Note: Words are shown in their original Greek order, which differs from English translations. This reflects the emphasis and structure of Scripture as originally written. Click any word to see its full lexicon entry.
1 About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church.
Κατ᾽ ἐκεῖνον δὲ τὸν καιρὸν ἐπέβαλεν Ἡρῴδης ὁ βασιλεὺς τὰς χεῖρας κακῶσαί τινας τῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing At G2596 Κατ᾽ κατά katá Prep that [very] G1565 ἐκεῖνον ἐκεῖνος ekeînos Demo-Acc-Sg-M now G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M time G2540 καιρὸν καιρός kairós N-Acc-Sg-M put forth G1911 ἐπέβαλεν ἐπιβάλλω epibállō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P Herod G2264 Ἡρῴδης Ἡρώδης Hērṓdēs N-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M king G935 βασιλεὺς βασιλεύς basileús N-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 τὰς ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-F hands G5495 χεῖρας χείρ cheír N-Acc-Pl-F to mistreat G2559 κακῶσαί κακόω kakóō V-Aor-Act some G5100 τινας τὶς tìs Inde-Acc-Pl-M of those G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-M of G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó Prep the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F church G1577 ἐκκλησίας ἐκκλησία ekklēsía N-Gen-Sg-F
2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.
ἀνεῖλεν δὲ Ἰάκωβον τὸν ἀδελφὸν Ἰωάννου μαχαίρῃ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing He executed G337 ἀνεῖλεν ἀναιρέω anairéō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj James G2385 Ἰάκωβον Ἰάκωβος Iákōbos N-Acc-Sg-M the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M brother G80 ἀδελφὸν ἀδελφός adelphós N-Acc-Sg-M of John G2491 Ἰωάννου Ἰωάννης Iōánnēs N-Gen-Sg-M with the sword G3162 μαχαίρῃ μάχαιρα máchaira N-Dat-Sg-F
3 And seeing that this pleased the Jews, Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
Ἰδὼν δὲ ὅτι ἀρεστόν ἐστιν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις προσέθετο συλλαβεῖν καὶ Πέτρον ἦσαν δὲ αἱ ἡμέραι τῶν ἀζύμων
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Having seen G1492 Ἰδὼν εἴδω eídō V-2nd-Act-Nom-Sg-M now G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj pleasing G701 ἀρεστόν ἀρεστός arestós Adj-Nom-Sg-N it is G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P to the G3588 τοῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-M Jews G2453 Ἰουδαίοις Ἰουδαῖος Ioudaîos Adj-Dat-Pl-M he proceeded G4369 προσέθετο προστίθημι prostíthēmi V-2nd-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P to take G4815 συλλαβεῖν συλλαμβάνω syllambánō V-2nd-Act also G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj Peter — G4074 Πέτρον Πέτρος Pétros N-Acc-Sg-M these were G1510 ἦσαν εἰμί eimí V-Imp-Act-Ind-Pl-3P now G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj the G3588 αἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-F days G2250 ἡμέραι ἡμέρα hēméra N-Nom-Pl-F of the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-N Unleavened [Bread] — G106 ἀζύμων ἄζυμος ázymos Adj-Gen-Pl-N
4 He arrested him and put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover.
ὃν καὶ πιάσας ἔθετο εἰς φυλακὴν παραδοὺς τέσσαρσιν τετραδίοις στρατιωτῶν φυλάσσειν αὐτόν βουλόμενος μετὰ τὸ πάσχα ἀναγαγεῖν αὐτὸν τῷ λαῷ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing whom G3739 ὃν ὅς hós Rela-Acc-Sg-M also G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj having seized G4084 πιάσας πιάζω piázō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Sg-M he put G5087 ἔθετο τίθημι títhēmi V-2nd-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P in G1519 εἰς eis Prep prison G5438 φυλακὴν φυλακή phylakḗ N-Acc-Sg-F having delivered [him] G3860 παραδοὺς παραδίδωμι paradídōmi V-2nd-Act-Nom-Sg-M to four G5064 τέσσαρσιν τέσσαρες téssares Adj-Dat-Pl-N sets of four G5069 τετραδίοις τετράδιον tetrádion N-Dat-Pl-N soldiers G4757 στρατιωτῶν στρατιώτης stratiṓtēs N-Gen-Pl-M to guard G5442 φυλάσσειν φυλάσσω phylássō V-Pres-Act him G846 αὐτόν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-M intending G1014 βουλόμενος βούλομαι boúlomai V-Pres-Mid-Nom-Sg-M after G3326 μετὰ μετά metá Prep the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N Passover G3957 πάσχα páscha N-Acc-Sg-N to bring out G321 ἀναγαγεῖν ἀνάγω anágō V-2nd-Act him G846 αὐτὸν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-M to the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M people G2992 λαῷ λαός laós N-Dat-Sg-M
5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him.
ὁ μὲν οὖν Πέτρος ἐτηρεῖτο ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ προσευχὴ δὲ ἦν ἐκτενῶς γινομένη ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας πρὸς τὸν θεὸν περὶ αὐτοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Indeed G3303 μὲν μέν mén Part therefore G3767 οὖν oûn Conj Peter G4074 Πέτρος Pétros N-Nom-Sg-M was kept G5083 ἐτηρεῖτο τηρέω tēréō V-Imp-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F prison G5438 φυλακῇ φυλακή phylakḗ N-Dat-Sg-F prayer G4335 προσευχὴ προσευχή proseuchḗ N-Nom-Sg-F however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj was G1510 ἦν εἰμί eimí V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P fervently G1619 ἐκτενῶς ektenōs Adv being made G1096 γινομένη γίνομαι gínomai V-Pres-Mid-Nom-Sg-F by G5259 ὑπὸ ὑπό hypó Prep the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F church G1577 ἐκκλησίας ἐκκλησία ekklēsía N-Gen-Sg-F to G4314 πρὸς πρός prós Prep the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M God G2316 θεὸν θεός theós N-Acc-Sg-M concerning G4012 περὶ περί perí Prep him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M
6 On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison.
Ὅτε δὲ ἤμελλεν προαγαγεῖν αὐτὸν ὁ Ἡρῴδης τῇ νυκτὶ ἐκείνῃ ἦν ὁ Πέτρος κοιμώμενος μεταξὺ δύο στρατιωτῶν δεδεμένος ἁλύσεσιν δυσὶν φύλακές τε πρὸ τῆς θύρας ἐτήρουν τὴν φυλακήν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing When G3753 Ὅτε ὅτε hóte Conj then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj was about G3195 ἤμελλεν μέλλω méllō V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P to bring forth G4254 προαγαγεῖν προάγω proágō V-2nd-Act him G846 αὐτὸν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-M the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Herod G2264 Ἡρῴδης Ἡρώδης Hērṓdēs N-Nom-Sg-M in the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F night G3571 νυκτὶ νύξ nýx N-Dat-Sg-F that [one] G1565 ἐκείνῃ ἐκεῖνος ekeînos Demo-Dat-Sg-F was G1510 ἦν εἰμί eimí V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Peter G4074 Πέτρος Pétros N-Nom-Sg-M sleeping G2837 κοιμώμενος κοιμάω koimáō V-Pres-Mid-Nom-Sg-M between G3342 μεταξὺ μεταξύ metaxý Prep two G1417 δύο dýo Adj-Gen-Pl-M soldiers G4757 στρατιωτῶν στρατιώτης stratiṓtēs N-Gen-Pl-M bound G1210 δεδεμένος δέω déō V-Perf-Pass-Nom-Sg-M with chains G254 ἁλύσεσιν ἅλυσις hálysis N-Dat-Pl-F two G1417 δυσὶν δύο dýo Adj-Dat-Pl-F guards G5441 φύλακές φύλαξ phýlax N-Nom-Pl-M also G5037 τε τέ té Conj before G4253 πρὸ πρό pró Prep the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F door G2374 θύρας θύρα thýra N-Gen-Sg-F were watching G5083 ἐτήρουν τηρέω tēréō V-Imp-Act-Ind-Pl-3P the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F prison G5438 φυλακήν φυλακή phylakḗ N-Acc-Sg-F
7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists.
καὶ ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος κυρίου ἐπέστη καὶ φῶς ἔλαμψεν ἐν τῷ οἰκήματι πατάξας δὲ τὴν πλευρὰν τοῦ Πέτρου ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν λέγων ἀνάστα ἐν τάχει καὶ ἐξέπεσαν αὐτοῦ αἱ ἁλύσεις ἐκ τῶν χειρῶν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj behold G2400 ἰδοὺ ἰδού idoú Intj an angel G32 ἄγγελος ángelos N-Nom-Sg-M of [the] Lord G2962 κυρίου κύριος kýrios N-Gen-Sg-M stood by G2186 ἐπέστη ἐφίστημι ephístēmi V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj a light G5457 φῶς phōs N-Nom-Sg-N shone G2989 ἔλαμψεν λάμπω lámpō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-N cell G3612 οἰκήματι οἴκημα oíkēma N-Dat-Sg-N Having struck G3960 πατάξας πατάσσω patássō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Sg-M then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F side G4125 πλευρὰν πλευρά pleurá N-Acc-Sg-F the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M of Peter G4074 Πέτρου Πέτρος Pétros N-Gen-Sg-M he woke up G1453 ἤγειρεν ἐγείρω egeírō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P him G846 αὐτὸν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-M saying G3004 λέγων λέγω légō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M do rise up G450 ἀνάστα ἀνίστημι anístēmi V-2nd-Act-Imp-Sg-2P with G1722 ἐν en Prep speed G5034 τάχει τάχος táchos N-Dat-Sg-N And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj fell G1601 ἐξέπεσαν ἐκπίπτω ekpíptō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-3P of him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M the G3588 αἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-F chains G254 ἁλύσεις ἅλυσις hálysis N-Nom-Pl-F off G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-F hands G5495 χειρῶν χείρ cheír N-Gen-Pl-F
8 “Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”
εἶπεν δὲ ὁ ἄγγελος πρὸς αὐτόν ζῶσαι καὶ ὑπόδησαι τὰ σανδάλιά σου ἐποίησεν δὲ οὕτως καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ περιβαλοῦ τὸ ἱμάτιόν σου καὶ ἀκολούθει μοι
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Said G2036 εἶπεν ἔπω épō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M angel G32 ἄγγελος ángelos N-Nom-Sg-M to G4314 πρὸς πρός prós Prep him G846 αὐτόν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-M do dress yourself G2224 ζῶσαι ζώννυμι zṓnnymi V-Aor-Mid-Imp-Sg-2P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj do yourself put on G5265 ὑπόδησαι ὑποδέω hypodéō V-Aor-Mid-Imp-Sg-2P the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N sandals G4547 σανδάλιά σανδάλιον sandálion N-Acc-Pl-N of you G4771 σου σύ sý Pers-Gen-Sg-2P He did G4160 ἐποίησεν ποιέω poiéō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj so G3779 οὕτως οὕτω hoútō Adv And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj he says G3004 λέγει λέγω légō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P to him G846 αὐτῷ αὐτός autós Pers-Dat-Sg-M do yourself wrap around G4016 περιβαλοῦ περιβάλλω peribállō V-2nd-Mid-Imp-Sg-2P the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N cloak G2440 ἱμάτιόν ἱμάτιον himátion N-Acc-Sg-N of you G4771 σου σύ sý Pers-Gen-Sg-2P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj do follow G190 ἀκολούθει ἀκολουθέω akolouthéō V-Pres-Act-Imp-Sg-2P me G1473 μοι ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Dat-Sg-1P
9 So Peter followed him out, but he was unaware that what the angel was doing was real. He thought he was only seeing a vision.
καὶ ἐξελθὼν ἠκολούθει καὶ οὐκ ᾔδει ὅτι ἀληθές ἐστιν τὸ γινόμενον διὰ τοῦ ἀγγέλου ἐδόκει δὲ ὅραμα βλέπειν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj having gone forth G1831 ἐξελθὼν ἐξέρχομαι exérchomai V-2nd-Act-Nom-Sg-M he was following G190 ἠκολούθει ἀκολουθέω akolouthéō V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj not G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega did know G1492 ᾔδει εἴδω eídō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj real G227 ἀληθές ἀληθής alēthḗs Adj-Nom-Sg-N is G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P what G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-N is happening G1096 γινόμενον γίνομαι gínomai V-Pres-Mid-Nom-Sg-N through G1223 διὰ διά diá Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M angel G32 ἀγγέλου ἄγγελος ángelos N-Gen-Sg-M he was thinking G1380 ἐδόκει δοκέω dokéō V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj a vision G3705 ὅραμα hórama N-Acc-Sg-N to see G991 βλέπειν βλέπω blépō V-Pres-Act
10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened for them by itself. When they had gone outside and walked the length of one block, the angel suddenly left him.
διελθόντες δὲ πρώτην φυλακὴν καὶ δευτέραν ἦλθαν ἐπὶ τὴν πύλην τὴν σιδηρᾶν τὴν φέρουσαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν ἥτις αὐτομάτη ἠνοίγη αὐτοῖς καὶ ἐξελθόντες προῆλθον ῥύμην μίαν καὶ εὐθέως ἀπέστη ὁ ἄγγελος ἀπ᾽ αὐτοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Having passed through G1330 διελθόντες διέρχομαι diérchomai V-2nd-Act-Nom-Pl-M then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj a first G4413 πρώτην πρῶτος prōtos Adj-Acc-Sg-F guard G5438 φυλακὴν φυλακή phylakḗ N-Acc-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj a second G1208 δευτέραν δεύτερος deúteros Adj-Acc-Sg-F they came G2064 ἦλθαν ἔρχομαι érchomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-3P to G1909 ἐπὶ ἐπί epí Prep the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F gate G4439 πύλην πύλη pýlē N-Acc-Sg-F the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F iron G4603 σιδηρᾶν σιδήρεος sidḗreos Adj-Acc-Sg-F which G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F is leading G5342 φέρουσαν φέρω phérō V-Pres-Act-Acc-Sg-F into G1519 εἰς eis Prep the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F city G4172 πόλιν πόλις pólis N-Acc-Sg-F which G3748 ἥτις ὅστις hóstis Rela-Nom-Sg-F by itself G844 αὐτομάτη αὐτόματος autómatos Adj-Nom-Sg-F opened G455 ἠνοίγη ἀνοίγω anoígō V-2nd-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P to them G846 αὐτοῖς αὐτός autós Pers-Dat-Pl-M And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj having gone out G1831 ἐξελθόντες ἐξέρχομαι exérchomai V-2nd-Act-Nom-Pl-M they went on through G4281 προῆλθον προέρχομαι proérchomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-3P street G4505 ῥύμην ῥύμη rhýmē N-Acc-Sg-F one G1520 μίαν εἷς heîs Adj-Acc-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj immediately G2112 εὐθέως euthéōs Adv departed G868 ἀπέστη ἀφίστημι aphístēmi V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M angel G32 ἄγγελος ángelos N-Nom-Sg-M from G575 ἀπ᾽ ἀπό apó Prep him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M
11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.”
Καὶ ὁ Πέτρος ἐν ἑαυτῷ γενόμενος εἶπεν νῦν οἶδα ἀληθῶς ὅτι ἐξαπέστειλεν ὁ κύριος τὸν ἄγγελον αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐξείλατό με ἐκ χειρὸς Ἡρῴδου καὶ πάσης τῆς προσδοκίας τοῦ λαοῦ τῶν Ἰουδαίων
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 Καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Peter G4074 Πέτρος Pétros N-Nom-Sg-M to G1722 ἐν en Prep himself G1438 ἑαυτῷ ἑαυτοῦ heautoû Refl-Dat-Sg-3P-M having come G1096 γενόμενος γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Mid-Nom-Sg-M said G2036 εἶπεν ἔπω épō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P Now G3568 νῦν nŷn Adv I know G1492 οἶδα εἴδω eídō V-Perf-Act-Ind-Sg-1P truly G230 ἀληθῶς alēthōs Adv that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj has sent forth G1821 ἐξαπέστειλεν ἐξαποστέλλω exapostéllō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Lord G2962 κύριος kýrios N-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M angel G32 ἄγγελον ἄγγελος ángelos N-Acc-Sg-M of Him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj delivered G1807 ἐξείλατό ἐξαιρέω exairéō V-2nd-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P me G1473 με ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Acc-Sg-1P out of G1537 ἐκ ek Prep [the] hand G5495 χειρὸς χείρ cheír N-Gen-Sg-F of Herod G2264 Ἡρῴδου Ἡρώδης Hērṓdēs N-Gen-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj all G3956 πάσης πᾶς pâs Adj-Gen-Sg-F the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F expectation G4329 προσδοκίας προσδοκία prosdokía N-Gen-Sg-F of the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M people G2992 λαοῦ λαός laós N-Gen-Sg-M of the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-M Jews G2453 Ἰουδαίων Ἰουδαῖος Ioudaîos Adj-Gen-Pl-M
12 And when he had realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered together and were praying.
συνιδών τε ἦλθεν ἐπὶ τὴν οἰκίαν τῆς Μαρίας τῆς μητρὸς Ἰωάννου τοῦ ἐπικαλουμένου Μάρκου οὗ ἦσαν ἱκανοὶ συνηθροισμένοι καὶ προσευχόμενοι
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Having considered [it] G4894 συνιδών συνείδω syneídō V-2nd-Act-Nom-Sg-M also G5037 τε τέ té Conj he came G2064 ἦλθεν ἔρχομαι érchomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P to G1909 ἐπὶ ἐπί epí Prep the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F house G3614 οἰκίαν οἰκία oikía N-Acc-Sg-F the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F of Mary G3137 Μαρίας Μαρία María N-Gen-Sg-F the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F mother G3384 μητρὸς μήτηρ mḗtēr N-Gen-Sg-F of John G2491 Ἰωάννου Ἰωάννης Iōánnēs N-Gen-Sg-M who G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M is called G1941 ἐπικαλουμένου ἐπικαλέομαι epikaléomai V-Pres-Pass-Gen-Sg-M Mark G3138 Μάρκου Μάρκος Márkos N-Gen-Sg-M where G3757 οὗ hoû Adv were G1510 ἦσαν εἰμί eimí V-Imp-Act-Ind-Pl-3P many G2425 ἱκανοὶ ἱκανός hikanós Adj-Nom-Pl-M gathered together G4867 συνηθροισμένοι συναθροίζω synathroízō V-Perf-Pass-Nom-Pl-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj praying G4336 προσευχόμενοι προσεύχομαι proseúchomai V-Pres-Mid-Nom-Pl-M
13 He knocked at the outer gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it.
κρούσαντος δὲ αὐτοῦ τὴν θύραν τοῦ πυλῶνος προσῆλθεν παιδίσκη ὑπακοῦσαι ὀνόματι Ῥόδη
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing When was knocking G2925 κρούσαντος κρούω kroúō V-Aor-Act-Gen-Sg-M then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj he G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M [at] the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F door G2374 θύραν θύρα thýra N-Acc-Sg-F of the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M gate G4440 πυλῶνος πυλών pylṓn N-Gen-Sg-M came G4334 προσῆλθεν προσέρχομαι prosérchomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P a girl G3814 παιδίσκη paidískē N-Nom-Sg-F to answer G5219 ὑπακοῦσαι ὑπακούω hypakoúō V-Aor-Act named G3686 ὀνόματι ὄνομα ónoma N-Dat-Sg-N Rhoda G4498 Ῥόδη Rhódē N-Nom-Sg-F
14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that she forgot to open the gate, but ran inside and announced, “Peter is standing at the gate!”
καὶ ἐπιγνοῦσα τὴν φωνὴν τοῦ Πέτρου ἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς οὐκ ἤνοιξεν τὸν πυλῶνα εἰσδραμοῦσα δὲ ἀπήγγειλεν ἑστάναι τὸν Πέτρον πρὸ τοῦ πυλῶνος
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj having recognized G1921 ἐπιγνοῦσα ἐπιγινώσκω epiginṓskō V-2nd-Act-Nom-Sg-F the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F voice G5456 φωνὴν φωνή phōnḗ N-Acc-Sg-F the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M of Peter G4074 Πέτρου Πέτρος Pétros N-Gen-Sg-M from G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó Prep the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F joy G5479 χαρᾶς χαρά chará N-Gen-Sg-F not G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega she opened G455 ἤνοιξεν ἀνοίγω anoígō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M gate G4440 πυλῶνα πυλών pylṓn N-Acc-Sg-M having run in G1532 εἰσδραμοῦσα εἰστρέχω eistréchō V-2nd-Act-Nom-Sg-F but G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj she reported G518 ἀπήγγειλεν ἀπαγγέλλω apangéllō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P to have been standing G2476 ἑστάναι ἵστημι hístēmi V-Perf-Act the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M Peter G4074 Πέτρον Πέτρος Pétros N-Acc-Sg-M before G4253 πρὸ πρό pró Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M gate G4440 πυλῶνος πυλών pylṓn N-Gen-Sg-M
15 “You are out of your mind,” they told her. But when she kept insisting it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”
οἱ δὲ πρὸς αὐτὴν εἶπαν μαίνῃ ἡ δὲ διϊσχυρίζετο οὕτως ἔχειν οἱ δὲ ἔλεγον ὁ ἄγγελός ἐστιν αὐτοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the G3588 οἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-M And G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj to G4314 πρὸς πρός prós Prep her G846 αὐτὴν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-F they said G2036 εἶπαν ἔπω épō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-3P You rave G3105 μαίνῃ μαίνομαι maínomai V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-2P the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F But G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj she was insisting G1340 διϊσχυρίζετο διϊσχυρίζομαι diïschyrízomai V-Imp-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P [it] so G3779 οὕτως οὕτω hoútō Adv to be G2192 ἔχειν ἔχω échō V-Pres-Act the G3588 οἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-M And G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj they were saying G3004 ἔλεγον λέγω légō V-Imp-Act-Ind-Pl-3P The G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M angel G32 ἄγγελός ἄγγελος ángelos N-Nom-Sg-M it is G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P of him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M
16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astounded.
ὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἐπέμενεν κρούων ἀνοίξαντες δὲ εἶδαν αὐτὸν καὶ ἐξέστησαν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M But G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj Peter G4074 Πέτρος Pétros N-Nom-Sg-M was continuing G1961 ἐπέμενεν ἐπιμένω epiménō V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P knocking G2925 κρούων κρούω kroúō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M having opened [it] G455 ἀνοίξαντες ἀνοίγω anoígō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Pl-M then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj they saw G1492 εἶδαν εἴδω eídō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-3P him G846 αὐτὸν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj were amazed G1839 ἐξέστησαν ἐξίστημι exístēmi V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-3P
17 Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place.
κατασείσας δὲ αὐτοῖς τῇ χειρὶ σιγᾶν διηγήσατο αὐτοῖς πῶς ὁ κύριος αὐτὸν ἐξήγαγεν ἐκ τῆς φυλακῆς εἶπέν τε ἀπαγγείλατε Ἰακώβῳ καὶ τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ταῦτα καὶ ἐξελθὼν ἐπορεύθη εἰς ἕτερον τόπον
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Having made a sign G2678 κατασείσας κατασείω kataseíō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Sg-M then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj to them G846 αὐτοῖς αὐτός autós Pers-Dat-Pl-M with the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F hand G5495 χειρὶ χείρ cheír N-Dat-Sg-F to be silent G4601 σιγᾶν σιγάω sigáō V-Pres-Act he related G1334 διηγήσατο διηγέομαι diēgéomai V-Aor-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P to them G846 αὐτοῖς αὐτός autós Pers-Dat-Pl-M how G4459 πῶς pōs Adv the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Lord G2962 κύριος kýrios N-Nom-Sg-M him G846 αὐτὸν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-M had brought G1806 ἐξήγαγεν ἐξάγω exágō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P out of G1537 ἐκ ek Prep the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F prison G5438 φυλακῆς φυλακή phylakḗ N-Gen-Sg-F He said G2036 εἶπέν ἔπω épō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P then G5037 τε τέ té Conj do report G518 ἀπαγγείλατε ἀπαγγέλλω apangéllō V-Aor-Act-Imp-Pl-2P to James G2385 Ἰακώβῳ Ἰάκωβος Iákōbos N-Dat-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to the G3588 τοῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-M brothers G80 ἀδελφοῖς ἀδελφός adelphós N-Dat-Pl-M these things G3778 ταῦτα οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Acc-Pl-N And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj having gone out G1831 ἐξελθὼν ἐξέρχομαι exérchomai V-2nd-Act-Nom-Sg-M he went G4198 ἐπορεύθη πορεύομαι poreúomai V-Aor-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P to G1519 εἰς eis Prep another G2087 ἕτερον ἕτερος héteros Adj-Acc-Sg-M coast G5117 τόπον τόπος tópos N-Acc-Sg-M
18 At daybreak there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.
Γενομένης δὲ ἡμέρας ἦν τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος ἐν τοῖς στρατιώταις τί ἄρα ὁ Πέτρος ἐγένετο
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing When was coming G1096 Γενομένης γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Mid-Gen-Sg-F now G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj day G2250 ἡμέρας ἡμέρα hēméra N-Gen-Sg-F there was G1510 ἦν εἰμί eimí V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P disturbance G5017 τάραχος tárachos N-Nom-Sg-M no G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega small G3641 ὀλίγος olígos Adj-Nom-Sg-M among G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τοῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-M soldiers G4757 στρατιώταις στρατιώτης stratiṓtēs N-Dat-Pl-M what G5101 τί τίς tís Inte-Nom-Sg-N then [of] G686 ἄρα ára Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Peter G4074 Πέτρος Pétros N-Nom-Sg-M has become G1096 ἐγένετο γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P
19 After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully, he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent some time there.
Ἡρῴδης δὲ ἐπιζητήσας αὐτὸν καὶ μὴ εὑρών ἀνακρίνας τοὺς φύλακας ἐκέλευσεν ἀπαχθῆναι καὶ κατελθὼν ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰουδαίας εἰς Καισάρειαν διέτριβεν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Herod G2264 Ἡρῴδης Ἡρώδης Hērṓdēs N-Nom-Sg-M then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj having sought after G1934 ἐπιζητήσας ἐπιζητέω epizētéō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Sg-M him G846 αὐτὸν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega having found [him] G2147 εὑρών εὑρίσκω heurískō V-2nd-Act-Nom-Sg-M having examined G350 ἀνακρίνας ἀνακρίνω anakrínō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 τοὺς ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-M guards G5441 φύλακας φύλαξ phýlax N-Acc-Pl-M he commanded [them] G2753 ἐκέλευσεν κελεύω keleúō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P to be led away [to death] G520 ἀπαχθῆναι ἀπάγω apágō V-Aor-Pass And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj having gone down G2718 κατελθὼν κατέρχομαι katérchomai V-2nd-Act-Nom-Sg-M from G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó Prep the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F Judea G2449 Ἰουδαίας Ἰουδαία Ioudaía N-Gen-Sg-F to G1519 εἰς eis Prep Caesarea G2542 Καισάρειαν Καισάρεια Kaisáreia N-Acc-Sg-F he was staying [there] G1304 διέτριβεν διατρίβω diatríbō V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
20 Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they convened before him. Having secured the support of Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king’s country for food.
Ἦν δὲ θυμομαχῶν καὶ ὁμοθυμαδὸν δὲ παρῆσαν πρὸς αὐτὸν καὶ πείσαντες Βλάστον τὸν ἐπὶ τοῦ κοιτῶνος τοῦ βασιλέως ᾐτοῦντο εἰρήνην διὰ τὸ τρέφεσθαι αὐτῶν τὴν χώραν ἀπὸ τῆς βασιλικῆς
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing He was G1510 Ἦν εἰμί eimí V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P now G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj furiously angry G2371 θυμομαχῶν θυμομαχέω thymomachéō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj with one accord G3661 ὁμοθυμαδὸν ὁμοθυμαδόν homothymadón Adv then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj they were coming G3918 παρῆσαν πάρειμι páreimi V-Imp-Act-Ind-Pl-3P to G4314 πρὸς πρός prós Prep him G846 αὐτὸν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-M And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj having gained G3982 πείσαντες πείθω peíthō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Pl-M Blastus G986 Βλάστον Βλάστος Blástos N-Acc-Sg-M who [was] G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M over G1909 ἐπὶ ἐπί epí Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M bedchamber G2846 κοιτῶνος κοιτών koitṓn N-Gen-Sg-M of the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M king G935 βασιλέως βασιλεύς basileús N-Gen-Sg-M they were seeking G154 ᾐτοῦντο αἰτέω aitéō V-Imp-Mid-Ind-Pl-3P peace G1515 εἰρήνην εἰρήνη eirḗnē N-Acc-Sg-F because of G1223 διὰ διά diá Prep the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-N being nourished G5142 τρέφεσθαι τρέφω tréphō V-Pres-Pass their G846 αὐτῶν αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Pl-M the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F region G5561 χώραν χώρα chṓra N-Acc-Sg-F by G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó Prep the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F king's G937 βασιλικῆς βασιλικός basilikós Adj-Gen-Sg-F
21 On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people.
τακτῇ δὲ ἡμέρᾳ ὁ Ἡρῴδης ἐνδυσάμενος ἐσθῆτα βασιλικὴν καὶ καθίσας ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος ἐδημηγόρει πρὸς αὐτούς
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing On the appointed G5002 τακτῇ τακτός taktós Adj-Dat-Sg-F now G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj day G2250 ἡμέρᾳ ἡμέρα hēméra N-Dat-Sg-F the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Herod G2264 Ἡρῴδης Ἡρώδης Hērṓdēs N-Nom-Sg-M having put on G1746 ἐνδυσάμενος ἐνδύω endýō V-Aor-Mid-Nom-Sg-M apparel G2066 ἐσθῆτα ἐσθής esthḗs N-Acc-Sg-F royal G937 βασιλικὴν βασιλικός basilikós Adj-Acc-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj having sat G2523 καθίσας καθίζω kathízō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Sg-M on G1909 ἐπὶ ἐπί epí Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-N throne G968 βήματος βῆμα bēma N-Gen-Sg-N was making an address G1215 ἐδημηγόρει δημηγορέω dēmēgoréō V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P to G4314 πρὸς πρός prós Prep them G846 αὐτούς αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Pl-M
22 And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!”
ὁ δὲ δῆμος ἐπεφώνει θεοῦ φωνὴ καὶ οὐκ ἀνθρώπου
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M And G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj the people G1218 δῆμος dēmos N-Nom-Sg-M were crying out G2019 ἐπεφώνει ἐπιφωνέω epiphōnéō V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P Of a god G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M [this is the] voice G5456 φωνὴ φωνή phōnḗ N-Nom-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj not G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega of a man! G444 ἀνθρώπου ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos N-Gen-Sg-M
23 Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.
παραχρῆμα δὲ ἐπάταξεν αὐτὸν ἄγγελος κυρίου ἀνθ᾽ ὧν οὐκ ἔδωκεν τὴν δόξαν τῷ θεῷ καὶ γενόμενος σκωληκόβρωτος ἐξέψυξεν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Immediately G3916 παραχρῆμα parachrēma Adv then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj struck G3960 ἐπάταξεν πατάσσω patássō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P him G846 αὐτὸν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-M an angel G32 ἄγγελος ángelos N-Nom-Sg-M of [the] Lord G2962 κυρίου κύριος kýrios N-Gen-Sg-M in return G473 ἀνθ᾽ ἀντί antí Prep for that G3739 ὧν ὅς hós Rela-Gen-Pl-N not G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega he gave G1325 ἔδωκεν δίδωμι dídōmi V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F glory G1391 δόξαν δόξα dóxa N-Acc-Sg-F the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M to God G2316 θεῷ θεός theós N-Dat-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj having been G1096 γενόμενος γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Mid-Nom-Sg-M eaten by worms G4662 σκωληκόβρωτος skōlēkóbrōtos Adj-Nom-Sg-M give (yield) up the ghost G1634 ἐξέψυξεν ἐκψύχω ekpsýchō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
24 But the word of God continued to spread and multiply.
Ὁ δὲ λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ ηὔξανεν καὶ ἐπληθύνετο
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the G3588 Ὁ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M But G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj the word G3056 λόγος lógos N-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M of God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-Gen-Sg-M was continuing to grow G837 ηὔξανεν αὐξάνω auxánō V-Imp-Act-Ind-Sg-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj was being multiplied G4129 ἐπληθύνετο πληθύνω plēthýnō V-Imp-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P
25 When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, bringing with them John, also called Mark.
Βαρναβᾶς δὲ καὶ Σαῦλος ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ πληρώσαντες τὴν διακονίαν συμπαραλαβόντες Ἰωάννην τὸν ἐπικληθέντα Μᾶρκον
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Barnabas G921 Βαρναβᾶς Βαρνάβας Barnábas N-Nom-Sg-M then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj Saul G4569 Σαῦλος Saûlos N-Nom-Sg-M returned G5290 ὑπέστρεψαν ὑποστρέφω hypostréphō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Pl-3P to G1519 εἰς eis Prep Jerusalem G2419 Ἰερουσαλὴμ Ἱερουσαλήμ Hierousalḗm N-Acc-Sg-F having fulfilled G4137 πληρώσαντες πληρόω plēróō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Pl-M the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F mission G1248 διακονίαν διακονία diakonía N-Acc-Sg-F having taken with [them] G4838 συμπαραλαβόντες συμπαραλαμβάνω symparalambánō V-2nd-Act-Nom-Pl-M John G2491 Ἰωάννην Ἰωάννης Iōánnēs N-Acc-Sg-M the [one] G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M having been called G1941 ἐπικληθέντα ἐπικαλέομαι epikaléomai V-Aor-Pass-Acc-Sg-M Marcus G3138 Μᾶρκον Μάρκος Márkos N-Acc-Sg-M
Acts 13
Study Notes — Acts 12
5 sectionsActs 12 presents a striking contrast between human persecution and divine protection. King Herod, seeking to win Jewish favor, initiates a violent campaign against the church, executing James and imprisoning Peter. Yet God intervenes dramatically, delivering Peter through an angel while bringing swift judgment upon Herod himself. This chapter demonstrates that no earthly power can ultimately frustrate God's purposes, and that prayer is a mighty weapon in the hands of believers facing persecution.
Herod Agrippa I begins a systematic persecution of the Jerusalem church, killing James (John's brother) with the sword—the first apostolic martyr recorded by name in Acts. Verse 2 records this simply and soberly, reflecting the reality of Christian suffering. Recognizing that this violence pleases the Jewish leaders, Herod arrests Peter as well, securing him heavily with four squads of soldiers (a quaternion being four soldiers, likely stationed in rotating watches). The timing during Passover week suggests Herod plans a public trial to maximize political advantage.
Yet in verse 5, we see the church's response: prayer without ceasing. While Peter languishes in chains, the believers gather persistently in intercession. This is the antidote to fear—not denial of danger, but urgent petition to the God who rules over all earthly authorities. The contrast is powerful: human power chains Peter; divine power is sought through prayer.
On the very night before Herod's planned execution, an angel of the Lord appears in the prison. Peter is sleeping (verse 6)—a remarkable testimony to trust in God's hands. The angel strikes Peter's side, commanding him to rise quickly. The chains fall away, and Peter is guided through the prison gates, which open of their own accord. Peter's mind struggles to process what is happening; he thinks he is seeing a vision (verse 9). Only when the angel departs at the city gate does Peter comprehend the full reality: God has truly delivered him from Herod's hand and from Jewish expectations of his death (verse 11).
This passage teaches that God's deliverance can come suddenly and surpasses our understanding. Peter's calm sleep shows the peace available to believers even in mortal danger, while the matter-of-fact nature of his escape demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over human institutions.
Peter makes his way to the home of Mary (mother of John Mark), where the church continues in prayer. When young Rhoda hears Peter's voice at the gate, her joy overwhelms caution—she leaves him outside while she announces his arrival. The praying believers' response (verse 15) is almost humorous: they think she has lost her mind, then suggest it must be Peter's angel (a guardian spirit). Their prayer for Peter's freedom has been so fervent that his actual arrival seems impossible! When they finally open the door and see Peter, astonishment grips them. Peter signals for quiet and explains how the Lord brought him out (verse 17), then—remarkably—departs to another location, likely to preserve the church from further danger.
Herod's rage at Peter's escape leads to the execution of the guards. Yet justice comes swiftly. When Herod, clothed in royal splendor, accepts the crowd's acclamation as a god (verses 21-22), the angel of the Lord strikes him down. He is eaten by worms and dies (verse 23)—a humbling judgment on human pride that rejects God's glory.
The chapter closes with a pivotal summary: the word of God grew and multiplied (verse 24). Persecution and judgment cannot stop God's purposes. Barnabas and Saul return from their ministry bringing young John Mark with them, setting the stage for future gospel work.
When persecution or pressure threatens to silence your faith, remember Peter's experience: the church's intercession was heard, divine deliverance came, and God's word advanced unstoppably. Your calling is to pray boldly, trust steadfastly, and proclaim fearlessly, knowing that no human authority ultimately prevails against God's kingdom.