The Feast of Unleavened Bread in Acts 12

While listening to Acts 12 today, a detail caught my attention that I'd previously glossed over: "Then came the day of Unleavened Bread" (Acts 12:3). This reference to the Jewish festival provides important context for understanding Peter's imprisonment and miraculous release.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a seven-day festival that immediately follows Passover (Exodus 12:15-20). During this time, Jews would remove all leaven (yeast) from their homes, commemorating the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt when there wasn't time for bread to rise.

In the New Testament, leaven often symbolizes sin or false teaching (1 Corinthians 5:6-8, Matthew 16:11-12). Paul explicitly connects this festival to Christ's sacrifice: "Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7).

How fitting that Peter's deliverance from prison—a type of resurrection experience—occurs during this festival that celebrates freedom from bondage! Just as God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt during the first Passover, He delivers Peter from Herod's chains through an angel.

This timing reminds us that Scripture contains layers of meaning. Every festival, every detail points to Christ and the freedom He brings. As Jesus said, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).