Christian Religious Studies Paper 2 WASSCE (SC), 2018

Question 7

 

PETER’S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE FROM PRISON (ACTS 12:1-19)

Observation


This question was quite popular among the candidates and the strength of those who attempted it lies in their ability to show good mastery of the passage. To those who found it difficult to have good marks, they missed the question because they were writing about the speech Peter gave on the day of Pentecost.
The strength of candidates of those who had distinction in this question was their ability to narrate what happened between Peter and the angel of the Lord and also the punishment given to the guards who were on duty. Furthermore, they were able to explain how the disciples were praying and the doubt they had when Peter came knocking on the door. Points candidates wrote includes;

  1. While Peter was in Prison, constant prayers were said on his behalf.
  2. As Peter was asleep, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and a light shone in the cell.
  3. The angel touched and woke him up saying, get up quickly.
  4. Immediately, the chains fell off from his hands and the angel told him to dress up which Peter obeyed.
  5. The angel then commanded Peter to follow him.
  6. Peter thought that he was dreaming all the while.
  7. But when he passed through the first and second gates and came to the Iron Gate leading into the city, the gate opened on its own accord.
  8. When the angel left Peter, he realized that the Lord had sent an angel to rescue him from the power of Herod.
  9. Peter immediately went to the house of Mary the mother of John Mark where the brethren had gathered to pray for him in the middle of the night.
  10. When Peter knocked at the door, Rhoda identified his voice and told the brethren that Peter was at the door knocking.
  11. But the brethren expressed disbelieve and said Rhoda was mad.
  12. They said the one at the door might be Peter’s angel/ghost.
  13. Eventually, when the door was opened and they saw Peter, they were amazed and wanted to shout for joy but Peter restrained them.
  14. Peter described how his release from prison happened and he later fled from Jerusalem.
  15. As Peter could not be found in the morning after a search, Herod ordered for the execution of the guards.

 

The part b of the question was less challenging to candidates as they were able to draw their answers from the types of prayers and related to the factors that motivate people to pray. Other points expected of candidates are;

  1. In times of sickness/ stress or difficulty, etc. (Petition/supplication prayer).
  2. When people sin against God, they pray to confess their sins and ask for forgiveness. (Confessional prayer).
  3. To dedicate or commit oneself to God as a new being. (Dedication prayer).
  4. To bless or consecrate an object/building, vestment etc.
  5. To seek God’s counsel or favours in making important decisions. e.g, examinations, interviews etc.
  6. To obtain protection against evil/ the devil.
  7. The desire for spiritual growth.
  8. To intercede for loved ones going through affliction. (Intercessory prayers).
  9. For adoration/ appreciation or thanks giving to God for His mercies. (Thanksgiving prayer).
  10. When led by the Holy Spirit/ fellowship of believers.