Acts 12 9

Acts 12:9 kjv

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.

Acts 12:9 nkjv

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.

Acts 12:9 niv

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.

Acts 12:9 esv

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.

Acts 12:9 nlt

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.

Acts 12 verses

Acts 12 9 Meaning

Acts 12:9 describes Peter's dazed state immediately following his miraculous liberation from prison by an angel. He obeyed the angel's commands to "go out and follow him," yet he remained bewildered. His mind struggled to process the incredible events unfolding. Peter could not comprehend that the iron gates opening and his chains falling were physical, concrete realities. Instead, based on his prior experiences with divine communications, he believed he was witnessing another spiritual vision or a dream, unable to discern its actual, tangible nature. This verse highlights the astonishing and unexpected nature of God's intervention, surpassing human expectation and initially appearing surreal.

Acts 12 9 Context

This verse is embedded in the dramatic narrative of Peter's miraculous escape from prison. Herod Agrippa I, persecuting the early Church, had already executed James, the brother of John (Acts 12:2). Peter was next, confined under heavy guard with intentions for a public trial and execution after the Passover (Acts 12:3-4). The church was fervently praying for Peter (Acts 12:5). An angel of the Lord then appeared in Peter's cell, causing light to shine, waking Peter, striking him on the side to rouse him, and commanding him to dress and follow. Peter's chains fell off, and he and the angel walked through the first and second guards, with the iron gate to the city opening automatically (Acts 12:7-8). This immediate context highlights the overwhelming power of God contrasted with human efforts and intentions. Historically, miraculous angelic interventions were recognized within Jewish tradition as divine acts, and Peter, having previously experienced a transformative vision (Acts 10), naturally defaulted to interpreting the surreal escape as another spiritual encounter rather than a literal physical deliverance.

Acts 12 9 Word analysis

• And: Greek "καὶ" (kai). Connects Peter's immediate response to the preceding angelic commands.

• he went out: Greek "ἐξῆλθεν" (exelthen). Aorist active indicative of "ἐξέρχομαι" (exerchomai), meaning "to go out, come out." Denotes a definite, completed action. Peter's obedience, a direct result of the angel's instruction (Acts 12:8).

• and followed him: Greek "ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ" (ēkolouthei autō). Imperfect active indicative of "ἀκολουθέω" (akoloutheō), meaning "to follow." The imperfect tense signifies a continuous or ongoing action in the past; he was actively following the angel for a period. This underscores his passive compliance and submission to the angel's lead.

• and did not know: Greek "καὶ οὐκ ᾔδει" (kai ouk ēdei). The negative "οὐκ" (ouk) combined with "ᾔδει" (ēdei), which is the pluperfect or imperfect of "οἶδα" (oida), "to know, to perceive, to understand." The imperfect aspect again suggests an ongoing state of ignorance or a lack of understanding at that moment. He was genuinely confused and unaware.

• that what was being done by the angel was real: Greek "τὸ γενόμενον διὰ τοῦ ἀγγέλου ἀληθές" (to genomenon dia tou angelou alēthes).

  • was being done: Greek "γενόμενον" (genomenon), perfect passive participle of "γίνομαι" (ginomai), "to become, to be, to happen." Refers to "what had happened" or "what had come to pass."
  • by the angel: Greek "διὰ τοῦ ἀγγέλου" (dia tou angelou), signifying the agent or means. The angel was the divine instrument.
  • real: Greek "ἀληθές" (alēthés). Accusative neuter of "ἀληθής" (alēthēs), meaning "true, real, actual, not concealed." This emphasizes the tangible, physical reality of the event. Peter could not accept it as actual, physical truth.

• but thought: Greek "ἐδόκει" (edokei). Imperfect active indicative of "δοκέω" (dokeō), "to think, suppose, seem, imagine." Again, the imperfect tense suggests a continuous internal process – he kept supposing or imagining. It points to his perception or impression, distinct from objective reality.

• he was seeing a vision: Greek "ὅραμα βλέπειν" (horama blepein).

  • seeing: Greek "βλέπειν" (blepein), present active infinitive of "βλέπω" (blepō), "to see, look, perceive."
  • a vision: Greek "ὅραμα" (horama), "a sight, a vision, especially a supernatural appearance or revelation." This term is used for divine communications in a dream-like state (e.g., Acts 10 for Peter). This indicates Peter's mental framework: he assumed the extraordinary nature of the event aligned with his prior experience of heavenly insights rather than earthly escape.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And he went out and followed him": This phrase reveals Peter's obedience and dependence. He does not question or hesitate but follows the angelic guidance despite his disoriented state, demonstrating a submission to perceived divine instruction.
  • "and did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision": This entire clause is crucial. It contrasts objective reality with subjective perception. Peter's mind, overwhelmed by the miraculous nature of his release, reverted to a familiar category of divine interaction—a vision. This emphasizes the sheer disbelief and surreal nature of the event, even for one accustomed to supernatural phenomena. It speaks to the human difficulty in fully grasping God's immeasurable power when it acts in unexpected, tangible ways.

Acts 12 9 Bonus section

The angelic intervention here serves as a potent reminder of God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful, even against formidable odds. Unlike James, who was executed (Acts 12:2), Peter's life was preserved through an overt miracle. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over life and death and His distinct purposes for individuals. It’s not about favoritism but about God's timing and divine plan for each servant. Peter’s dazed obedience contrasts with immediate self-awareness; he doesn't analyze but simply follows. This passive surrender to the angel's guidance, even in confusion, is key to his deliverance. His realization comes only later (Acts 12:11), emphasizing the often post-facto recognition of divine working. The dramatic nature of Peter's release also served as a powerful testimony to the early church, reaffirming God's power and care, bolstering their faith amidst persecution.

Acts 12 9 Commentary

Acts 12:9 beautifully captures the disorienting nature of God's most unexpected interventions. Peter, facing certain death, is literally snatched from Herod's grasp by a dazzling display of divine power. Yet, his immediate reaction is one of bewildered confusion. He physically complies with the angel's commands—dressing, walking through gates, past guards—but his mental state lags behind. For Peter, whose experience with God often involved visions and spiritual encounters (Acts 10), his mind interprets this astonishing escape not as a tangible, physical deliverance, but as yet another prophetic vision.

This verse serves several purposes. It highlights the astounding degree of the miracle; it was so incredible that even the beneficiary, a seasoned apostle, could not immediately grasp its reality. It also underscores Peter's humility and reliance on God; he's not an assertive mastermind but a humble recipient of grace, passively obeying a supernatural guide. His misinterpretation points to the distinct boundary between spiritual encounters and physical reality, which he later discerns (Acts 12:11). The incident teaches that God often acts in ways that defy our expectations and pre-conceived notions of what is "real" or "possible," demonstrating His sovereign power over all human barriers and intentions.

• Example: Sometimes, when a breakthrough or blessing arrives after fervent prayer, its suddenness or sheer unexpectedness can leave us wondering if it's truly real or just a fleeting good feeling, akin to Peter's confusion.
• Example: Experiencing divine intervention in daily life might feel surreal at first, causing a pause to process the 'too good to be true' nature of God's active work.