayed as acts of divine mercy and grace, not earned by human merit.

## Character check-ins

### Peter

Imprisoned and guarded, Peter is released by an angel in response to the church's prayers.

### Jesus Christ

Depicted as the one who awakens sinners from their sleep of guilt and grants them liberty.

### Angels

An angel appears in Peter's cell, touches him, calls him by name, and leads him out.

### The Saints

The faithful who pray fervently and perseveringly, trusting in God's power to deliver.

## Key lines

> Fervent persevering prayers Are faith’s assured resource; Brazen gates and iron bars In vain withstand their force

Earnest and persistent prayer is the reliable means of faith; no physical barrier can stop its power.

_The hymn asserts the invincible nature of prayer._

> Thus the Lord can make a way To bring his saints relief; ’Tis their part to wait and pray In spite of unbelief

God is able to provide a path for his people's deliverance; their duty is to continue in prayer even when they struggle with doubt.

_Encourages steadfastness in prayer despite doubts._

> Thus in chains of guilt and sin, Poor sinners sleeping lie; No alarm is felt within, Although condemn’d to die

In the same way, sinners are bound by guilt and sin, unaware of their danger, though they are destined for death.

_Draws a parallel between Peter's physical chains and the spiritual bondage of sin._

> Jesus, with a voice of love, Awakes, and bids them rise.

Jesus, in his loving voice, calls sinners to awaken and rise from their spiritual sleep.

_The call of Christ is the means of spiritual awakening._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/122-peter-released-from-prison
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters