Acts12
World English Bible · Public Domain
1Now about that time, King Herod stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly.
2He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword.
3When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This was during the days of unleavened bread.
4When he had arrested him, he put him in prison and delivered him to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover.
5Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him.
6The same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison.
7And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Stand up quickly!” His chains fell off his hands.
8The angel said to him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” He did so. He said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.”
9And he went out and followed him. He didn’t know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision.
10When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
11When Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I truly know that the Lord has sent out his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from everything the Jewish people were expecting.”
12Thinking about that, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
13When Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.
14When she recognized Peter’s voice, she didn’t open the gate for joy, but ran in and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate.
15They said to her, “You are crazy!” But she insisted that it was so. They said, “It is his angel.”
16But Peter continued knocking. When they had opened, they saw him and were amazed.
17But he, beckoning to them with his hand to be silent, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. He said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.
18Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.
19When Herod had sought for him and didn’t find him, he examined the guards, then commanded that they should be put to death. He went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
20Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came with one accord to him and, having made Blastus, the king’s personal aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food.
21On an appointed day, Herod dressed himself in royal clothing, sat on the throne, and gave a speech to them.
22The people shouted, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!”
23Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he didn’t give God the glory. Then he was eaten by worms and died.
24But the word of God grew and multiplied.
25Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them John who was 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