Acts 12

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.

And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

But the word of God grew and multiplied.

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

What does Acts 12:11 mean?

Explanation

Acts 12:11 records the realization of the Apostle Peter after being miraculously freed from prison.

Peter had been arrested by King Herod and was under heavy guard but, according to Acts 12, an angel of the Lord appeared, his chains fell off, and he was led out of the prison without being noticed by the guards.

Upon becoming fully aware of the situation, Peter acknowledges that the Lord intervened directly to save him from what seemed like certain execution and the anticipation of the Jewish people who were likely expecting his demise.

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Historical Context

Acts 12 is set during the reign of Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great.

Herod Agrippa I ruled Judea from 41 to 44 A.D. and sought favor with the Jewish populace by enforcing Jewish law.

The early church faced great persecution during this time.

Arresting and executing Christians, starting with the apostle James, gained Herod approval among Jews.

Peter’s arrest took place during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which heightened the drama since this was a period where Jewish nationalism and religious fervor were high.

Theological Insights

Different theological standpoints can be drawn from this verse.

From a Christian perspective, this event illustrates the providence and omnipotence of God in the life of believers, signifying that God is capable of delivering His people against overwhelming odds when it serves His divine purpose.

This also shows a fulfillment of Jesus' promise that the gates of hell would not prevail against the Church, as Peter's deliverance signifies the protection of church leaders.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can remind believers of the power of prayer, the importance of faith, and the fact that while suffering and trials may come, God is fully capable of bringing deliverance.

It serves as encouragement to trust in divine intervention in troubling times and to maintain hope that what seems impossible by human standards is possible with God.

Cross-References

Psalm 34:7: "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them."
Psalm 91:11: "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
Acts 5:19: "But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth..."
Acts 12:5-7: "Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. ...

And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison..."

Language Study

Key words in this verse from the original Greek include:

"Angel" (ἄγγελος, angelos): meaning messenger, especially a divine messenger from God.
"Delivered" (ἐξεῖλεν, exeilen): meaning rescue or to draw out.

These words highlight the divine intervention and protective nature of the act described.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn with other ancient texts where gods interact with humans, such as in Greek mythology where Hermes helps Odysseus or in Roman mythology where gods intervene in the affairs of mortals.

The concept of divine beings interceding on behalf of humans is widespread across various cultures and religious beliefs, indicating a common desire for divine protection and involvement in human affairs.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, there's no empirical evidence to support angelic intervention as described in the Bible.

However, the power of belief and its psychological impact on individuals should not be underestimated.

The concept of miraculous escape might parallel instances where people have found extraordinary strength or resilience through their faith during difficult times.

Commentaries

Modern biblical scholars and commentators offer various interpretations of Acts 12:11.

Some see Peter's escape as a literal historical event, a miraculous intervention orchestrated by God.

Others may view it symbolically, representing the triumph of the Christian spirit over oppression.

Conservative theologians often highlight the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God, while more critical scholars might emphasize the narrative as an example of early Christian storytelling meant to inspire and unify the fledgling church.

Acts 12

Acts 12

What does Acts 12:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 12:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?