"I am" sayings of Jesus reflected in Peter's escape from prison
Jesus Christ's seven unique "I am" metaphorical statements about himself in the Gospel of John have corresponding details in the circumstances of Simon Peter's escape from prison as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.
Therefore, this story forms a menorah structure. See Menorah.
Simon Peter's Escape from Prison in the Acts of the Apostles
King Herod was persecuting the church. He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he had Peter arrested as well. It happened during the days of unleavened bread, so he had Peter imprisoned to await trial. The church prayed earnestly for him.
The night before the trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with chains. An angel appeared, and a light shone in the prison. The angel struck Peter, and got him up. His chains fell off. The angel told him to put on his coat and sandals, and follow him. Peter did so, but thought at first that he was seeing a vision.
They came to an iron gate, which opened by itself. After passing through the gate, the angel left. Then Peter realized that his escape from Herod was real, and not just a vision.
When Peter realized what had happened, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many people were praying. He knocked on the door, and Rhoda, a servant, answered. She recognized Peter's voice, and without opening the gate, rushed in to announce Peter's arrival. They didn't believe her, but she insisted that Peter was actually there. Then, they decided that it must be his angel.
Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the door, they were astonished to see him. He told them how he had escaped, and left a message, and departed.
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Seven "I am" metaphorical statements of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John:
"I am the bread of life." John 6:35, 41, 48-51- "I am the light of the world." John 8:12, 9:5
- "I am the door of the sheep." John 10:7, 9
- "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." John 10:11, 14
- "I am the resurrection, and the life." John 11:25
- "I am the way, the truth, and the life." John 14:6
- "I am the true vine." John 15:1, 5
Eighth "I am" statement of Jesus if "I am" with no object is included:
It is I; be not afraid [In Greek, same as "I am; be not afraid"]. John 6:16-21
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Corresponding details in the circumstances of Simon Peter's Escape from Prison:
Peter was imprisoned during the days of unleavened bread.
Acts 12:1-4- A light shone into the prison. Acts 12:5-7
- A gate opened by itself. Acts 12:8-10
- Rhoda recognizes Peter's voice, like a sheep recognizing the shepherd's voice. John 10:1-5, Acts 12:12-16
- He survived King Herod's attempt to kill him. Acts 12:1-3,11
- While on his way to Mary's home, he realizes the truth, that he has survived King Herod's evil plot. Acts 12:8-11
- The days of unleavened bread are immediately followed by the festival of first fruits. Also, the believers are "abiding in the vine" (all gathered together in one house) and Peter's message "abides" with them. Compare with John 15. Acts 12:16-17, John 15:1-7
Eighth detail in the circumstances of Peter's escape if "I am" with no object is included:
Peter is in prison and about to be executed, then suddenly appears where the believers are gathered together, and reassures them. Luke 2:10-11
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