The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 12:4
Taken for apprehended, A.V. ; guard for keep, A.V.; the Passover for Easter , A.V. Four quaternions ; i.e. four bands of four soldiers each, which were on guard in succession through the four watches of the night—one quaternion for each watch. The Passover. This is a decided improve-merit, as the use of the word "Easter" implies that the Christian feast is here meant. But perhaps" Feast of the Passover" would have been better, as showing that the whole seven days are... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 12:3
When for because, A.V. ; that it pleased for it pleased, A.V.; proceeded for proceeded further, A.V.; seize for take, A.V. ; and those for then, A.V. He proceeded to seize ( προσέθετο συλλαβεῖν ) is a Hebraism. This trait of his pleasing the Jews is in exact accordance with Josephus's description of him, as τῷ βιοῦν ἐν αὐφημίᾳ χαίρων , loving popularity, and as being very kind and sympathizing with the Jewish people, and liking to live much at... read more