1And at the same time, Herod the king stretched forth his hands, to afflict some of the church. 2And he killed James, the brother of John, With the sword. 3And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take up Peter also. Now it was in the days of the Azymes. 4And when he had apprehended him, he cast him into prison, delivering him to four files of soldiers, to be kept, intending, after the pasch, to bring him forth to the people. 5Peter therefore was kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him. 6And 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. 7And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shined in the room. And he, striking Peter on the side, raised him up, saying: Arise quickly. And the chains fell off from his hands. 8And the angel said to him: Gird thyself and put on thy sandals. And he did so. And he said to him: Cast thy garment about thee and follow me, 9And going out, he followed him. And he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel: but thought he saw a vision. 10And passing through the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city which of itself opened to them. And going out, they passed on through one street. And immediately the angel departed from him. 11And Peter coming to himself, said: Now I know in very deed 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. 12And considering, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, who was surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together and praying. 13And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken whose name was Rhode. 14And as soon as she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for joy: but running in she told that Peter stood before the gate. 15But they said to her: Thou art mad. But she affirmed that it was so. Then said they: It is his angel. 16But Peter continued knocking. And when they had opened, they saw him and were astonished. 17But he, beckoning to them with his hand to hold their peace, told how the Lord had brought him out of prison. And he said: Tell these things to James and to the brethren. And going out, he went into another place. 18Now when day was come, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 19And when Herod had sought for him and found him not, having examined the keepers, he commanded they should be put to death. And going down from Judea to Caesarea, he abode there. 20And he was angry with the Tyrians and the Sidonians. But they with one accord came to him: and, having gained Blastus who was the king's chamberlain, they desired peace, because their countries were nourished by him. 21And upon a day appointed, Herod being arrayed in kingly apparel, sat in the judgment seat and made an oration to them. 22And the people made acclamation, saying: It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23And forthwith an angel of the Lord struck him, because he had not given the honour to God: and, being eaten up by worms, he gave up the ghost. 24But the word of the Lord increased and multiplied. 25And Barnabas and Saul, returned from Jerusalem, having fulfilled their ministry, taking with them John who was surnamed Mark.
Challoner’s argument, 1750
Herod's persecution. Peter's deliverance by an angel. Herod's punishment.
Found outside this book
- Herod Agrippa Iking of Judea; Josephus describes his death at Caesarea10 BC – AD 44
What the Fathers said
Chrysostom preached on the Acts at Constantinople in 400 or 401. His is the only complete patristic commentary on the book to survive.
- Homily 25 · on Acts 11:19 "Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that rose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none…
- Homily 26 · on Acts 12:1, 2 "Now at that time Herod the King stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw…
- Homily 27 · on Acts 12:18, 19 "Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined…