Acts 12 18

Acts 12:18 kjv

Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

Acts 12:18 nkjv

Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.

Acts 12:18 niv

In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.

Acts 12:18 esv

Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.

Acts 12:18 nlt

At dawn there was a great commotion among the soldiers about what had happened to Peter.

Acts 12 verses

Acts 12 18 Meaning

When morning arrived, a profound commotion and deep bewilderment arose among the Roman soldiers guarding Peter. They were completely distressed and perplexed by the disappearance of Peter, knowing the severe consequences they faced for losing a prisoner, particularly one awaiting public execution. This panic highlights the truly miraculous nature of Peter's escape.

Acts 12 18 Context

Acts 12:18 takes place immediately after the miraculous, angelic release of Peter from Herod's prison in Jerusalem. King Herod Agrippa I had initiated a persecution against the early church, culminating in the execution of James, brother of John. Pleased with the reaction from the Jewish populace, Herod then arrested Peter, intending to execute him after the Passover. Peter was kept under maximum security: bound by two chains, guarded by four squads of four soldiers each, and held behind multiple doors, including an iron gate. The night before his planned execution, an angel of the Lord appeared, released his chains, led him past the sleeping guards and out through the iron gate, which opened of its own accord. Peter then went to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark, where many believers were praying for him. The verse directly describes the ensuing confusion and panic among the Roman guards when they discovered Peter's absence at daybreak. Historically, losing a prisoner, especially one of high profile, was a severe crime for Roman guards, often punishable by death, highlighting the depth of their alarm.

Acts 12 18 Word analysis

• Now as soon as it was day: Refers to the break of dawn, indicating the time of the discovery. This contrasts sharply with Peter's miraculous, stealthy nighttime escape. The shift from dark (miracle) to light (discovery of absence) sets the stage for the human reaction.
• there was no small stir: Greek: ἦν τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος (ēn tarachos ouk oligos).
  • τάραχος (tarachos): Denotes confusion, trouble, agitation, a great disturbance or commotion. It implies an unsettled state, panic, or disorder.
  • οὐκ ὀλίγος (ouk oligos): This is a classic Greek figure of speech called "litotes," where an affirmation is expressed by negating its opposite ("not a little"). It intensely emphasizes the opposite meaning, signifying "a very great," "considerable," or "violent" stir/commotion. It underlines the extreme alarm and disarray among the soldiers.
• among the soldiers: Refers specifically to the Roman guards responsible for Peter. These were hardened professionals trained in security. Their reaction of a "great stir" is highly significant; it implies their profound inability to comprehend or explain Peter's disappearance. This counters any notion that a human scheme was involved.
• what was become of Peter: Greek: τί ἄρα ὁ Πέτρος ἐγένετο (ti ara ho Petros egeneto).
  • τί ἄρα (ti ara): This phrase expresses acute bewilderment, anxiety, and a questioning sense of "what in the world has happened?" The ἄρα often conveys a sense of inquiry or consequence, highlighting their desperate search for an explanation and a looming sense of doom.
  • ἐγένετο (egeneto): Means "he became" or "he came to be." In this context, it directly translates to "what became of Peter?"
  • Words-group analysis:
    • "no small stir among the soldiers": This phrase dramatically highlights the magnitude of the problem and the utter confusion. It shows their rigorous security protocols had been entirely circumvented by an unseen force, shattering their professional composure and bringing existential dread. The contrast between military discipline and absolute bewilderment is striking. The soldiers knew their lives were on the line (as seen in Acts 12:19), making their "stir" a deep fear-induced panic, not mere surprise.
    • "what was become of Peter": This conveys not just a question of "where is he?" but "how did this impossibly happen?" It's a question rooted in both astonishment and dread concerning the immediate personal and professional consequences for themselves. It implicitly acknowledges that his absence defied normal explanation.

Acts 12 18 Bonus section

• Divine Vindication: The intense panic of the guards, coupled with Herod's subsequent judgment (Acts 12:20-23), serves as a divine vindication for the persecuted church and for Peter's ministry. It highlights God's active involvement in protecting His chosen vessels.
• Pagan Inability: The bewildered inquiry "what was become of Peter?" implicitly showcases the Roman worldview's inability to comprehend supernatural events that transcended their rational, organized system of control. Their pantheon of gods offered no explanation for such a feat against their imperial might.
• The Power of Darkness Unveiled by Light: The miraculous escape happened in the darkness of night. The discovery of the emptiness, leading to the "stir," happened with the coming of "day." This juxtaposition subtly shows the works of God, hidden from human sight, being revealed by their effects in the light of day, forcing an acknowledgement of something inexplicable.

Acts 12 18 Commentary

Acts 12:18 succinctly captures the aftermath of divine intervention against human authority. The "no small stir" among the seasoned Roman soldiers is pivotal. It indicates more than simple confusion; it signifies profound alarm and panic. Roman guards losing a prisoner faced dire penalties, often execution. Peter's escape was humanly impossible, having breached multiple layers of sophisticated security: chains, multiple guards, inner and outer prison doors, and an iron gate. The "stir" is thus a visceral reaction born of fear, a clear admission that they had no explanation for his disappearance. This powerfully testifies to the miracle, removing any doubt of natural explanations. God's act directly foils Herod's intent to consolidate political favor through Peter's execution, demonstrating divine sovereignty over earthly power, while the human instruments of oppression face immediate, severe consequences.