It appears from the Gospel narratives that Peter and his wife lived in Capernaum, and that they shared their home with his mother-in-law, for it is recorded that Jesus healed her of a severe case of fever—a cure so swift and so complete that she at once arose from her bed and proceeded to minister to the needs of the Master and those who accompanied him (Mark 1:21, 29-31).
Although he did not travel as constantly as did the Apostle Paul, Peter journeyed to various parts of Palestine and Syria, while an ancient tradition credits him with having visited Rome itself.
During the Master's ministry, Peter had been one of the three apostles privileged to be present when Jesus raised from the dead the young daughter of Jairus; while at a later date this apostle had an opportunity of proving for himself the practicality of the Nazarene's command that his followers should "raise the dead." While visiting Joppa, on the seacoast of Palestine, Peter received an urgent call to visit the neighboring town of Lydda, where a kindly and generous woman, known to the Jews as Tabitha, and to the Greeks as Dorcas, had fallen sick and died. Following the example of the Master in the case of Jairus' child, Peter swiftly banished the mourners from Tabitha's room, and when he turned to God in prayer she was quickly restored to life (Acts 9:36-41).
Not long after this signal event. Peter was imprisoned at the instance of one of the Herodian kings, only to be delivered, the Bible tells us, through the instrumentality of an angel. His release came about during the hours of darkness, and when he had considered the situation in which he now found himself, in the dark streets of a hostile city, he decided to proceed to the home of "Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark," an outstanding Christian woman at whose house the disciples may have made a practice of gathering for prayer (Acts 12:5,12).
When Peter knocked at her door, "a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda" (Acts 12:13). It is evident from the context that the door was locked, doubtless for the protection of the Christians in this time of bitter persecution; and that before making any move to open it, Rhoda called out to ask who this nocturnal visitor might be. In her surprise and joy at hearing the familiar and well-loved voice of Peter, whom she had supposed still to be in prison, she did not even pause to open the door, but ran to tell the good news to the disciples gathered within. Her eager impetuosity and the frank incredulity of Mary's guests, on hearing the good news of Peter's escape, are recorded with equal vividness; while in the background we can almost hear the overtones of Peter's continued knocking (verse 16). At last the door was opened, and the truth of Rhoda's tidings was confirmed.
To live for today is, in the noblest sense, to live for eternity. To be my very best this very hour, to do the very best for those about me, and to spend this moment in a spirit of absolute consecration to God's glory—that is the duty that confronts me day after day.—Selected.
