Acts 12:1-19

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 12:11

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 12:12

And when he had considered ... - Thinking on the subject; considering what he should do in these circumstances.He came to the house of Mary ... - Probably this house was near him; and he would naturally seek the dwelling of a Christian friend.The mother of John ... - Probably this was the John Mark who wrote the gospel. But this is not certain.Whose surname - Greek: who was called Mark. It does not mean that he had two names conferred, as with us, both of which were used at the same time, but... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 12:13

At the door of the gate - Rather the door of the vestibule, or principal entrance into the house. The house was entered through such a porch or vestibule, and it was the door opening into this which is here intended. See the notes on Matthew 9:2.A damsel - A girl.Came to hearken - To hear who was there.Named Rhoda - This is a Greek name signifying a rose. It was not unusual for the Hebrews to give the names of flowers, etc., to their daughters. Thus, Susanna, a lily; Hadessa, a myrtle; Tamar, a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 12:14

She opened not the gate - At this time of night, and in these circumstances, the door would be fastened. Christians were doubtless alarmed by the death of James and the imprisonment of Peter, and they would take all possible precautions for their own safety.For gladness - In her joy she hastened to inform those who were assembled of the safety of Peter. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 12:15

Thou art mad - Thou art insane. They seemed to have regarded his rescue as so difficult and so hopeless, that they deemed it proof of derangement that she now affirmed it. And yet this was the very thing for which they had been so earnestly praying. When it was now announced to them that the object of their prayers was granted, they deemed the messenger that announced it insane. Christians are often surprised even when their prayers are answered. They are overwhelmed and amazed at the success... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 12:16

Were astonished - They were now convinced that it was Peter, and they were amazed that he had been rescued. As yet they were of course ignorant of the manner in which it was done. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 12:17

But he, beckoning ... - To prevent the noise, and tumult, and transport which was likely to be produced. His wish was, not that there should be clamorous joy, but that they should listen in silence to what God had done. It was sufficient to awe the soul, and produce deep, grateful feeling. A noise might excite the neighboring Jews, and produce danger. Religion is calm and peaceful; and its great scenes and surprising deliverances are rather suited to awe the soul to produce calm, sober, and... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 12:18

No small stir - Amazement that he had escaped, and apprehension of the consequences. The punishment which they had reason to expect, for having suffered his escape, was death. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 12:19

He examined the keepers - The soldiers who were entrusted with his custody. Probably only those who had the special care of him at that watch of the night. The word “examine” here means “to inquire diligently, to make investigation.” He subjected them to a rigid scrutiny to ascertain the manner of his escape; for it is evident that Herod did not mean to admit the possibility of a miraculous interposition.Should be put to death - For having failed to keep Peter. This punishment they had a right... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 12:1-2

Acts 12:1-2. Now about that time When Saul and Barnabas were preparing to set out to Jerusalem, to carry thither what had been collected by the Christians at Antioch; Herod stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church So wisely did God mix rest and persecution, in due time and measure succeeding each other. This was Herod Agrippa, as the Syriac version expressly names him, the former being his Syrian, and the latter his Roman name. He was the grandson of Herod the Great, nephew... read more

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