Acts12
New American Standard
1Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, to do them harm.
2And he had James the brother of John executed with a sword.
3When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter as well. (Now these were the days of Unleavened Bread.)
4When he had arrested him, he put him in prison, turning him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending only after the Passover to bring him before the people.
5So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made to God intensely by the church.
6On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison.
7And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near Peter, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.
8And the angel said to him, “Put on your belt and strap on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”
9And he went out and continued to follow, and yet he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
10Now when they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
11When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”
12And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
13When he knocked at the door of the gate, a slave woman named Rhoda came to answer.
14When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate.
15They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so. They said, “It is his angel.”
16But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed.
17But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James and the brothers.” Then he left and went to another place.
18Now when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what could have become of Peter.
19When Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and was spending time there.
20Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one mind they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king’s chamberlain, they were asking for peace, because their country was supported with grain from the king’s country.
21On an appointed day, after putting on his royal apparel, Herod took his seat on the rostrum and began delivering an address to them.
22The people repeatedly cried out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!”
23And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.
24But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.
25And Barnabas and Saul returned when they had fulfilled their mission to Jerusalem, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Acts 12.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The martyrdom of James, and the imprisonment of Peter. (1–5). He is delivered from prison by an angel. (6–11). Peter departs, Herod's rage. (12–19). The death of Herod. (20–25).
vv1-5
James was one of the sons of Zebedee, whom Christ told that they should drink of the cup that he was to drink of, and be baptized with the baptism that he was to be baptized with, Mt 20:23. Now the words of Christ were made good in him; and if we suffer with Christ, we shall reign with him. Herod imprisoned Peter: the way of persecution, as of other sins, is downhill; when men are in it, they cannot easily stop. Those make themselves an easy prey to Satan, who make it their business to please men. Thus James finished his course. But Peter, being designed for further services, was safe; though he seemed now marked out for a speedy sacrifice. We that live in a cold, prayerless generation, can hardly form an idea of the earnestness of these holy men of old. But if the Lord should bring on the church an awful persecution like this of Herod, the faithful in Christ would learn what soul-felt prayer is.
vv6-11
A peaceful conscience, a lively hope, and the consolations of the Holy Spirit, can keep men calm in the full prospect of death; even those very persons who have been most distracted with terrors on that account. God's time to help, is when things are brought to the last extremity. Peter was assured that the Lord would cause this trial to end in the way that should be most for his glory. Those who are delivered out of spiritual imprisonment must follow their Deliverer, like the Israelites when they went out of the house of bondage. They knew not whither they went, but knew whom they followed. When God will work salvation for his people, all difficulties in their way will be overcome, even gates of iron are made to open of their own accord. This deliverance of Peter represents our redemption by Christ, which not only proclaims liberty to the captives, but brings them out of the prison-house. Peter, when he recollected himself, perceived what great things God had done for him. Thus souls delivered out of spiritual bondage, are not at first aware what God has wrought in them; many have the truth of grace, that want evidence of it. But when the Comforter comes, whom the Father will send, sooner or later, he will let them know what a blessed change is wrought.
vv12-19
God's providence leaves room for the use of our prudence, though he has undertaken to perform and perfect what he has begun. These Christians continued in prayer for Peter, for they were truly in earnest. Thus men ought always to pray, and not to faint. As long as we are kept waiting for a mercy, we must continue praying for it. But sometimes that which we most earnestly wish for, we are most backward to believe. The Christian law of self-denial and of suffering for Christ, has not done away the natural law of caring for our own safety by lawful means. In times of public danger, all believers have God for their hiding-place; which is so secret, that the world cannot find them. Also, the instruments of persecution are themselves exposed to danger; the wrath of God hangs over all that engage in this hateful work. And the range of persecutors often vents itself on all in its way.
Key Words
ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos): that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
καιρός (kairós): an occasion, i.e. set or proper time
Ἡρώδης (Hērṓdēs): heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings
βασιλεύς (basileús): a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
ἐπιβάλλω (epibállō): to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ) implied) to reflect; impersonally, to belong to
κακόω (kakóō): to injure; figuratively, to exasperate
χείρ (cheír): the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or instrument)
τὶς (tìs): some or any person or object
ἀπό (apó): "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía): a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both)
Cross References
Acts 12Fulfills Christ's prediction that James would indeed drink of the cup of martyrdom.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Echoes Jewish beliefs about individual guardian angels, as seen in the disciples' reaction: 'It is his angel.'
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
An earlier parallel where an angel of the Lord miraculously opened the prison doors for the apostles.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Illustrates the historic economic dependence of Tyre and Sidon on Israel's agricultural exports.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Demonstrates God's immediate judgment on pagan rulers who claim divine honor and prideful sovereignty.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Exhorts believers to remember those in prison as if they were bound with them.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Introduces John Mark, whose mother's home was the prayer meeting site, foreshadowing future ministry division.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Identifies John Mark, the son of Mary, who joins Barnabas and Saul on their return.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Connects the angel of the Lord bringing judgment to the historical Passover context of the chapter.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Highlights the principle of divine intervention when his people's power is completely gone.
Supported by JFB
Refers to the relief ministry just fulfilled by Barnabas and Saul in Jerusalem before returning.
Supported by John Calvin
The angel's specific instruction to wear sandals matches the simple provisions of the apostolic mission.
Supported by JFB