The answer is: An angel

Acts 12:6-17 - Later on an angel strikes Herod down (Acts 12:23) - probably the same one.

Ah, the story of Peter’s daring midnight escape is a gripping saga found in Acts 12. Imagine the scene—Peter, imprisoned and chained, anticipating trial and potential execution, surely praying for deliverance. Enter the angel, not just any ordinary figure, but a celestial entity sent to free him from the clutches of a king who had already executed James!

Interestingly, there’s an echo in the story of the Israelites' escape from Egypt—angels played a critical role then too, striking down their oppressors and guiding them to freedom. It’s little wonder this angel had such an urgency in booting Peter out of the prison. He walks Peter past guards and unlocked doors as if turning on the lights to a grand exit.

Herod’s later downfall (Acts 12:23) serves another layer to the narrative. Not only does it reaffirm the theme of divine justice, showcasing how arrogance brings about a humbling end, but it ties back to the principle that the power of rulers is temporary while divine assistance remains a constant. Peter's miraculous escape can also remind us of the many starry nights when people cried out for deliverance; this angel acted in direct response.

If you think about it, “angel” itself means “messenger”—could this story also hint that we should all be messengers of hope to one another, especially during the darkest of times?