Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 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.
11. And when Peter was come to himself ] This and other subjective features of the narrative shew that the account must have been derived from St Peter himself. No one else could describe the astonishment and the after realization that all was truly enacted and no vision.
all the expectation of the people of the Jews ] Whose gratification at the death of James had been great, and who now hoped to see another of the Apostles put to death.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
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 development as to prevent calm and collected reflection.
Of a surety – Certainly, surely. He considered all the circumstances; he saw that he was actually at liberty, and he was satisfied that it could have been effected only by divine interposition.
The expectation of the people – From this it appears that the people earnestly desired his death; and it was to gratify that desire that Herod had imprisoned him.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 11. When Peter was come to himself] Every thing he saw astonished him; he could scarcely credit his eyes; he was in a sort of ecstasy; and it was only when the angel left him that he was fully convinced that all was real.
Now I know – that the Lord hath sent his angel] The poor German divine is worthy of pity, who endeavoured to persuade himself and his countrymen that all this talk about the angel was mere illusion; that Peter was delivered in a way which he could not comprehend, and therefore was led to attribute to a particular providence of God what probably was done by the prefect of the prison, who favoured him! But it is the study of this writer to banish from the word of God all supernatural influence; and to reduce even the miracles of Christ to simple operations of nature, or to the workings of imagination and the prejudices of a weak and credulous people. Such men should at once cast off the mask which so thinly covers their infidelity, and honestly avow themselves to be, what they are, the enemies of revelation in general, and of the Christian religion in particular. Peter could say, Now I know of a certainty that the Lord hath sent his angel, and delivered me, c. No such thing, says Mr. E., Peter was deceived it was not the Lord, it was the prefect or some other person. Now we know that Peter spoke by the Holy Ghost; but we have no much testimony of Mr. E. nor of any of his associates.
And all the expectation of the – Jews.] It seems they had built much on the prospect of having him sacrificed, as they already had James.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
When Peter was come to himself, out of that amazement which so many wonderful things had wrought in him, that he could compose himself to effect upon what he had heard and seen, he knew his deliverance was real and effectual.
Delivered me; from Herod, who had resolved to have killed him, as he had done James, Act 12:2; and from the peoples expectation, who had heard the report of Herods resolution, and longed for the fulfilling of it.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
11. when Peter was come tohimselfrecovered from his bewilderment, and had time to lookback upon all the steps that had followed each other in such rapidsuccession.
Now I know of a surety, thatthe Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me, &c.anotherevidence that Peter expected nothing but to seal his testimony withhis blood on this occasion.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And when Peter was come to himself…. For upon his being awaked out of sleep, what with the uncommon light, which shone around him, and with the appearance of the angel, and the chains dropping from his hands, and his surprising escape through the several wards, together with the iron gate opening of itself, he was so filled with amazement, that he was not himself; he could scarcely tell whether he was in the body or not, and whether he was in a dream or a trance, or whether he saw a vision or not; but upon the angel’s leaving him he came to himself, the amazement wore off, and he found himself thoroughly awake, and perfectly in his senses, and that the deliverance was real: and then,
he said, now know I of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel; this was a thanksgiving to God, and an acknowledgment, that the deliverance, though it was by the ministry an angel, yet was owing to the goodness and power of God; it was God that sent his angel, and the salvation was of the Lord’s doing, and it was marvellous in the eyes of Peter, and gratefully owned by him:
and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod; who intended that morning to have brought him forth, and sacrificed him to the will of the people:
and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews; not only the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but the body of the Jewish nation, who were now at Jerusalem, on account of the passover; and who before they departed into their several cities and towns, expected to have had Peter brought forth, and put to death before them; but now both Herod and they were disappointed.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Was come to himself ( ). Second aorist middle participle of with and the locative case, “becoming at himself.” In Lu 15:17 we have (coming to himself, as if he had been on a trip away from himself).
Now I know of a truth ( ). There was no further confusion of mind that it was an ecstasy as in 10:10. But he was in peril for the soldiers would soon learn of his escape, when the change of guards came at 6 A.M.
Delivered me ( ). Second aorist middle indicative of . The Lord rescued me of himself by his angel.
Expectation (). Old word from , to look for. In the N.T. only here and Lu 21:26. James had been put to death and the Jewish people were eagerly waiting for the execution of Peter like hungry wolves.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “And when Peter was come to himself,” (kai ho Petros en heauto genomenos eipen) “And Peter having come to himself said,” out of his daze of awe and astonishment he spoke aloud.
2) “Now I know of a surety,” (nun oida alethos) “Now and hereafter I realize (know) truly,” as an evident truth, perceive without question.
3) “That the Lord hath sent his angel,” (hoti eksapesteilen ho Kurios ton angelon autou) “That the Lord mandated, deputized, or commissioned His angel,” helper or caretaker, deliverer, and informer, as promised and revealed, Psa 34:7; 2Pe 2:9; Heb 1:14.
4) “And delivered me out of the hand of Herod,” (kai ekseilato me ek cheiros Herodou) 2Ch 16:9, “And liberated, delivered, or released me out of the hand of Herod,” as He had liberated the twelve on a previous occasion, Job 5:19; Act 5:18-19; Act 12:7.
5) “And from all the expectation,” (kai pases tes prosokias) “And out of all the unanimous expectations or anticipations,” things that might be conjured, thought up, in the wicked imaginations of all his enemies, the Jews, of seeing him as James had been, Act 12:1-3.
6) “Of the people of the Jews,” (tou laou ton loudaion) “Of the laity of the Jews,” from among the common people of the Jews, Act 12:3, as they had slain Jesus, Stephen, and James, Act 2:23-24; Act 2:36; Act 7:51-60.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
11. Then Peter returning to himself. It is word for word, being made in himself, because, being before astonied with a strange and incredible thing, he was, as it were, without himself. But now at length, as it were after a trance, he knoweth that he is delivered from death. His words set down by Luke contain a thanksgiving; for he extolleth with himself the benefit of God which he had tried, [experienced,] and whereof he had tasted, and he doth highly commend it with himself, until he find some other witnesses. He saith that the angel was sent of God, according to the common meaning of the godly, who hold that the angels are appointed to be ministers, to be careful for, and to take charge of their safety; for unless he had been thus persuaded, he would not have spoken of the angel. And yet he doth not commend the angel as the author of the grace, but he ascribeth all the whole praise of the work to God alone, neither do the angels help us to this end, that they may derive unto themselves even the least jot of God’s glory. Whereas he saith that he was delivered out of the hand of Herod, he amplifieth the goodness and benefit of God, by the power of his enemy. To the same end tendeth that which he addeth of the Jews; for the greater the number of the enemies was, the more excellent was the grace of God toward his servant; for it is a great matter that God alone being favorable, the deadly hatred of all the whole world should come to nought.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(11) When Peter was come to himself.Here again we find the tone of a personal reminiscence. He finds himself at night, free, in the open street. It was no dream. As before (Act. 5:19), his Master had sent His angel to deliver him.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
11. Come to himself From the bewilderment of his sudden waking and strange surroundings. It aided his coming to himself to be in a familiar spot with no company but himself.
He said, Now I Having no company but himself Peter talks to himself.
From all the expectation What that expectation was the fate of James had assured him.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And when Peter was come to himself, he said, “Now I know of a truth, that the Lord has sent forth his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.” ’
Once Peter had gathered his wits, he could only marvel and say, “God has sent His messenger, his angel, and has delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all that the Jews anticipated that they could do to me.” The words express what Luke is seeking to put over. It was the whole of Jerusalem that was rejoicing at what it could do to this man of God, but God had totally thwarted them. They were waiting in expectancy for his demise.
Peter had been in no doubt about what his fate was going to be in the morning. But now all his enemies had been put to shame. The king of Israel and the people of Israel had planned together his demise, but both had now been thwarted. The rulers and the people had taken counsel against the Lord and against His anointed (Psalms 1), and they had been defeated. He would march on in triumph with God ‘in another place’. But in contrast the king would die a horrible death and Israel, ‘the people of the Jews’, would be left in darkness, and in the not too distant future many of them would perish in the flames of the destruction of Jerusalem. Peter, however, would ‘go to another place’. And as so often in Acts, Peter speaks for all the Apostles.
We note here a similar phrase to that which he had used with Cornelius. There he had spoken of ‘the land of the Jews’. Here he spoke of ‘the people of the Jews’. It was distancing what was spoken of from speaker and hearer. It was now Peter, the Apostles and the church who represented the true Israel (Eph 2:11-22; 1Pe 2:9). This people were no longer so. ‘They are not all Israel who are of Israel’, Paul would later declare (Rom 9:6). These were simply now ‘the people of the Jews’.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Peter in the house of Mary:
v. 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.
v. 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.
v. 13. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
v. 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.
v. 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.
v. 16. But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. After the departure of the angel, whom he had till then followed in such a dazed fashion, Peter at last came to himself, he became fully awake, he shook off the lethargy of sleep and regained the proper use of his senses. And now he realized also what the Lord had done for him. Now he knew for sure that the Lord had sent His angel and had delivered him from the hand of Herod and from all the earnest expectation of the people of the Jews. In no other way could it be explained that the heavy chains had been removed from his arms, that the sleep of the soldiers at his side had been so unnaturally sound, that the sentries of the two stations had been stricken with blindness and deafness, and that he was standing here, free, safe and sound. And so Peter pictured to himself the scene of the next day, the disappointment of the people, and the annoyance of the monarch whose hand and power had proved so feeble. This side of the matter presented itself to him first. But as he became still more fully conscious of the situation, it occurred to him that the Lord was here giving him a hint. And thus came the thought of escape, of what immediate steps he should take to save himself. So he turned his steps to the house of one of the disciples, Mary, the mother of John, with the surname Mark, where many of the brethren and sisters were assembled together as a congregation, busily engaged in prayer. Note: In spite of the lateness of the hour, the night being far advanced at this time, the disciples were kept awake by their loving solicitude and Revelation rent regard for their teacher, not growing weary in praying for him and his welfare, an example which should be borne in mind at all times. Peter, having fully regained his bearings, had no difficulty, by the light of the moon now in the last quarter, in finding the house of Mary. He knocked at the wicket door of the gate leading to the vaulted entrance passage, and a maid-servant, or slave girl, by the name of Rhoda, came to answer his knock. But when, upon her challenge, she recognized the voice of Peter, she was almost beside herself with joy, forgetting even to open the gate to Peter. In fluttering eagerness she rushed back into the house and announced to the assembled disciples that Peter was standing outside. But her confident message was received with the incredulous cry: You must have lost your mind. And when she insisted with great vehemence that it was really so, that she could not be wrong in her recognition of the voice, they still would not believe, but declared that it must be his angel, Mat 18:10; Heb 1:14. They were of the opinion that Peter’s guardian angel had assumed his form and voice and was standing before the door. Meanwhile Peter continued his knocking at the door, anxious to be off the street, where there was always some danger of a late pedestrian’s recognizing him. So they finally opened the door, saw and recognized him, and were greatly astonished. Their prayers had been heard far beyond their own expectations; the miracle was too great for them to grasp. Thus the Lord’s hand is with His servants to protect them in all their work of ministry for Him. Note the kindly, intimate relations between the servant Rhoda and the other members of the household. If this story were taken as an example by masters and employees alike, there would be no servant problem in our days.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Act 12:11. Now I know of a surety, &c. The apostle may be understood here as alluding to a similar deliverance, chap. Act 5:19. Thetime in which he was delivered was very critical,it being the night preceding the day appointed for his execution; and if the apostle had not been thus miraculously freed, he would probably have been put to death like Stephen or James.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
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) 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. (13) And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. (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. (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. (16) But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. (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 show these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
This interview must have been particularly interesting. The Lord which brought Peter from the prison, no doubt directed his steps to the house of Mary the mother of Mark. See Col 4:10 . Here he found many of the Church at prayer for him (see Act 12:5 ). The knocking at such an hour, and at such a time, as the night before the intended execution of Peter, must have excited wonderful apprehensions. Who shall describe what the different party felt? It seems they were all panic struck; for none ventured to go to the gate. At length a damsel went, perhaps chosen for this purpose, that whoever it was knocking, the voice of a mere child, might not convey an idea, that there was any fear within. Ye people of God! judge ye, for I cannot explain, how these things, and similar ones, sometimes operate in life. Oh! what a world of wonders will be explained at the great day of account! The name of Rhoda, which signifies Rose, would not have been memorable but from this circumstance. The situation of Peter, however, compelled him to be importunate. And when at length they opened the door, (for it should seem that the whole party went to do it,) what surprise it must have occasioned !
But, Reader! the grand point remains to be considered. Do not overlook, the blessed answers to prayer in Peter’s deliverance. So gracious, so abundantly gracious was the Lord in this event, that they who were so earnest in prayers, did not believe the thing was done, when answers came to their prayers: so that the Lord far exceeded all their expectations. And oh! how often, both before and since, hath the Lord done so by all his people! See a beautiful proof of it in the Church of old, Psa 126 throughout.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
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.
Ver. 11. Now I know of a surety ] Faith cannot he idle, or ungrateful for benefits received. If Peter have none else to tell it to, he will tell himself what God had done for him by his angel; and what great cause he had to be really and substantially thankful. So doth David, Psa 103:1-4 , &c. A good man can never be alone; for, in defect of other company, he can fruitfully converse with himself, and commune with his own conscience, and thereupon lift up many a humble, joyful, and thankful heart to God.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
11. ] . , as E. V. coming to himself : having recovered his self-consciousness. He was before in the half consciousness of one who is dreaming and knows that it is a dream: except that in his case the dream was the truth , and his supposition the unreality.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Act 12:11 . , cf. Luk 15:17 , and compare instances of similar phrases in Greek and Latin classical writers in Wetstein and Blass. , see critical notes, if without the article Nsgen (so Weiss) takes it of God, Jehovah. : a compound only found in Luke and Paul; four times in Luke’s Gospel, six or seven times in Acts, and Gal 4:4 ; Gal 4:6 ; very frequent in LXX, and used also in active voice by Polybius. .: close parallels in LXX, cf. Exo 3:8 , 2Sa 22:1 , Isa 43:13 , Bar 4:18 ; Bar 4:21 , etc. : Hebraism, cf. Luk 1:74 . The expression is also classical, Blass, Gram. , p. 127, for close parallel. : only in Luke here and in Luk 21:26 , cf. Gen 49:10 , but more allied to its sense here Psa 119:116 , Wis 17:13 , Sir 40:2 , and in 2 and 3 Macc. (see H. and R.), and Psalms of Solomon , Tit. 11; frequently in classics. Hobart claims as a medical word, especially as the verb is also so frequent in Luke; so too Zahn, Didache 1 N. T. , p. 436; but see Plummer on Luk 21:36 . Both verb and noun are also frequent in classical use.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Acts
‘SOBER CERTAINTY’
Act 12:11
Where did Luke get his information of Peter’s thoughts in that hour? This verse sounds like first-hand knowledge. Not impossibly John Mark may have been his informant, for we know that both were in Rome together at a later period. In any case, it is clear that, through whatever channels this piece of minute knowledge reached Luke, it must have come originally from Peter himself. And what a touch of naturalness and evident truth it is! No wonder that the Apostle was half dazed as he came from his dungeon, through the prison corridors and out into the street. To be wakened by an angel, and to have such following experiences, would amaze most men.
I. The bewilderment of the released captive.
The angel has to be gone before we are sure that he was really here. The tumult of emotion in an experience needs to be calmed down before we understand the experience. Reflection discovers more of heaven and of God in the great moments of our lives than was visible to us while we were living through them,
There is one region in which this is especially true-that of the religious life. There sometimes attend its beginnings in a soul a certain excitement and perturbation which disable from calm realising of the greatness of the change which has passed. And it is well when that excitement is quieted down and succeeded by meditative reflection on the treasures that have been poured into the lap, almost as in the dark. No man understands what he has received when he first receives Christ and Christ’s gifts. It occupies a lifetime to take possession of that which we possess from the first in Him, and the oldest saint is as far from full possession of the unspeakable and infinite ‘gift of God,’ as the babes in Christ are.
But, looking more generally at this characteristic of not rightly understanding the great epochs of our lives till they are past, we may note that, while in part it is inevitable and natural, there is an element of fault in it. If we lived in closer fellowship with God, we should live in an atmosphere of continual calm, and nothing, either sorrowful or joyful, would be able so to sweep us off our feet that we should be bewildered by it. Astonishment would never so fill our souls as that we could not rightly appraise events, nor should we need any time, even in the thick of the most wonderful experiences, to ‘come to’ ourselves and discern the angel.
But if it be so that our lives disclose their meanings best, when we look back on them, how much of the understanding of them, and the drawing of all its sweetness out of each event in them, is entrusted to memory! And how negligent of a great means of happiness and strength we are, if we do not often muse on ‘all the way by which God the Lord has led us these many years in the wilderness’! It is needful for Christian progress to ‘forget the things that are behind,’ and not to let them limit our expectations nor prescribe our methods, but it is quite as needful to remember our past, or rather God’s past with us, in order to confirm our grateful faith and enlarge our boundless hope.
II. The disappearance of the angel.
III. The symbol here of a greater deliverance.
Fuente: Expositions Of Holy Scripture by Alexander MacLaren
when, &c. Peter, having come to be.
to himself = in (Greek. en) himself, i.e. in his right senses. Compare “out of his senses”, or “beside himself”.
know. Greek. oida, as in Act 12:9.
of a surety = truly. Greek. alethos. Compare App-175.
hath sent = sent. Greek. exapostello. App-174.
hath delivered = delivered. See note on Act 7:10.
expectation = eager looking. Greek. prosdokia. Elsewhere only in Luk 21:26. Compare App-133.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
11.] ., as E. V. coming to himself: having recovered his self-consciousness. He was before in the half consciousness of one who is dreaming and knows that it is a dream: except that in his case the dream was the truth, and his supposition the unreality.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Act 12:11. , he said) with a ready, grateful, pious, joyful mind.- , I know of a truth) The antithesis is, he thought, Act 12:9. All things externally accorded with the internal vision.- , hath delivered me) It was not yet the time that Peter should die: Joh 21:18.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
angel
(See Scofield “Heb 1:4”).
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
was come: He was in an ecstasy; and it was only when the angel left him, that he was fully convinced that all was real. Luk 15:17
I know: Gen 15:13, Gen 18:13, Gen 26:9
that the: Act 12:7, Act 5:19, 2Ch 16:9, Psa 34:7, Dan 3:25, Dan 3:28, Dan 6:22, Heb 1:14
and hath: 2Sa 22:1, Job 5:19, Psa 33:18, Psa 34:22, Psa 41:2, Psa 97:10, Psa 109:31, 2Co 1:8-10, 2Pe 2:9
all: Act 23:12-30, Act 24:27, Act 25:3-5, Act 25:9, Job 31:31
Reciprocal: Exo 18:4 – delivered Est 9:1 – hoped Job 5:12 – their hands Psa 37:14 – wicked Psa 57:3 – send Psa 119:95 – wicked Isa 63:9 – the angel Jer 36:26 – but Mat 2:13 – the angel Mat 17:8 – they saw Act 4:23 – they Act 11:13 – he showed Rev 22:6 – sent
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1
Act 12:11. Come to himself. After the angel disappeared, Peter observed that he was on one of the streets of the city, out of the vicinity of the prison. He knew that to be there it was necessary to escape the two soldiers lying by him, and the two near the gate, likewise get through the iron gate in the prison outer wall. This is what caused him to come to himself and to conclude that his experience was not “only a dream.”
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Act 12:11. And when Peter was come to himself. Up to this time, all that had happened had seemed to Peter as a dream; but now, when he stood alone in the midst of the city, and he called to mind distinctly all the varied circumstances of his deliverance, and the angels calm, deliberate directions, he at once with deep gratitude recognised whence came his deliverance,he perceived that the radiant Messenger was from his Master.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Observe here, 1. The wise and holy course which the church took for the apostles enlargement, and that was keeping a day of prayer. A number of Christians get together, and importune heaven; the enemies plot, the church prays; they shut the prison doors, the church opens heaven’s doors, and God gives Peter in, as an answer of prayer, before they rose off from their knees.
Oh how good is it to draw nigh to God! What a prayer-hearing God is our God! How great is the power and prevalency of the conjoined prayers of good men! God’s praying people ever have been, and will be, a prevailing people. Whilst these pious souls were in the very act of calling upon God for Peter’s release, God gives in Peter released to them. God never wants means for his people’s deliverance, when he is once set on work by the prayers of his people.
Observe 2. St. Peter being delivered, meditates whilst he was walking in the streets, and going along by himself, of the greatness of his danger, and the graciousness of his deliverance: Holy and suitable thoughts, pious meditations and ejaculations, do well become us in any place, at all times and upon all occasions, but especially after signal deliverances from signal dangers. We can never enough ruminate upon them, or be sufficiently thankful for them.
Observe, 3. The wisdom and goodness of the divine providence in directing Peter in the dead of the night, to the house where the saints were praying for him. This is the more remarkable, because the angel having done his work which God sent him upon, after he had delivered Peter from his chains and imprisonment, he left him to shift for himself, and to take care of his own safety; but though an angel left him, yet the providence of God conducted him to a place where he was both safe and welcome.
Observe, 4. What an ancient opinion it was, that every good man had a guardian angel appointed him by God, to take a special care of him to his life’s end; to direct him in his way, to guard him from dangers, and to deliver him in his distresses; They say, It is his angel. For which saying there could be no reason, had there not been a current opinion among them of guardian angels.
Blessed be God, his holy angels are our keepers, our counsellors, our defenders, our loving and friendly associates: and they shall never depart from us, till they have conducted us safely to our heavenly Father’s house, where we shall be “as the angels of God in heaven.”
Observe, 5. How Peter gives God, and not the angel, the glory of his deliverance, Act 12:17. “He declared how the Lord had brought him out of the prison.” The angel was but the instrument, God was the principal agent, Act 12:11. “The Lord hath sent his angel, and delivered me out of the hand of Herod.” All deliverances must be ascribed to him who commands deliverance for his people.
Observe, 6. The prudential care which St. Peter takes for his future preservation. “He departed and went to another place.” He could not think himself safe whilst Herod was so near, no more than a lamb could be safe near the lion’s den. He knew he should be hunted for, therefore escapes for his life. And besides his own danger, he was not willing to endanger his friends, who did now entertain and harbour him: but both for his own and their preservation, he departs to another place.
Learn, That a prudential use of all lawful means for our own and others preservation, in subserviency to the divine providence, is our duty, our wisdom and interest, both as men and Christians.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Act 12:11-15. When Peter was come to himself And perceived that the extraordinary things which had been shown him were not visionary representations, but real facts; and when he saw where he was; he said, Now know I of a surety, that the Lord In whose cause I was upon the point of suffering; hath sent his angel, and delivered me As he formerly did, Act 5:19. I know that my deliverance is real and effectual; out of the hand of Herod Who not only intended my destruction, but thought he had taken effectual measures assuredly to accomplish it; and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews Who, notwithstanding the many beneficial miracles I have wrought among them, were thirsting for my blood, and waiting impatiently to see me executed. And when he had considered the thing How imminent his danger was, and how great his deliverance, and now what was best to be done; he came to the house of Mary A friends house, which, it is likely, was near, and where many, even then, though it was midnight; were gathered together, praying Doubtless, for his deliverance; God thus answering them while they were yet speaking, and bringing him, for whom they were so much concerned, to the very house in which they were assembled, praying for his release. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate Of an outer gate at some distance from the house, designing, it seems, to awaken them out of sleep; a damsel came to hearken Whether any one knocked, and if so, not to open the door till she knew who was there, a friend or foe, and what his business was at that unseasonable time of the night. This damsel was probably a Christian, and even of some note in the church, as her name is mentioned, and more zealously affected toward the cause of Christ than the generality of her age. And when she knew Peters voice Having probably often heard him pray, preach, and discourse; she opened not the gate for gladness Through surprise and an ecstasy of joy. Thus, sometimes, in a transport of affection toward our friends, we do what is unkind to them; but ran in Instantly, to the company that were assembled in the house; and told that Peter stood before the gate As she certainly believed, though she had not had courage or presence of mind to open the gate. And they said, Thou art mad Surely thou art out of thy senses, to imagine so incredible and impossible a thing, for Peter is undoubtedly in prison, strongly guarded. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so Persisted in it, that she was sure she had heard his voice. Then said they, It is his angel His guardian angel, who has assumed his form, and imitates his voice, to bring us some tidings of him. It was a common opinion among the Jews, that every man had his particular guardian angel, who frequently assumed both his shape and voice: and Philo speaks of it as also a received notion among the Jews, that the souls of good men deceased officiate as ministering spirits. But these are points on which the Scriptures are silent. And whatever the notion of the Jews was concerning them, no argument can be drawn from it, as to the truth of either of those suppositions.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
See notes one verse 7