Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 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.
6. And when Herod would have brought him forth ] Literally, “was about to bring him forth,” and this should be expressed, because it is an additional note of the delay and lapse of time between the arrest and the intended punishment.
and the keepers before the door ] Read, “and guards before the door,” i.e. the two soldiers of the quaternion who were not chained to the prisoner.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
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 was doubtless known to Peter what the intention of Herod was. James had just been put to death, and Peter had no reason to expect a better fate. And yet in this state he slept as quietly as if there had been no danger, and it was necessary that he should be roused even by an angel to contemplate his condition and to make his escape. There is nothing that will give quiet rest and gentle sleep so certainly as a conscience void of offence; and in the midst of imminent dangers, he who confides in God may rest securely and calmly. Compare Psa 3:5; Psa 4:8.
Between two soldiers – See the notes on Act 12:4. Peter was bound to the two. His left hand was chained to the right hand of one of the soldiers, and his right hand to the left hand of the other. This was a common mode of securing prisoners among the Romans. See abundant authorities for this quoted in Lardners Credibility, part 1, chapter 10: section 9, London edition, 1829, vol. i. p. 242, 243, etc.
And the keepers … – See Act 12:4. Two soldiers were stationed at the door. We may see now that every possible precaution was used to ensure the safe custody of Peter:
(1) He was in prison.
(2) He was under the charge of sixteen men, who could relieve each other when weary, and thus every security was given that he could not escape by inattention on their part.
(3) He was bound fast between two men. And,
(4) He was further guarded by two others, whose business it was to watch the door of the prison. It is to be remembered, also, that it was death for a Roman soldier to be found sleeping at his post. But God can deliver in spite of all the precautions of people; and it is easy for him to overcome the most cunning devices of his enemies.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 6. Sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains] Two soldiers guarded his person; his right hand being bound to the left hand of one, and his left hand bound to the right hand of the other. This was the Roman method of guarding their prisoners, and appears to be what is intimated in the text.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Brought him forth, to be put to death.
The same night: this is a night to be remembered, as that in which God delivered his Israel out of Egypt: when both were come to the utmost extremity, and at the pits brink, then so God does his marvellous work of deliverance, that it ought to be had in remembrance, Psa 105:5.
Peter was sleeping: innocency hath this advantage, and a good conscience acquiesces in the providence of God; it hath God to its friend; and if he be for us, who can be against us?
Bound with two chains: see Act 12:4; to which may be added, that with one chain St. Peters right hand was bound to the soldiers left; with the other chain his left hand to the other soldiers right; for so was their manner for their greater security, that they might not let the prisoner escape: thus persecutors are skilful to destroy; but no device can avail against any whom God will save.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
6. And when Herod would have broughthim forth“was going to bring him forth.”
the same nightbut afew hours before the intended execution. Thus long were the discipleskept waiting; their prayers apparently unavailing, and their faith,as would seem from the sequel, waxing feeble. Such, however, is the”law” of God’s procedure (De32:36 and see on Joh 21:3).
Peter was sleeping betweentwo soldiers, bound with two chainsRoman prisoners had a chainfastened at one end to the wrist of their fight hand, and at theother to the wrist of a soldier’s left hand, leaving the right arm ofthe keeper free in case of any attempt to escape. For greatersecurity the prisoner was sometimes, as here, chained to twosoldiers, one on each side. (See Ac21:23.) Ye think your prey secure, bloodthirsty priests and thouobsequious tyrant who, to “please the Jews,” hast shut inthis most eminent of the servants of Christ within double gates,guarded by double sentinels, while double keepers and double chainsseem to defy all rescue! So thought the chief priests, who “madethe sepulchre of the Lord sure, sealing the stone and setting awatch.” But “He that sitteth in heaven shall laugh at you.”Meanwhile, “Peter is sleeping!” In a few hours he expects astingless death; “neither counts he his life dear unto him, sothat he may finish his course with joy and the ministry which he hasreceived of the Lord Jesus.” In this frame of spirit he hasdropped asleep, and lies the picture of peace.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And when Herod would have brought him forth,…. The next morning; so he had determined not to dismiss him, but to expose him to the people, and to put him to such a death they should choose:
the same night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers; fearless of death, being in a good cause, and having nothing to ruffle and disturb his mind; and though he was in a prison, and in such company, God gave him, his beloved, sleep:
bound with two chains; one on one hand, and one on the other, each of which were fastened to the soldiers; that on his right hand was fastened to the left hand of the soldier, that was on that side; and that on his left hand to the right hand of the soldier, on the other side him; such security was made, that he might not get away from them; to which is added,
and the keepers before the door kept the prison; or watched it, that nobody went in, or came out.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Was about to bring him forth ( or ). The MSS. vary, but not of verse 4.
The same night ( ). Locative case,
on that (very) night .
Was sleeping ( ). Periphrastic middle imperfect.
Bound with two chains ( ). Perfect passive participle of , to bind, followed by instrumental case. One chain was fastened to each soldier (one on each side of Peter).
Kept (). Imperfect active, were keeping. Two guards outside before the door and two inside, according to Roman rule. Did Peter recall the prophecy of Jesus that he should be put to death in his old age (Joh 21:18)? Jesus had not said, as Furneaux does, that he would die by crucifixion.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Would have brought. Rev., correctly, was about to bring.
Kept [] . See on reserved, 1Pe 1:4. The imperfect, were keeping.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And when Herod would have brought him forth,” (hote de emellen peoagagein auton ho Herodes) “Then when Herod was about to lead (cause him to be led) forward,” out and up before the public, with a chain on him, as a criminal to be tried and put to death, for it was for this purpose, to please the Jews, that he had taken him, Act 12:4.
2) “The same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers,” (te nukti ekeine hen ho Petros koimomenos metaksu duo stratioton) “In that very night before the trial Peter was sleeping between two soldiers,” two of the four who were his guards that night, at that watch. Peter slept in prayer before his trial, while Paul and Silas sang and prayed, 1Pe 5:7; Psa 127:2; Act 16:19-34.
3) “Bound with two chains,” (dedemenos halusesin dusin) “Having been (and being) bound with two chains,” one to each hand of the prisoner and then to one hand of each of the prison guards sleeping near him on each side. Such was the manner of binding one in security of the prison.
4) “And the keepers before the door kept the prison,” (phulakes t ‘ e pro tes thuras eteroun ten phulaken) “And guards before the door were guarding the prison place,” and the other two guards outside with the two sleeping on either side of Peter in the prison, made up the four of the quarternions of that night watch, Act 16:23-24.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
6. When he was about to bring him forth. It seemeth at the first blush that the Church prayeth to small purpose, for the day was now appointed wherein Peter should be put to death, and he is within one night of death, and yet the faithful cease not to pray, because they know that when the Lord doth purpose to deliver his, he taketh his time oftentimes in the last and farthest point of necessity, and that he hath in his hand diverse ways to deliver. Secondly, we may think that they did not so much pray for Peter’s life, as that the Lord would arm him with invincible fortitude, for the glory of the gospel, and that God would [not] set the gospel of his Son open to the reproaches and slanders of the wicked.
That night he slept. All these circumstances do more set forth the wonderful power of God, for who would not have thought that Peter was already swallowed up of death? for though he drew breath as yet, yet he had no chinch [chink] to creep out at, for as much as he was beset with many deaths. Therefore, whereas he escapeth from amidst deaths, whereas he goeth safely among the hands of his hangmen, whereas the chains are molten and are loosed, whereas the iron gate openeth itself to him; hereby it appeareth that it was a mere divine kind of deliverance, and it was profitable for Peter to be thus taught by these signs, that he might with more assurance forthwith declare unto men the grace of God thus known. Again, it appeareth by this strait keeping that Herod meant nothing less (757) than to let Peter go away alive.
(757) “ Nihil Herocli fuisse minus in animo,” that there was nothing Herod less intended.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(6) Peter was sleeping between two soldiers.The picture of the calm repose of the Apostle as of one to whom God had given the sleep of His beloved (Psa. 127:2), undisturbed by the fear of coming suffering and death, will be felt by most readers to be one of singular interest.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
6. Two chains A light chain each, attached by the one end to the prisoner, by the other to a soldier. “The same chain,” says Seneca, “couples the prisoner and the guard.”
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards before the door kept the prison. And behold, an angel (or ‘messenger’) of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell, and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, “Rise up quickly.” And his chains fell off from his hands.’
The night arrived prior to the day when Peter was to be brought out, the night following the Sabbath of the seventh day of unleavened bread. It was the time when ‘Herod was about to bring him forth.’ Peter was asleep between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while a further two soldiers watched the door. They were determined to keep him safe. And as for Peter, there was no tremor on his brow. He was sleeping like a babe (compare Psa 3:5; Luk 8:23). He was ready to go to meet his Lord. (Or he may simply have always been a very heavy sleeper. But Luke does go to great pains to stress how heavily he had been sleeping so that it took him a good while to wake up properly).
But then all heaven broke loose. He found himself rudely awakened by a blow to his side, and saw a light shining in the cell, and found there ‘the angel (messenger) of the Lord’ who urged him to rise up quickly. And when he sought to do so the chains fell off his hands.
‘The chains fell off his hands.’ Whether as a result of being unlocked or simply by a move of the visitant’s hand is unimportant. What was important was the ease with which God disposed of them. All the king’s efforts were in vain. They were as chaff before the Almighty’s wind.
‘The angel of the Lord.’ This could mean ‘the messenger of the Lord’ and be referring to a human agency. On the other hand in Act 12:23 the angel of the Lord is undoubtedly an angelic agency, and the same applies in Act 8:26 (as is also the case in the Old Testament). Thus the most natural meaning here would be of specific divine intervention.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
The miraculous deliverance:
v. 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.
v. 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.
v. 8. And the angel said unto him, Gird thy self, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee and follow me.
v. 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.
v. 10. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto their on 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 forth with the angel departed from him. In the meantime, while the tyrant Herod was anticipating new triumphs, and the members of the congregation were making prayer unceasing for Peter, the last day of the festival was brought to a close. And that very night, the night before Herod intended to produce is prisoner before the people to be put to death in their presence, extraordinary precautions were taken lest Peter escape. But Peter seemed little concerned about the events of the next day. He was sleeping between two soldiers delegated for that purpose, fastened to them with two chains, probably so that he was bound on either hand to each of the soldiers, “the two chains being used perhaps for greater security on account of the former escape,” chap. 5:19. In addition to this, sentries before the doors guarded the prison, to forestall any attempt at deliverance from without. But the Lord cannot be hindered and deterred in His plans by such flimsy precautions. The angel of the Lord, whose coming neither guards nor locked doors can prevent, suddenly appeared, standing by the side of Peter. Incidentally, a light shone in the cell, for it was needed in the dense darkness of the inner prison. It was necessary for the angel to give Peter a sharp blow on the side to rouse him from his deep sleep, for so completely did the apostle place his trust for the coming day in the Lord that he rested and slept as soundly as ever in the quietness of his own home, Psa 127:2. Having roused Peter, the angel raised him up, bidding him, at the same time, to get up in haste. This was made possible, at the same moment, by the fact that the chains fell from his hands. But Peter was still in a half-dreamy, dazed state, not realizing what was happening, and the angel was obliged to give him directions. He was to fasten his girdle about his tunic and lace up his sandals. Peter automatically obeyed. He was to put on his thick upper mantle, throwing it around him before going out into the cold night. And Peter, in the same detached, automatic manner, followed. Note the vivid narrative, the picturesque description. Peter now followed the angel out, but his mind was not yet clear enough to tell whether that which was done to him by the messenger of God was real; he still imagined that he was seeing a vision. In this manner they passed through the first ward, where the sentries of the watch were stationed, then also through the second, where the guards of the whole prison were on duty. They came to the great iron door which leads to the city, heavy and solid enough to bar the way effectually at ordinary times. But now the heavy gate opened of its own accord, automatically, yielding them a wide opening for escape. Stepping out, they went along one street, until there were no further hindrances to the apostle’s flight, when the angel, just as suddenly as he had appeared, made his departure. It was a miraculous deliverance from prison and martyrdom which the Lord here granted to His servant, because it pleased Him to use him for the spread of His Gospel. If the Lord’s plans are to be carried out, He will deliver them that are His from chains and prison and from the very mouth of death. The army of the angels about the small band of believers protects them against all assaults and persecutions, but by the permission of the Lord.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
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. (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. (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. (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. (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.
I need not attempt a comment where every word is so very plain? And sure I am, the simplicity of the history as here related, would lose its beauty, if I were to alter it by a needless explanation. But, I would observe, that the situation of Peter in this prison, hath been, and perhaps not unaptly considered, (besides its real history,) as a lively representation of the child of God before his conversion, when in the prison of sin and Satan. Like Peter he may be truly said to be sleeping between two soldiers; both law and justice bound with the two chains of sin and death; and the keepers, Satan and his hellish crew, before the door guarding their lawful prisoner. Lawful, it may be truly called; for he hath made our whole nature his lawful captive, by reason of our original and actual transgressions. For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage, 2Pe 2:19 . And hence that blessed question of the Lord, Isa 49:24-26 .
The Angel of the Lord delivering Peter from the prison is like the Lord the Spirit by regeneration, rousing a sinner from the slumber of death in sin: for before this glorious act is wrought, every child of God is sleeping in sin; yea, dead in trespasses and sins, Eph 2:1 . But when the Lord the Spirit gives life to the soul, and he that was dead in sin, is made life in Christ; all chains fall from the poor sinner: for the Son of God having made him free, he shall be free indeed. He is at once delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son, Joh 8:36 ; Col 1:13 . And such is the mighty change wrought in his heart by grace, that, like Peter, the whole appears too good to be true, and for a while seems to be but a vision. He will indeed, being so enabled by the Lord, gird himself with strength in the Lord; bind on the garments of salvation, and his feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace: he will follow the Lord in the regeneration, through both the wards of providence, and grace; until he cometh to the iron gate of death, which leadeth to the city, and which hath foundations whose builder and maker is God. But here the subject varieth. For forth with the angel departed from Peter. But Jesus never departs from his redeemed; for all his delivered captives enter with him into the holy city, and abide with him forever.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
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.
Ver. 6. Peter was sleeping ] As having cast himself into God’s everlasting arms. So did David, Psa 3:5 . So did Mr Rogers, our protomartyr in Queen Mary’s days, when he was warned suddenly to prepare for the fire, he then being found asleep, scarcely with much shogging could be awakened; at length being raised and bidden to make haste, then (said he) if it be so, I need not to tie my points.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
6. ] emphatic: that very night , viz. which preceded the day of trial.
The practice of attaching a prisoner to one keeper or more by a chain is alluded to by several ancient authors: e.g. Seneca, de Tranquill. 10, ‘Eadem custodia universos circumdedit, alligatique sunt etiam qui alligaverunt, nisi tu forte leviorem in sinistra catenam putas:’ and Epist. 5: ‘Quemadmodum eadem catena et militem et custodiam copulat.’ In the account of the imprisonment of Herod Agrippa himself by Tiberius, Jos. Antt. xviii. 6. 7, we read of the . And we have an edict of Constantius, commanding, for binding prisoners, ‘prolixiores catenas, si criminis qualitas etiam catenarum acerbitatem postulaverit, ut et cruciatio desit, et permaneat sub fida custodia.’ (Wieseler, p. 414.) See note on ch. Act 24:23 ; see also ch. Act 28:16 ; Act 28:20 .
. ] not, kept the watch (Raphel, Wolf, al.), but guarded the prison .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Act 12:6 . : “that very night,” i.e. , the night before the trial. , cf. 1Pe 5:7 and Psa 127:2 : “for so He giveth His beloved sleep”: “and there too it is beautiful that Paul sings hymns, whilst here Peter sleeps,” Chrys., Hom. , xxvi.: cf. Act 16:25 . to , Oecumenius ( cf. Blass, in loco ). , cf. Act 21:33 ; on the usual Roman custom see Jos., Ant. , xviii., 6, 7, in the account of Herod’s own imprisonment by Tiberius; cf. Pliny, Epist. , x., 65; Seneca, Epist. , i., 5, “eadem catena et custodiam (vinctum) et militem copulabat,” perhaps most natural to suppose that Peter was bound on either hand to each of the soldiers, the two chains being used perhaps for greater security on account of the former escape. , i.e. , the other two of the quaternion to make escape impossible.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Act 12:6-17
6On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. 7And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. 8And the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9And he went out and continued to follow, and he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10When they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” 12And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13When he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate. 15They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so. They kept saying, “It is his angel.” 16 But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed. 17But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James and the brethren.” Then he left and went to another place.
Act 12:6 “On the very night” Luke’s writings are characterized by time indicators (cf. Act 12:3-8; Act 12:10; Act 12:18). But be careful of interpreting this as western, sequential, chronological history. Luke has a theological evangelistic purpose.
“between two soldiers” This verse shows the impossibility of Peter’s escape. It is almost as if they expected an attempt to release him (cf. Act 5:19).
Act 12:7 “an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared” It is unusual that the supernatural interventions of the angel of the Lord (cf. Act 5:19; Act 7:30; Act 7:35; Act 7:38; Act 7:53; Act 8:26; Act 10:3; Act 10:7; Act 10:22) and the Holy Spirit (cf. Act 8:29; Act 8:39; Act 10:19) are interchanged throughout the book of Acts. Apparently the Spirit speaks intuitively, but the angel is an outward physical manifestation. It is interesting to see the combination of the natural and the supernatural in this account (similar to the plagues of the Exodus).
“Get up quickly” This is an aorist active imperative which denotes urgency. Why is the angel in a hurry? Is he not in control of events?
Act 12:8 “Gird yourself and put on your sandals” These are both aorist middle imperatives.
“Wrap your cloak around you and follow me” This is an aorist middle imperative followed by a present active imperative. The angel was really in a hurry to perform this task! This was one nervous angel!
Act 12:9 Peter was uncertain whether this was a vision, dream, or reality (cf. Act 12:11-12; Act 10:17; Act 10:19; Act 11:5).
Act 12:11 “When Peter came to himself” Luke uses a similar phrase in describing the Prodigal Son (cf. Luk 15:17). Suddenly the reality of the experience and its implications dawned on him (cf. Act 12:12).
Act 12:12 “the house of Mary” Mary was a very common name. There are several Marys mentioned in the Gospels.
1. the mother of Jesus (cf. Luk 1:27)
2. Mary of Magdala, a disciple from Galilee (cf. Luk 8:2; Luk 24:10)
3. mother of James and John (cf. Luk 24:10)
4. sister of Martha and Lazarus (cf. Luk 10:39; Luk 10:42)
5. wife of Cleophas (cf. Joh 19:25)
6. mother of John Mark (here)
“the mother of John” This refers to John Mark’s mother. The early church met in this family’s house in Jerusalem (cf. Act 12:12). It was also the site of the Lord’s three post resurrection appearances and the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost.
John Mark accompanied Paul and his cousin Barnabas (cf. Col 4:10) on the first missionary journey (cf. Act 12:25 to Act 13:13). For some reason he deserted the team and returned home (cf. Act 15:38). Barnabas wanted to include him on the second missionary journey, but Paul refused (cf. Act 15:36-41). This resulted in Paul and Barnabas separating. Barnabas took John Mark to Cyprus (cf. Act 15:39). Later, while Paul was in prison, he mentions John Mark in a positive way (cf. Col 4:10) and still later in Paul’s second imprisonment at Rome, just before his death, he mentions John Mark again (cf. 2Ti 4:11).
Apparently John Mark became part of Peter’s missionary team (cf. 1Pe 5:13). Eusebius’ Eccl. His. 3.39.12 gives us an interesting account of John Mark’s relation to Peter.
“In his own book Papias gives us accounts of the Lord’s sayings obtained from Aristion or learnt direct from the presbyter John. Having brought these to the attention of scholars, I must now follow up the statements already quoted from him with a piece of information which he sets out regarding Mark, the writer of the gospel:
This, too, the presbyter used to say. ‘Mark, who had been Peter’s interpreter, wrote down carefully, but not in order, all that he remembered of the Lord’s sayings and doings. For he had not heard the Lord or been one of His followers, but later, as I said, one of Peter’s. Peter used to adapt his teaching to the occasion, without making a systematic arrangement of the Lord’s sayings, so that Mark was quite justified in writing down some things just as he remembered them. For he had one purpose onlyto leave out nothing that he had heard, and to make no misstatement about it'” (p. 152).
In this quote Papias refers to “John the elder.” Irenaeus says “and these things are borne witness to in writing by Papias, the hearer of John, and a companion of Polycarp.” This implies Papias heard it from John the Apostle.
“many were gathered together and were praying” The grammatical forms of these words reveal that the church had gathered and intended to remain in prayer (perfect passive participle followed by a present middle [deponent] participle).
Act 12:13 “door of the gate” This was a small door on the street. There was a larger door upstairs.
“Rhoda” Her name means “rose.” It is uncertain whether she worked for the homeowners or was a member of the prayer meeting.
Act 12:15 “You are out of your mind” The church was praying for God to act, but they were extremely surprised (cf. Act 12:16) when He did.
“They kept saying” There are two imperfect active indicatives in this context, which implies that Rhoda’s affirmation and that of those in the prayer meeting in the upper room’s response happened more than once.
“It is his angel” Angels play a prominent role in Luke’s writings. Apparently the Jews believed that one’s guardian angel could take their physical shape (for a good discussion of Jewish sources and beliefs about guardian angels, see Encyclopaedia Judaica, vol. 2, p. 963). There is no scriptural basis for this belief. This development of angeology may have come from the concept of fravashi in Zoroastrianism. Much of rabbinical angelology can be traced to this Persian influence. There is some scriptural evidence for guardian angels for new believers (cf. Mat 18:10). Angels are servants of the redeemed (cf. Heb 1:14).
Act 12:17 “motioning to them with his hand to be silent” This is obviously an eyewitness detail (cf. Act 13:16). Luke records this gesture several times (cf. Act 13:16; Act 19:33; Act 21:40).
“Report these things to James and the brethren” This shows that James, the half-brother of Jesus, was already the leader of the Jerusalem church (cf. Act 15:13-21).
SPECIAL TOPIC: JAMES, THE HALF-BROTHER OF JESUS
“went to another place” No one knows where Peter went, but apparently he did not go to Rome as some supposed because he is present at the Jerusalem Council recorded in Acts 15.
Even though God supernaturally delivered Peter, this did not imply that he could be reckless or expect this miraculous intervention every time. Remember James had been killed! Peter also sends word to the church to expect more physical persecution because of his deliverance.
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
would have brought = was about to bring.
the same = that.
sleeping. Greek. koimaomai. App-171.
keepers = guards. See Act 5:23.
kept = were keeping.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
6. ] emphatic: that very night, viz. which preceded the day of trial.
The practice of attaching a prisoner to one keeper or more by a chain is alluded to by several ancient authors: e.g. Seneca, de Tranquill. 10, Eadem custodia universos circumdedit, alligatique sunt etiam qui alligaverunt, nisi tu forte leviorem in sinistra catenam putas: and Epist. 5: Quemadmodum eadem catena et militem et custodiam copulat. In the account of the imprisonment of Herod Agrippa himself by Tiberius, Jos. Antt. xviii. 6. 7, we read of the . And we have an edict of Constantius, commanding, for binding prisoners, prolixiores catenas, si criminis qualitas etiam catenarum acerbitatem postulaverit, ut et cruciatio desit, et permaneat sub fida custodia. (Wieseler, p. 414.) See note on ch. Act 24:23; see also ch. Act 28:16; Act 28:20.
.] not, kept the watch (Raphel, Wolf, al.),-but guarded the prison.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Act 12:6. , when) The aid sent, when the danger was come to its height, shows that the result was not accidental [ch. Act 23:11].-, sleeping) There is frequent mention of men sleeping in danger, either with faith or with torpor.-, between) The enemy had supposed all to have been made secure.- , the prison, the place of watching) The place is meant [not kept watch].
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
the same: Gen 22:14, Deu 32:26, 1Sa 23:26, 1Sa 23:27, Psa 3:5, Psa 3:6, Psa 4:8, Isa 26:3, Isa 26:4, Phi 4:6, Phi 4:7, Heb 13:6
bound: Act 21:33, Act 28:20, Jer 40:4, Eph 6:20, *marg. 2Ti 1:16
and the: Act 5:23, Mat 28:4
Reciprocal: Lev 26:6 – ye shall Jos 2:3 – Bring Psa 68:6 – he bringeth Psa 102:20 – to loose Psa 127:2 – for so he Pro 3:24 – and Jer 40:1 – bound Mat 27:2 – bound Act 12:7 – And his Act 12:19 – he examined Act 26:29 – except
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
6
Act 12:6. Sleeping between two soldiers. (See the notes at verse 4.)
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Act 12:6. The same night. That is, the night before the day fixed for the execution. Peter was not missed by the guards till sunriseabout six oclock (see Act 12:18). It was, then, in the fourth watch, some time between three and six oclock, that the angel – presence entered the prison chamber. Peter was chained to two soldiers, while the other two as sentinels kept a useless watch at the prison-room door.
Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. It was the usual Roman custom to chain a prisoner only to one soldier. Meyer supposes that in the case of Peter the additional severity of the double chain was adopted as an extra precaution to secure an important prisoner lying under sentence of death.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Observe, Peter continued in prison till the very night before Herod intended to bring him out to the people: And if they desired it, it is probable he intended to put him to death the next day.
Learn thence, That God oft-times suffers his children to come to the pit’s brink, and then delivers them, that they may be the more sensible of his mercy, and have the greater cause to magnify his power. Peter was now come to his last night; the tyrant Herod probably intended his execution next morning. Now was the time for God to step in: Our extremity is his opportunity.
Observe farther, That notwithstanding Peter’s imminent and impending danger, he sleeps very soundly, resigning up himself into the hands of Christ, and resolving, if he may no longer live Christ’s servant, that he will die his sacrifice. I question whether Herod that imprisoned him slept half so soundly.
Lord! how soft and secure a pillow is a good conscience, even in the confines of death, and in the very jaws of danger!
Observe lastly, That God takes most care of Peter, when he was able to take least care of himself: When he was asleep, and altogether insensible of his danger, God was awake, and acting effectually in order to his deliverance.
Happy prisoners! who have God with them in prison; such are prisoners of hope indeed, and shall certainly experience divine help.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
6. Time wore away in painful suspense until the Passover was gone by. (6) “And when Herod was about to bring him forth, in that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and the guards before the door were guarding the prison.” He was securely kept, according to the most ingenious method of the Roman army. Besides the prison-doors, and the guards without, his arms were pinioned by two chains, each to the arm of a soldier on the right and left, so that he could not move without disturbing one or both. If Herod was actuated, in adopting these precautions, by a desire to prevent a rescue, he ought to have known that Peter’s brethren never fought with carnal weapons, even to save the life of a brother. Or if he feared a miraculous escape of his prisoner, and intended that the guards should kill him upon the first movement of that kind, he ought to have remembered that all the twelve had once walked out of a prison in that city without hindrance either from the iron doors or the armed soldiers. But wicked men are prone to forget the warnings of the past, and continue to repeat, in endless succession, the blunders of their predecessors.
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
Verse 6
Sleeping; a striking image of quiet confidence in God, and resignation to his will, in extreme and imminent danger.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
The night before Peter’s trial and probable execution he lay sound asleep in his cell. How could he sleep soundly when God had allowed James to die? Peter, of course, had a record of sleeping when he should have been praying (cf. Mat 26:36-46). He had no problem with insomnia. Nevertheless on this occasion God may have wanted him to sleep. Perhaps he did not fear for his life because Jesus had implied that he would live to an old age (Joh 21:18). Normally the Romans chained a prisoner by his right hand to his guard’s left hand, but each of Peter’s hands was chained to a guard on either side of him. [Note: Barclay, p. 101; Longenecker, p. 409.] Herod wanted to make sure Peter did not get away.