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 12:20 mean?

Explanation

Acts 12:20 depicts a political moment where there is a conflict and eventually a resolution between King Herod Agrippa I and the people of Tyre and Sidon. According to the verse, Herod was displeased with these cities for reasons not explicitly stated.

However, the inhabitants of Tyre and Sidon depended on Herod's realm for food.

Realizing their vulnerable position, they sought to make peace.

They did this by gaining the favor of Blastus, the king's chamberlain (a high-level official who would have access to and influence over the king), hoping to negotiate peace and restore their access to much-needed resources.

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Historical Context

This event is set during the reign of King Herod Agrippa I, who ruled Judea from 41 to 44 AD.

Tyre and Sidon were coastal cities in the region of Phoenicia, which was to the north of Judea.

These cities were not self-sufficient for food and relied on imports from neighboring areas, including territories under Herod's jurisdiction.

The exact reason for Herod's displeasure is not detailed, but the conflict might have been commercial or political.

The historical Herod Agrippa I was known for his loyalty to Rome and his efforts to please the Jewish population he governed.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is often not emphasized for its religious content.

Instead, it might serve as a backdrop to illustrate the political complexities in biblical times and the implication that even regional leaders are under God's sovereign control.

The passage indirectly shows divine providence: the narrative soon leads to the events of Herod's death in verses 21-23, which many theologians view as judgment from God.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can encourage individuals to seek resolution and peace in the face of discord and to recognize the potential benefits of mediation and negotiation.

The actions of the people of Tyre and Sidon also illustrate the wisdom of understanding and adapting to interdependence within communities and regions.

Cross-References

1 Kings 5:1 - This verse describes friendly relations between Tyre and Israel, showing a historical dependency on resources and good political rapport.
Ezekiel 28:2-5 - The prophet Ezekiel speaks against the king of Tyre, indicating the pride and economic power the city was known for.
Acts 12:21-23 - These verses recount the death of Herod, positioned closely after the events with Tyre and Sidon, suggesting a narrative flow related to God's judgment.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Acts 12:20 include:

ἀσχολοῦνται (ascholountai), translated as "displeased," means to be busy or engaged with, implying a preoccupation with the conflict.
θἑλοντες (thelontes), usually translated as "desiring," indicates a strong intention or will to seek peace.
σιτοφορίας (sitophorias) - Often rendered as "nourished by," refers to the provision of food or grain, indicating the economic ties between regions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader culture of ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, peace treaties between city-states and larger political entities, often secured through intermediaries or lesser officials, were common.

The use of an intermediary like Blastus resembles such diplomatic practices.

Vassal cities like Tyre and Sidon needing resources from a larger kingdom would commonly seek favor with the ruling monarch to ensure their survival.

Scientific Perspectives

While not directly related to science, the verse hints at the socio-economic factor of food security, which can be examined through the lenses of agricultural science and economics.

Modern studies show how food security is critical for the stability of societies, a truth evident in ancient times as it is now.

Commentaries

Scholarly commentaries on Acts 12:20 often highlight the political maneuvering of people and cities such as Tyre and Sidon during that period.

They describe the situation as a reflection of realpolitik in the ancient Near East.

They might also emphasize the sudden shift in the narrative to Herod's death as an example of Luke's writing style in Acts, intertwining political events with the spread of Christianity and divine judgment on those opposing God's plan.

Acts 12

Acts 12

What does Acts 12:20 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 12:20 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?