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 12:3 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 12:3 presents part of the narrative where King Herod, the ruler of Judea under Roman authority, arrested Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.

This occurred after Herod had already had James, the brother of John, executed, which had pleased the Jewish population.

Herod's motive for arresting Peter was also to gain favor with the Jewish people, who generally opposed the growing Christian movement.

The mention of "the days of unleavened bread" places the events during the Jewish festival of Passover, a time commemorating the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, which adds a layer of narrative irony to Peter's arrest and impending deliverance.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

During the time Acts was written, the early Christian community was facing various forms of persecution.

Herod Agrippa I, the Herod mentioned in this passage, was a grandson of Herod the Great and ruled Judea from A.D. 41 to A.D. 44.

He sought to please the Jewish leaders and maintain his political power.

As a result, he took actions against the Christian leaders, which endeared him to the traditional Jewish population hostile toward the new sect of Christianity.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 12:3 highlights the sovereignty of God in the midst of persecution. Even as Peter was arrested with the intention of being put on trial or possibly executed, God's plans for the early church and for Peter were not thwarted.

Additionally, this verse contributes to the theme of suffering for the sake of Christ, which is common in the New Testament and serves as a reminder that following Christ often comes with a cost.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can inspire Christians to remain steadfast in their faith despite opposition or societal pressure.

It may also encourage believers to stand in solidarity with those who are persecuted and to pray for authorities, that their hearts might be changed.

The story can provide hope that even in dire circumstances, God is in control and can rescue and deliver.

Cross-References

Acts 12:1 "Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church."
Acts 12:2 "And he killed James the brother of John with the sword."
Acts 12:11 "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."
Exodus 12:14-18 "And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations..."

Language Study

The mention of the "days of unleavened bread" refers to the Greek term "ἄζυμα" (azyma), which means "unleavened." This term is directly connected to the Jewish celebration of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which was a time of remembering deliverance and abstaining from leavened bread to symbolize purity and separation from the old leaven of Egypt.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In contrasting Christianity with ancient practices, the early Christians were seen as a distinct group within the broader Jewish culture, yet their faith significantly departed from traditional Jewish beliefs, particularly in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah.

During Passover, traditional Jewish practices emphasized historical deliverance; however, Christians also saw the festival as symbolic of spiritual deliverance through Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb.

Scientific Perspectives

While Acts 12:3 does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings, the accuracy of historical details about festivals, political figures, and cultural practices can be cross-verified through archaeology and historical research.

Additionally, the stress and psychological effects of persecution on individuals and communities can be explored through social sciences.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators often highlight the political maneuvering of Herod in this passage and his desire to maintain favor with the Jewish leaders.

Some point to the power dynamics at play and how early Christians navigated a hostile environment.

Some commentaries also explore the divine intervention aspect in the following verses where Peter is miraculously freed, seeing it as an affirmation of God's power and a source of hope for the persecuted church.

Acts 12

Acts 12

What does Acts 12:3 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 12:3 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?