Truth for surety, A.V.; sent forth for sent, A.V.; delivered for hath delivered, A.V. Peter's recognition of the Lord's hand in sending his angel is exactly echoed in the Collect for Michaelmas Day, "Grant that as thy holy angels always do thee service in heaven, so by thy appointment they may succor and defend us on earth." read more
And when Herod would have brought him forth - When he was about to bring him to be put to death.The same night - That is, the night preceding. The intention of Herod was to bring him out as soon as the Passover was over; but during the night which immediately preceded the day in which he intended to bring him to punishment, Peter was rescued.Peter was sleeping - Here is an instance of remarkable composure, and an illustration of the effects of peace of conscience and of confidence in God. It... read more
And, behold, the angel of the Lord - See the notes on Acts 5:19.Came upon him - Greek: was present with him; stood near him ἐπέστη epestē.And a light shined in the prison - Many have supposed that this was lightning. But light, and splendor, and shining apparel are commonly represented as the accompaniments of the heavenly beings when they visit the earth, Luke 2:9; Luke 24:4; compare Mark 9:3. It is highly probable that this light was discerned only by Peter; and it would be to him an... read more
Gird thyself - When they slept the outer garment was thrown off, and the girdle with which they bound their inner garment, or tunic, was loosed. He was directed now to gird up that inner garment as they usually wore it; that is, to dress himself, and prepare to follow him.Bind on thy sandals - Put on thy sandals; prepare to walk. See the notes on Matthew 3:11.Cast thy garment about thee - The outer garment, that was thrown loosely around the shoulders. It was nearly square, and was laid aside... read more
And wist not - Knew not.That it was true - That it was real.But thought he saw a vision - He supposed that it was a representation made to his mind similar to what he had seen before. Compare Acts 10:11-12. It was so astonishing, so unexpected, so wonderful, that he could not realize that it was true. read more
The first and second ward - The word which is here rendered “ward” φυλακήν phulakēn properly denotes “the act of guarding”; but it is most commonly used to denote “a prison, or place of confinement.” In this place it seems to denote the guard itself - the soldiers stationed at intervals in the entrance into the prison. These were passed silently, probably a deep sleep having been sent on them to facilitate the escape of Peter.The iron gate - The outer gate, Secured with iron, as the doors of... read more
And when Peter was come to himself - This expression naturally means, when he had overcome bas amazement and astonishment at the unexpected deliverance, so as to be capable of reflection. He had been amazed by the whole transaction. He thought it was a vision: and in the suddenness and rapidity with which it was done, he had no time for cool reflection. The events of divine providence often overwhelm and confound us; and such are their suddenness, and rapidity, and unexpected character in their... read more
Acts 12:5-6. Peter therefore Till the day of his execution came; was kept in prison Under the continual guard of the fore-mentioned soldiers. But prayer without ceasing (The original expression, προσευχη εκτενης , signifies, earnest and importunate, as well as continual prayer;) was made of the church for him That is, for his deliverance, yet when their prayer was answered, they could scarce believe it, Acts 12:15. But why had they not prayed for James’s deliverance also?... read more
Acts 12:7-10. And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him Greek, επεστη , stood over him; and a light shined in the prison Εν τω οικηματι , in the house, the whole house in which he was confined; and he smote Greek, παταξας , having smote, Peter on the side He awoke him; saying, Arise up quickly. And, in that moment, his chains With which his right arm was bound to one of the soldiers, and his left to the other, fell off The soldiers, in the mean time, being by a... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 12:10
And when for when, A.V.; into for unto, A.V. ; its for his, A.V.; straightway for forthwith, A.V. The first and the second ward . The φυλακή , here rendered "ward," may mean either the station where the guard was posted or the guard itself. One street; ῥυμή , as in Acts 9:11 , note. Departed; ἀπέστη , in contrast to ἐπέστη , rendered "stood by" in Acts 9:7 . read more