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 12:15 mean?

Explanation

[Acts 12:15] is a part of the narrative describing the miraculous release of Peter from prison.

In this verse, people gathered in a house are incredulous at the servant girl Rhoda's claim that Peter stands outside knocking.

The phrase "Thou art mad" indicates their disbelief in her report, thinking she is out of her senses.

However, Rhoda insists on the truth of her claim, emphasizing the reality of Peter's presence. The gathered friends then suggest that it may not be Peter himself but his "angel," implying a supernatural visitation rather than Peter in person.

This suggests an ancient belief that a person might have a spiritual counterpart or guardian angel that could appear in their stead.

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Historical Context

The events of Acts 12 occur in the early Christian church, particularly around Jerusalem, during the reign of Herod Agrippa I, circa AD 41-44.

The early Christians were facing persecution, and Peter's miraculous release from prison (described in Acts 12:6-11) served as an encouragement to the persecuted church.

The cultural context here reflects Jewish angelology, where it was thought that angels could intervene in human affairs or even assume the appearance of specific individuals.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the mention of "his angel" reflects Jewish beliefs of the Second Temple period about angels as divine messengers and protectors of individuals.

Some commentaries suggest that it could be an indication of the early church's acceptance of these beliefs. Others view this as a sign of God's divine intervention in delivering Peter, showing the providence and care the Lord has for His servants.

Practical Applications

The story of Peter's release and the reaction of those who were praying for him reflects the importance of faith and the power of prayer in the face of adversity.

Even though the believers doubted initially, their prayers were nonetheless answered.

This teaches that God responds to prayers, even when human faith is weak.

The joy and surprise that the community experienced can remind modern readers that God can surpass expectations.

Cross-References

Acts 12:7-11 - Describes the angel of the Lord freeing Peter from prison.
Hebrews 1:14 - Speaks of angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.
Matthew 18:10 - Jesus suggests that individuals may have guardian angels.
Acts 27:23-24 - Paul is reassured by an appearance of an angel regarding his forthcoming trials.

Language Study

In the Greek text, "Thou art mad" translates as "μαίνῃ" (mainē), which indicates ravings or madness.

"Constantly affirmed" in Greek is "διϊσχυρίζετο" (diischyrizeto), which implies strong insistence or assertion.

"Angel" translates as "ἄγγελος" (angelos), which in this context likely referred to a spiritual being or a messenger from God associated with the individual, possibly a guardian angel.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Judaism, angels are common figures in scripture, serving as messengers and agents of God's will.

In ancient Greco-Roman culture, daimones could be thought of as protective spirits comparable to guardian angels, though they operated within a very different religious framework.

Many ancient cultures had the concept of a spiritual being or double that could represent or protect the individual, such as the ka in Egyptian mythology or the genius in Roman tradition.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science does not affirm the existence of supernatural beings like angels due to the lack of empirical evidence.

However, the psychological aspects of belief in guardian spirits or angels could be studied. For instance, believing in a protective force or entity could influence human behavior and attitudes, possibly providing a psychological buffer against stress and adversity.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse offer a variety of interpretations.

Some focus on the miraculous nature of Peter's escape and view the verse as a demonstration of the apostolic church's naivety and simplicity of faith.

Others underscore the intersection of prayer with divine action, suggesting that the events underscore God's intimate involvement in the lives of believers.

Still, others may reflect on the anthropological aspects, noting the prevalence of angelic belief systems in many cultures and their role in the lives of early Christians as a reflection of existing Jewish traditions.

Acts 12

Acts 12

What does Acts 12:15 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 12:15 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?