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12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
12:2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
12:3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
12:4 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.
12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
12:6 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.
12:7 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.
12:8 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.
12:9 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.
12:10 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.
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.
12:12 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.
12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
12:14 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.
12:15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
12:16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
12:17 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.
12:18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
12:19 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.
12:20 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.
12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
12:22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
12:23 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.
12:24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

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Everything King James Bible:Acts

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to: Acts
Book: Acts
Chapter: 12

Overview:
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)

1-5 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.

6-11 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.

12-19 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.

20-25 Many Heathen princes claimed and received Divine honours,
but it was far more horrible impiety in Herod, who knew the Word
and Worship of the living God, to accept such idolatrous honours
without rebuking the Blasphemy. And such men as Herod, when
puffed with pride and vanity, are ripening Fast for signal
vengeance. God is very jealous for his own honour, and will be
glorified upon those whom he is not glorified By. See what vile
bodies we carry about with us; they have in them the seeds of
their own dissolution, By which they will soon be destroyed,
whenever God does but speak the Word. We may learn Wisdom from
the people of Tyre and Sidon, for we have offended the Lord with
our sins. We depend On him for Life, and breath, and all things;
it surely then behooves us to humble ourselves before him, that
through the appointed Mediator, who is ever ready to befriend
us, we may be reconciled to him, lest wrath come upon us to the
utmost.

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