Acts 12 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Acts 12 meaning explained in AI Summary

Persecution by Herod: King Herod persecutes the church, killing James and imprisoning Peter.
Miraculous Escape: Peter is miraculously freed from prison by an angel.

This chapter marks a turning point in Acts, shifting focus from Peter to Paul. It highlights the power of God amidst persecution and His sovereignty over human plans.

Persecution and Deliverance:

Herod Agrippa I, seeking Jewish favor, executes James (John's brother) and imprisons Peter.
The church fervently prays for Peter's release.
An angel miraculously frees Peter from prison, even striking down a guard.
Peter goes to the house of Mary (John Mark's mother), where believers are gathered, and they rejoice at his miraculous escape.

Herod's Demise and God's Power:

Herod, enraged by Peter's escape, punishes the guards.
He travels to Caesarea and receives praise as a god from the people of Tyre and Sidon.
An angel of the Lord strikes Herod for accepting their worship, and he dies a gruesome death.
God's word continues to spread despite persecution.

Transition to Paul's Ministry:

Barnabas and Saul return from Jerusalem after delivering famine relief, bringing John Mark with them.

Key Themes:

The Power of Prayer: The church's fervent prayers lead to Peter's miraculous deliverance.
God's Sovereignty: God's plans prevail over human intentions, as seen in Herod's demise and the spread of the Gospel despite persecution.
Transition of Leadership: The chapter marks a shift from Peter to Paul as a central figure in spreading the Gospel.

This chapter serves as a reminder that even in the face of persecution and hardship, God is at work, answering prayers, protecting His people, and advancing His kingdom.

Acts 12 bible study ai commentary

The central theme of Acts 12 is the dramatic contrast between the power of a prideful earthly king (Herod) and the sovereign power of the living God, which is unleashed through the fervent prayer of His church. The chapter demonstrates that while persecution is real and can claim the life of an apostle, God's plan and the spread of His word cannot be thwarted by human opposition. Divine intervention provides miraculous deliverance for His people and swift judgment for His enemies, ultimately resulting in the growth of the church.

Acts 12 context

Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, ruled Judea from AD 41-44. Unlike other Herods, he was popular with the Jewish religious leaders because he carefully observed Jewish law. His persecution of the church was a politically motivated act to further solidify his favor with this influential group. The events occur during the "days of Unleavened Bread," the festival immediately following Passover, a time when Jerusalem would be filled with devout Jews, making Herod's public actions especially significant.

Acts 12:1-2

Now about that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword.

In-depth-analysis

Herod the king: This is Herod Agrippa I, distinguishing him from Herod Antipas (who beheaded John the Baptist) and Herod the Great (who ordered the slaughter of the infants in Bethlehem).
Laid violent hands: The Greek term signifies a hostile attack and initiating evil. This marks an escalation from scattered persecution (Acts 8:1) to state-sponsored attacks on the church's leadership.
James the brother of John: One of the three disciples in Jesus' inner circle (along with Peter and John). He is the first of the twelve apostles to be martyred, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy.
With the sword: Beheading was a Roman form of execution, indicating this was an official, legal (though unjust) act. This quick, almost blunt reporting emphasizes the brutal reality the early church faced.

Bible references

Mark 10:39: "And they said to him, 'We are able.' And Jesus said to them, 'The cup that I drink you will drink...'" (Prophetic fulfillment of James sharing in Christ's suffering).
Matthew 20:22-23: "Jesus answered..., 'Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?' They said to him, 'We are able.'" (Parallel account of the same prophecy).

Cross references

Mat 4:21 (James' calling); Mat 10:2 (named as an apostle); Mar 1:19-20 (called with John); Mat 17:1 (present at the Transfiguration).

Acts 12:3-4

And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people.

In-depth-analysis

It pleased the Jews: Herod's motive was political expediency and popularity, not religious conviction. He was currying favor with the Sanhedrin and their followers.
Days of Unleavened Bread: The timing was strategic. Executing Peter during this high holy festival could cause a riot, so Herod planned a public trial and execution afterward to maximize its political impact.
Four quaternions: A quaternion is a squad of four soldiers. Four quaternions mean sixteen soldiers were assigned to guard Peter in shifts around the clock. This extreme level of security highlights Herod's determination not to let Peter escape, as had happened before (Acts 5:19).

Bible references

Acts 5:17-20: "But the high priest rose up... and they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors..." (Herod learned from the Sanhedrin's past failure).
John 15:20: "Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you." (Jesus' warning of persecution for his followers).

Cross references

Exo 12:15-20 (Laws of Unleavened Bread); Luk 22:1 (Passover & Unleavened Bread linked); Acts 24:27 (Felix leaving Paul in prison to please the Jews).

Acts 12:5

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

In-depth-analysis

This verse acts as the chapter's pivot, contrasting Herod's maximum-security prison with the church's maximum-effort prayer.
But...: A crucial conjunction setting up the conflict: the world's power versus the church's power source.
Earnest prayer: The Greek word is ektenōs, which means "stretched out" or "strained." It conveys a desperate, fervent, and continuous intercession, not a casual or routine prayer. The church was pouring out its soul to God. This is the weapon they deploy against the state's power.

Bible references

James 5:16: "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (Shows the principle behind the church's action).
Luke 22:44: "And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly [ektenōs]..." (The same root word is used for Jesus' intense prayer in Gethsemane).

Cross references

Eph 6:18 (Praying at all times); 1 The 5:17 (Pray without ceasing); Col 4:2 (Continue steadfastly in prayer).

Acts 12:6-11

...Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door... And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him... he struck Peter on the side and woke him... And the chains fell off his hands... “Get up quickly... Dress yourself and put on your sandals... Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”... he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision... the iron gate leading into the city... opened for them of its own accord. And... the angel departed from him. When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod..."

In-depth-analysis

Sleeping: Peter's peace in the face of imminent death demonstrates profound trust in God, contrasting with Jesus' agony in Gethsemane.
Angel of the Lord: A direct agent of God's power. The angel's actions are swift and commanding ("Get up," "Dress yourself"). This is not a negotiation; it is a rescue operation.
Struck Peter on the side: A physical, jolting action to wake him from a deep sleep, emphasizing this is a real-world event.
Chains fell off: A supernatural sign of God's power over human restraints, echoing a previous escape in Acts 5.
Thought he was seeing a vision: Peter's initial confusion underscores how incredible the event was. His experience mirrors prophetic visions (Eze 8:1-3) until the physical reality becomes undeniable.
Gate... opened of its own accord: The final, undeniable miracle. Not picked, not forced, but divinely opened.
"Now I am sure...": Peter's moment of full realization. His faith is confirmed by the evidence. He recognizes the rescue is from "the Lord" and not a lucky break, attributing deliverance to its true source.

Bible references

Daniel 6:22: "My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths... because I was found blameless before him..." (OT precedent for angelic rescue from a death sentence).
Psalm 34:7: "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them." (Theological basis for God's protection via angels).
Acts 5:19: "But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out..." (A direct parallel to this event).

Cross references

Psa 126:1 (Like those who dream); Dan 3:24-28 (Angelic rescue from the furnace); Acts 10:3, 17 (Peter's experience with visions); Isa 45:1-2 (God going before His servant to open doors).

Acts 12:12-17

When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary... where many were gathered together and were praying. And when he knocked... a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer... she was so overjoyed that she ran back without opening the gate and announced that Peter was standing before the gate. They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But... they kept insisting, “It is his angel!” But Peter continued knocking... they were amazed. But motioning to them... to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.

In-depth-analysis

House of Mary: This Mary is the mother of John Mark (author of Mark's Gospel and Barnabas's cousin). Her ability to host "many" people suggests she was a person of some means, and her home was a central meeting place for the Jerusalem church.
Rhoda... ran back without opening the gate: A touch of human reality and comedy. Her joy overcame her common sense.
"You are out of your mind."... "It is his angel!": The prayer warriors' reaction is deeply ironic. They are praying fervently for Peter's release but cannot believe the answer to their prayer is at the door. Their suggestion that it is "his angel" likely reflects a common Jewish belief in guardian angels who could take on a person's appearance. It reveals the gap between their faith in God's power and their expectation of how that power would manifest.
Tell... James: This is not James the apostle (who was just killed), but James the brother of Jesus, who has now become the preeminent leader of the Jerusalem church. This is a significant moment showing the transfer of leadership.
Went to another place: Peter goes into hiding. His miraculous release did not grant him immunity from further persecution.

Bible references

Galatians 1:19: "...I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother." (Paul affirms James's leadership role in Jerusalem).
Matthew 18:10: "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father..." (Jesus speaking of "their angels," which may inform the disciples' belief).

Cross references

Acts 15:13 (James leads the Jerusalem Council); Col 4:10 (Identifies Mark as Barnabas's cousin); 2 Tim 4:11 (Mark becomes useful to Paul).

Acts 12:18-19

Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers... And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

In-depth-analysis

No little disturbance: A classic Lukan understatement (litotes). The soldiers' lives were on the line; they were in a panic.
Examined... and ordered... put to death: According to Roman military law, if a prisoner escaped, the guards responsible would suffer the prisoner's intended fate. Herod's merciless action reveals his fury and humiliation. His power has been publicly mocked by a force he cannot control.
Went down... to Caesarea: Herod retreats from Jerusalem, the scene of his failure, to the Hellenistic, Roman-controlled administrative capital on the coast.

Bible references

Acts 16:27: "When the jailer woke... he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped." (Shows the severe penalty for losing a prisoner).
Matthew 27:62-66 & 28:11-15: (The guards at Jesus' tomb faced a similar dilemma and were bribed to lie about what happened).

Cross references

Dan 6:24 (The accusers of Daniel suffer the fate they intended for him).

Acts 12:20-23

Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon... they came to him with one accord, and... asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. On an appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

In-depth-analysis

Tyre and Sidon: Phoenician coastal cities to the north that relied on Galilee (Herod's territory) for their food supply. Herod was leveraging this dependence.
Royal robes... throne... oration: This is an orchestrated scene of ultimate power and arrogance. The historian Josephus adds that his robes were made entirely of silver and shimmered in the sun, adding to the spectacle.
"The voice of a god...": The crowd's acclamation is blasphemous flattery. Herod's sin was not in hearing it, but in accepting it (he did not give God the glory). This is the pinnacle of human pride.
Immediately an angel... struck him: Divine judgment is swift and direct. The same angelic power that delivered Peter is now used for judgment.
Eaten by worms: The Greek skōlēkobrotos describes a gruesome, agonizing death. It is a humiliating end for a king so concerned with glory, a stark contrast to James's noble death ("with the sword"). Josephus records that he died after five days of severe abdominal pain.

Polemics

This is a direct polemic against Roman emperor worship and the deification of rulers. The story declares that there is only one God, and those who usurp His glory will be judged. It tells the early Christians, living under this system, that God, not Caesar (or his puppet Herod), is the ultimate sovereign.

Bible references

Daniel 4:30-31, 37: "the king answered..., 'Is not this great Babylon, which I have built... by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?' While the words were still in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven..." (The story of Nebuchadnezzar's pride and humiliation).
Isaiah 14:11: "Your pomp is brought down to Sheol... maggots are laid as a bed beneath you, and worms are your new covering." (Prophetic description of the humiliating fall of the proud king of Babylon).

Cross references

Eze 28:2, 9 (Pride of the king of Tyre); Dan 5:20-23 (Belshazzar's pride and judgment); Isa 42:8 (God will not give His glory to another); Rom 1:21-23 (The folly of exchanging God's glory for images of man).

Acts 12:24-25

But the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

In-depth-analysis

But the word of God grew and multiplied: This is the chapter's triumphant conclusion and a key summary statement used throughout Acts. Despite martyrdom, imprisonment, and the opposition of powerful kings, the Gospel cannot be stopped. Herod dies and is eaten by worms; the Word of God lives and multiplies.
Returned from Jerusalem: Barnabas and Saul had brought a famine relief offering from Antioch (Acts 11:27-30). Their mission is now complete.
Bringing with them John... Mark: The introduction of John Mark is crucial. He will accompany Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:5), and though he will later falter (Acts 15:37-38), he is eventually restored and becomes a key figure (2 Tim 4:11).

Bible references

Acts 6:7: "And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem..." (Another one of Luke's progress reports).
Acts 19:20: "So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily." (A similar summary statement after another conflict).
Isaiah 55:11: "...so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose..." (The principle of the unstoppable nature of God's Word).

Cross references

Acts 1:8 (The gospel spreads outward); Col 1:6 (The gospel bearing fruit and growing); Acts 11:29-30 (The reason Saul and Barnabas were in Jerusalem).

Acts chapter 12 analysis

Structural Chiasm: The chapter is structured as a chiasm (A-B-C-B-A) that emphasizes God's power as the central point:
- A. Herod's power asserted (v. 1-4)
  - B. Peter is imprisoned (v. 5a)
    - C. The Church Prays & God Acts (v. 5b-17)
  - B'. The prison is found empty (v. 18-19)
- A'. Herod's power is judged (v. 20-23)
The Tale of Two Kings: The narrative deliberately contrasts Herod, the man-pleasing king in shimmering robes who dies a grotesque death for accepting worship, with King Jesus, whom Peter and the church serve. Herod's kingdom is temporary and ends in worms; Jesus' kingdom grows and multiplies.
The Tale of Two Jameses: The chapter begins with the martyrdom of James the apostle and ends with instructions being given to James the Lord's brother, the new leader of the Jerusalem church. This illustrates that the church is not dependent on a single human leader; when one falls, God raises another to continue the work.
Answered Unbelieving Prayer: A significant theological point is that God answers the church's desperate prayer despite their shock and disbelief when the answer arrives. His faithfulness is not contingent on the perfection of our faith.
Angelology: Angels are shown in two distinct roles: as messengers and rescuers for God's people (rescuing Peter) and as agents of His judgment against His enemies (striking Herod).

Acts 12 summary

King Herod Agrippa I persecutes the Jerusalem church to gain political favor, executing the apostle James and imprisoning Peter. While the church prays fervently, an angel miraculously frees Peter from a maximum-security prison. After Peter reports his escape to the disbelieving but joyful believers, he goes into hiding. In a stunning reversal, Herod, in an act of supreme arrogance, accepts worship as a god and is immediately struck down by an angel, dying a gruesome death. The chapter concludes by starkly contrasting the demise of the earthly ruler with the unstoppable growth of the Word of God.

Acts 11 AI Acts 13 AI

Acts 12 AI Image Audio and Video

Acts chapter 12 kjv

¹ Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
² And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
³ And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
⁴ And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
⁵ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
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.
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.
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.
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 shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
¹⁸ Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
¹⁹ And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
²⁰ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.
²¹ And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
²² And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
²³ And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
²⁴ But the word of God grew and multiplied.
²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Acts chapter 12 nkjv

¹ Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church.
² Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
³ And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
⁴ So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.
⁵ Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
⁶ And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.
⁷ Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly!" And his chains fell off his hands.
⁸ Then the angel said to him, "Gird yourself and tie on your sandals"; and so he did. And he said to him, "Put on your garment and follow me."
⁹ So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
¹⁰ When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
¹¹ And when Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people."
¹² So, when he had considered this, 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 girl named Rhoda came to answer.
¹⁴ When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate.
¹⁵ But they said to her, "You are beside yourself!" Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, "It is his angel."
¹⁶ Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.
¹⁷ But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren." And he departed and went to another place.
¹⁸ Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.
¹⁹ But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
²⁰ Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king's personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king's country.
²¹ So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them.
²² And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!"
²³ Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.
²⁴ But the word of God grew and multiplied.
²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.

Acts chapter 12 niv

¹ It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them.
² He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.
³ When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread.
⁴ After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.
⁵ So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
⁶ The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.
⁷ Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.
⁸ Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him.
⁹ Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.
¹⁰ They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
¹¹ Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen."
¹² When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.
¹³ Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door.
¹⁴ When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!"
¹⁵ "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."
¹⁶ But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.
¹⁷ Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. "Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this," he said, and then he left for another place.
¹⁸ In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.
¹⁹ After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.
²⁰ He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king's country for their food supply.
²¹ On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people.
²² They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man."
²³ Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
²⁴ But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.
²⁵ When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.

Acts chapter 12 esv

¹ About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.
² He killed James the brother of John with the sword,
³ and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread.
⁴ And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people.
⁵ So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
⁶ Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison.
⁷ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands.
⁸ And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me."
⁹ And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
¹⁰ When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him.
¹¹ When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."
¹² When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
¹³ And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.
¹⁴ Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate.
¹⁵ They said to her, "You are out of your mind." But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, "It is his angel!"
¹⁶ But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.
¹⁷ But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Tell these things to James and to the brothers." Then he departed and went to another place.
¹⁸ Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.
¹⁹ And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.
²⁰ Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.
²¹ On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them.
²² And the people were shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!"
²³ Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.
²⁴ But the word of God increased and multiplied.
²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

Acts chapter 12 nlt

¹ About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church.
² He had the apostle James (John's brother) killed with a sword.
³ When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration. )
⁴ Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover.
⁵ But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
⁶ The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate.
⁷ Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, "Quick! Get up!" And the chains fell off his wrists.
⁸ Then the angel told him, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." And he did. "Now put on your coat and follow me," the angel ordered.
⁹ So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn't realize it was actually happening.
¹⁰ They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.
¹¹ Peter finally came to his senses. "It's really true!" he said. "The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!"
¹² When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer.
¹³ He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it.
¹⁴ When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, "Peter is standing at the door!"
¹⁵ "You're out of your mind!" they said. When she insisted, they decided, "It must be his angel."
¹⁶ Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed.
¹⁷ He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. "Tell James and the other brothers what happened," he said. And then he went to another place.
¹⁸ At dawn there was a great commotion among the soldiers about what had happened to Peter.
¹⁹ Herod Agrippa ordered a thorough search for him. When he couldn't be found, Herod interrogated the guards and sentenced them to death. Afterward Herod left Judea to stay in Caesarea for a while.
²⁰ Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their cities were dependent upon Herod's country for food. The delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod's personal assistant,
²¹ and an appointment with Herod was granted. When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them.
²² The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, "It's the voice of a god, not of a man!"
²³ Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people's worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.
²⁴ Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers.
²⁵ When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, taking John Mark with them.