To take Peter also. Peter was one of the most conspicuous men in the church. He had made himself particularly obnoxious by his severe and pungent discourses, and by his success in winning men to Christ. It was natural, therefore, that he should be the next object of attack.

The days of unleavened bread. The passover, or the seven days immediately succeeding the passover, during which they were required to eat bread without leaven, Exodus 12:15-18. It was some time during this period that Herod chose to apprehend Peter.

Why this season was selected is not known. As it was, however, a season of religious solemnity, and as Herod was desirous of showing his attachment to the religious rites of the nation, (Josephus, Ant., b. xix., chap. 7,  3,) it is probable that he chose this period to show to them more impressively his purpose to oppose all false religions, and to maintain the existing establishments of the nation.

{d} "pleased the Jews" Acts 24:27
{e} "take Peter also" John 21:18
{f} "days of unleavened bread" 12:14,15

Verse 4. And when he had apprehended him. When he had taken or arrested him.

He put him in prison. During the solemnities of this religious festival, it would have been deemed improper to have engaged in the trial of a supposed criminal. The minds of the people were expected to be devoted solely to the solemnities of religion; and hence Herod chose to retain him in custody until the passover had ended.

To four quaternions of soldiers. A quaternion was a company of four; consequently the whole number employed here was sixteen. The Romans divided the night into four watches, so that the guards could be relieved; those who were on guard occupying three hours, and being then relieved. Of the four who were on guard, two were with Peter in the prison, Acts 12:6, and two kept watch before the door of the prison. The utmost precaution was thus taken that he should not escape; and Herod thus gave the most ample assurance to the Jews of his intention to secure Peter, and to bring him to trial.

Intending after Easter. There never was a more absurd or unhappy translation than this. The original is simply after the Passover, \~meta to pasca\~. The word Easter now denotes the festival observed by many Christian churches in honour of the resurrection of the Saviour. But the original has no reference to that; nor is there the slightest evidence that any such festival was observed at the time when this book was written. The translation is not only unhappy, as it does not convey at all the meaning of the original, but because it may contribute to foster an opinion that such a festival was observed in the times of the apostles. The word Easter is of Saxon origin, and is supposed to be derived from Eostre, the goddess of love, or the Venus of the North, in honour of whom a festival was celebrated by our pagan ancestors in the month of April. (Webster.) As this festival coincided with the Passover of the Jews, and with the feast observed by Christians in honour of the resurrection of Christ, the name came to be used to denote the latter. In the old Anglo-Saxon service-books the term Easter is used frequently to translate the word Passover. In the translation by Wicliffe, the word paske, i.e., passover, is used. But Tindal and Coverdale used the word Easter, and hence it has very improperly crept into our translation. (Clark.)

To bring him forth to the people. That is, evidently, to put him publicly to death to gratify them. The providence of God, in regard to Peter, is thus remarkable. Instead of his being put suddenly to death, as was James, he was reserved for future trial; and thus an abundant opportunity was given for the prayers of the church, and for his consequent release.

Verse 5. But prayer was made. The church was apprized of his imprisonment and danger; and had no resource but to apply to God by prayer. In scenes of danger there is no other refuge; and the result shows that, even in most discouraging circumstances, God can hear prayer. Nothing scarcely could appear more hopeless than the idea of rescuing Peter out of the hands of Herod, and out of the prison, and out of the custody of sixteen men, by prayer. But the prayer of faith was prevalent with God.

Without ceasing. Intense, steady, ardent prayer. The word here used, \~ektenhv\~, is found in but one other place in the New Testament. 1 Peter 4:8: "Have fervent charity among yourselves." The word has rather the idea that their prayer was earnest and fervent, than that it was constant.

Of the church. By the church.

{1} "prayer" "instant and earnest prayer was made"
2 Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:18,19; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:16 {*} "without ceasing" "earnestly"

Verse 6. 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 Herod intended to bring him to punishment, Peter was rescued.

Peter was sleeping. Here is an instance of remarkable composure, and one 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 was 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.

Between two soldiers. See Barnes "Acts 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 Lardner's Credibility, part i. chap. x.  9, Lond. ed. 1829, vol. i. pp. 242, 243, etc.

And the keepers, etc. See Acts 12:4. Two soldiers were stationed at the door. We may see now that every possible precaution was used to insure the safe custody of Peter.

(1.) He was in prison.

(2.) He was in 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 or weariness 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. And in this way every possible security was given for the safe keeping of Peter. But God can deliver in spite of all the precautions of men; and it is easy for him to overcome the most cunning devices of his enemies.

{+} "kept the prison" "guarded"

Verse 7. And, behold, the angel of the Lord. See Barnes "Acts 5:19".

Came upon him. Greek, was present with him; stood near him, \~epesth\~

And a light shined in the prison. Many have supposed that this was lightning. But light, and splendour, and shining apparel, are commonly represented as the accompaniments of the heavenly beings when they visit the earth, Luke 2:9; 24:4. Comp. Mark 9:3. It is highly probable that this light was discerned only by Peter; and it would be to him an undoubted proof of the Divine interposition in his behalf.

And he smote Peter on the side. This was doubtless a gentle blow or stroke to arouse him from sleep.

And his chains, etc. This could have been only by Divine power. No natural means were used, or could have been used without arousing the guard. It is a sublime expression of the ease with which God can deliver from danger, and rescue his friends. Comp. Acts 16:26.

{b} "his chains" Acts 16:26

Verse 8. Gird thyself. When they slept, the outer garment was thrown off, and the girdle with which they bound their inner garment, or tunic, was loosed. He was directed now to gird up that inner garment as they usually wore it; that is, to dress himself, and prepare to follow him.

Bind on thy sandals. Put on thy sandals--prepared to walk. See Barnes "Matthew 3:11".

Cast thy garment about thee. The outer garment, that was thrown loosely around the shoulders. It was nearly square, and was laid aside when they slept, or worked, or ran. The direction was, that he should dress himself in his usual apparel. See Barnes "Matthew 5:38-42".

{++} "garment" "mantle"

Verse 9. And wist not Knew not.

Saw a vision. That is, was a representation made to his mind, similar to that which he had seen before. Comp. Acts 10:11,12. It was so astonishing, so unexpected, so wonderful, that he could not realize that it was true.

{} "wist" "knew"
{c} "that it was" Psalms 126:1
{*} "true" "real"
{d} "vision" Acts 10:3,17

Verse 10. The first and the second ward. The word which is here rendered ward, \~fulakhn\~ properly denotes the act of guarding; but it is most commonly used to denote a prison, or place of confinement. In this place it seems to denote the guard itself--the soldiers stationed at intervals in the entrance into the prison. These were passed silently, probably a deep sleep having been sent on them to facilitate the escape of Peter.

The iron gate. The outer gate, secured with iron, as the doors of prisons are now.

That leadeth unto the city. Or, rather, into \~eiv\~ the city. Jerusalem was surrounded by three walls. (See Lightfoot on this place.) The prison is supposed to have been situated between two of these walls. And it is probable that the entrance to the prison was immediately from the inner wall, so that this gate opened directly into the city.

Of his own accord. Itself. It opened spontaneously, without the application of any force, or key, thus showing conclusively that Peter was delivered by miraculous interposition.

And passed on through one street. Till Peter was entirely safe from any danger of pursuit, and then the angel left him. God had effected his complete rescue, and now left him to his own efforts as usual.

{@} "ward" "guard"

Verse 11. And when Peter was come to himself. This expression naturally means, when he had overcome his 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 amaze us; and such are their suddenness, and rapidity, and unexpected character in their development, as to confound us, and prevent calm and collected reflection.

Of a surety. Certainly; surely. He considered all the circumstances; he saw that he was actually at liberty and 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.

{**} "surety" "Certainty"
{e} "his angel" 2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalms 34:7; Daniel 3:28; 6:22; Hebrews 1:14
{f} "hath delivered" Psalms 33:18,19; 97:10; 2 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Peter 2:9

Verse 12. And when he had considered, etc. Thinking on the subject; considering what he should do in these circumstances.

He came to the house of Mary, etc. Probably this house was near him; and he would naturally seek the dwelling of a Christian friend.

The mother of John, etc. 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 he was called by either--the Greeks probably using the name Mark, and the Jews the name John. He is frequently mentioned afterwards, as having been the attendant of Paul and Barnabas in their travels, Acts 12:25; 15:39; 2 Timothy 4:11 He was a nephew of Barnabas, Colossians 4:10.

Where many were gathered together praying. This was in the night; and it shows the propriety of observing extraordinary seasons of prayer, even in the night. Peter was to have been put to death the next day; and they assembled to pray for his release, and did not intermit their prayers. When dangers increase around us and our friends, we should become more fervent in prayer. While life remains we may pray; and even when there is no human hope, and we may have no power to heal or deliver, still God may interpose, as he did here, in answer to prayer.

{a} "Many were gathered" Acts 12:5

Verse 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 Barnes "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 palm-tree; etc. (Grotius.)

{*} "gate" "Porch"
{1} "came to hearken" "to ask who was there"

Verse 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.

{*} "gate" "porch"

Verse 15. Thou art mad. Thou art insane. They seem 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 of their own petitions, and are slow to believe that the very thing for which they have sought could be granted. It shows, perhaps, with how little faith, after all, they pray; and how slow they are to believe that God can hear and answer prayer. In a revival of religion, in answer to prayer, Christians are often overwhelmed, and astonished when even their own petitions are granted, and when God manifests his own power in his own way and time. Prayer should be persevered in, and we should place ourselves in a waiting posture to catch the first indications that God has heard us with joy.

But she constantly affirmed it. She insisted on it. How much better it would have been to have hastened at once to the gate, than thus to have engaged in a controversy on the subject. Peter was suffered to remain knocking, while they debated the matter. Christians are often engaged in some unprofitable controversy, when they should hasten to catch the first tokens of Divine favour, and open their arms to welcome the proofs that God has heard their prayers.

Then said they. Still resolved not to be convinced.

It is his angel. Any way of accounting for it rather than to admit the simple fact, or to ascertain the simple truth. All this was produced by the little hope which they had of his release, and their earnest desire that it should be so. It was just such a state of mind as is indicated when we say, "the news is too good to be believed." The expression it is his angel may mean, that they supposed the tutelary guardian, or angel appointed to attend Peter, had come to announce something respecting him, and that he had assumed the voice and form of Peter, in order to render them certain that he came from him. This notion arose from the common belief of the Jews, that each individual had assigned to him, at birth, a celestial spirit, whose office it was to guard and defend him through life. See Barnes "Matthew 18:10". That the Jews entertained this opinion is clear from their writings. (See Kuin”el.) Lightfoot thinks that they who were assembled supposed that this angel had assumed the voice and manner of Peter, in order to intimate to them that he was about to die, and to excite them to earnest prayer that he might die with constancy and firmness. Whatever their opinions were, however, it proves nothing on these points. There is no evidence that they were inspired in these opinions; nor are their notions countenanced by the Scriptures. They were the mere common traditions of the Jews, and prove nothing in regard to the truth of the opinion one way or the other.

{+} "constantly" "consistently"
{b} "his angel" Matthew 18:10

Verse 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.

Verse 17. But he beckoning, etc. 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 neighbouring Jews, and produce danger. But religion is calm and peaceful; and its great scenes and surprising deliverances are rather fitted to awe the soul, to produce calm, sober, and grateful contemplation, than the noise of rejoicing, and the shoutings of exultation. The consciousness of the presence of God, and of his mighty power, does not produce rapturous disorder and tumult, but holy, solemn, calm, grateful emotion.

Go, shew these things, etc. Acquaint them that their prayer is heard, and that they may rejoice also at the mercy of God.

Unto James. James the son of Alpheus, commonly called the Less. Note, Acts 12:2; 1:13; Matthew 10:2.

{c} "beckoning" Acts 13:16
{*) "peace" "Be silent" {1} "declared" "related"
{2} "shew" "report"

Verse 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.

{**} "stir" "disturbance"

Verse 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 to expect for having suffered his escape.

And he went down, etc. How soon after the escape of Peter he went down to Caesarea, or how long he abode there, is not known. Caesarea was rising into magnificence, and the Roman governors made it often their abode. See Barnes "Acts 8:40" comp. Acts 25:1,4. This journey of Herod is related by Josephus, Antiq. b. xix. chap. viii.  2. He says that it was after he had reigned over all Judea three years.

And there abode. That is, till his death, which occurred shortly after. We do not learn that he made any further inquiry after Peter, or that he attempted any further persecutions of the Christians. The guard was undoubtedly put to death; and thus Herod used all his power to create the impression that Peter had escaped by their negligence; and this would undoubtedly be believed by the Jews. See Matthew 28:15. He might himself perhaps be convinced, however, that the escape was by miracle, and be afraid to attempt any further persecutions; or the affairs of his government might have called off his attention to other things; and thus, as in the case of the "persecution that arose about Stephen," the political changes and dangers might divert the attention from putting Christians to death. See Barnes "Acts 9:31". Thus by the Providence of God this persecution, that had been commenced, not by popular tumult, but by royal authority and power, and that was aimed at the very pillars of the church, ceased. The prayers of the church prevailed; and the monarch was overcome, disappointed, humbled, and by Divine judgment soon put to death.

Verse 20. And Herod was highly displeased, etc. Greek, Bare an hostile mind, intending war. See the margin. The Greek word--\~yumomacwn\~ --does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means to meditate war; to purpose war in the mind; or here probably, to be enraged or angry at them. What was the cause of this hostility to the people of Tyre and Sidon is not mentioned, and conjecture is useless. It is not at all inconsistent, however, with the well-known character of Herod. It was probably from some cause relating to commerce. Tyre and Sidon were under the Roman power, and had some shadow of liberty, (Grotius;) and it is probable that they might have embarrassed Herod in some of his regulations respecting commerce.

Tyre and Sidon. See Barnes "Matthew 11:21". They were north of Caesarea.

They came with one accord. Fearing the effects of his anger, they united in sending an embassage to him to make peace.

Blastus the king's chamberlain. See Romans 16:23. The word chamberlain denotes an officer who is charged with the direction and management of a chamber, or chambers, particularly a bed-chamber. It denotes, here, a man who had charge of the bed-chamber of Herod.

Because their country was nourished, etc. Was supplied by the territories of Herod. The country of Tyre and Sidon included a narrow strip of land on the coast of the Mediterranean. Of course they were dependent for provisions, and for articles of commerce, on the interior country; but this belonged to the kingdom of Herod; and as they were entirely dependent on his country, as he had power to dry up the sources of their supports, and commerce, they were the more urgent to secure his favour.

{1} "highly displeased" "bare an hostile mind, intending war"
{*} "accord" "consent"
{2} "king's chamberlain" "That was over the king's bed-chamber"
{a} "their country" Ezekiel 27:17

Verse 21. And upon a set day. An appointed, public day. This was the second day of the sports and games which Herod celebrated in Caesarea in honour of Claudius Caesar. Josephus has given an account of this occurrence, which coincides remarkably with the narrative here. The account is contained in his Antiquities of the Jews, b. xix. chap. viii.  2, and is as follows:

"Now when Agrippa had reigned three years over all Judea, he came to the city Caesarea, which was formerly called Strato's Tower; and there he exhibited shows in honour of Caesar, upon his being informed that there was a certain festival celebrated to make vows for his safety. At which festival a great multitude was gotten together of the principal persons, and such as were of dignity throughout his province. On the second day of which shows, he put on a garment made wholly of silver,"

Arrayed in royal apparel. In the apparel of a king. Josephus thus describes the dress which Herod wore on that occasion:

"He put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of wonderful contexture, and early in the morning came into the theatre, place of the shows and games at which time the silver of his garment, being illuminated by the first reflection of the sun's rays upon it, shone after a surprising manner, and was so resplendent as to spread a horror over those that looked intently on him."

Made an oration. Addressed the people. What was the subject of this speech is not intimated by Luke or Josephus.

{+} "set day" "An appointed"

Verse 22. And the people gave a shout. A loud applause.

It is the voice of a god, etc. It is not probable that the Jews joined in this acclamation, but that it was made by the idolatrous Gentiles. Josephus gives a similar account of their feelings and conduct. He says,

"And presently his flatterers cried out, one from one place, and another from another, (though not for his good,) that he was a god; and they added, 'Be thou merciful unto us, for although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a king, yet shall we henceforth own thee as a superior to mortal nature.'"

{b} "voice of a god" Jude 1:16

Verse 23. And immediately the angel of the Lord. Diseases and death are, in the Scriptures, often attributed to an angel. See 2 Samuel 24:16; 1 Chronicles 21:12,15,20,27; 2 Chronicles 32:21. It is not intended that there was a miracle in this case, but it certainly is intended by the sacred writer, that his death was a Divine judgment on him for his receiving homage as a god. Josephus says of him that he

"did neither rebuke them, [the people,] nor reject their impious flattery. A severe pain arose in his belly, and began in a most violent manner. And when he was quite worn out by the pain in his belly for five days, he departed this life, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, and the seventh of his reign."

Because he gave not God the glory. Because he was willing himself to receive the worship due to God. It was the more sinful in him as he was a Jew, and was acquainted with the true God, and with the evils of idolatry. He was proud, and willing to be flattered, and even adored. He had sought their applause; he had arrayed himself in this splendid manner to excite their admiration; and when they carried it even so far as to offer Divine homage, he did not reject the impious flattery, but listened still to their praises. Hence he was judged; and God vindicated his own insulted honour by inflicting severe pains on him, and by his most awful death.

And he was eaten of worms. The word used here is not elsewhere found in the New Testament. A similar disease is recorded of Antiochus Epiphanes, in the Apocrypha; 2 Mac. ix. 5,

"But the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, smote him with an invisible and incurable plague; for a pain in the bowels, that was remediless, came upon him, and sore torments of the inner parts, (yet. 9,) so that worms rose up out of the body of this wicked man," etc.

(1.) that sudden and violent deaths are often an act of direct Divine judgment on wicked men.

(2.) That men, when they seek praise and flattery, expose themselves to the displeasure of God. His glory he will not give to another.

(3.) That the most proud, and mighty, and magnificent princes, have no security of their lives. God can in a moment--even when they are surrounded by their worshippers and flatterers--touch the seat of life, and turn them to loathsomeness and putrefaction. What a pitiable being is a man of pride receiving from his fellow-men that homage which is due to God alone! See Isaiah 14.

(4.) Pride and vanity, in any station of life, are hateful in the sight of God. Nothing is more inappropriate to our situation as lost, dying sinners, and nothing will more certainly meet the wrath of heaven.

(5.) We have here a strong confirmation of the truth of the sacred narrative. In all essential particulars, Luke coincides in his account of the death of Herod with Josephus. This is one of the many circumstances which go to show that the sacred Scriptures were written at the time when they professed to be; and that they accord with the truth. See Lardner's Credibility, part i. chap. 1. & 6.

{+} "gave up the ghost" "expired"

Verse 24. But the word of God grew, etc. Great success attended it. The persecutions had now ceased; and notwithstanding all the attempts which had been made to crush it, still the church increased and flourished. The liberation of Peter and the death of Herod would contribute to extend it. It was a new evidence of Divine interposition in behalf of the church; it would augment the zeal of Christians; it would humble their enemies; and fill those with fear who had attempted to oppose and crush the church of God.

{a} "grew" Colossians 1:6

Verse 25. Returned from Jerusalem. They had gone to Jerusalem to carry alms, and they now returned to Antioch, Acts 11:30.

When they had fulfilled their ministry. When they had accomplished the purpose for which they had been sent there; that is, to deposit the alms of the church at Antioch, in the hands of the elders of the churches, chap. xi. 30.

John, whose surname was Mark. Acts 11:30".