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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 12:7 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/12-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/44_Act_12_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 12:7 - The Rescue of Peter" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. 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He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. &#8220Quick, get up!&#8221 he said, and the chains fell off Peter&#8217s wrists. <a href="/nlt/acts/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/acts/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/acts/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/acts/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by, and a light shone in the cell. And having struck Peter's side, he woke him up, saying, "Rise up in haste." And his chains fell off the hands. <a href="/kjv/acts/12.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/acts/12.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/acts/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near Peter, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. <a href="/nasb/acts/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter&#8217s side and woke him up, saying, &#8220Get up quickly.&#8221 And his chains fell off his hands. <a href="/nasb77/acts/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and roused him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. <a href="/lsb/acts/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Rise up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. <a href="/amp/acts/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared [beside him] and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter’s side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly!” And the chains fell off his hands. <a href="/csb/acts/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. Striking Peter on the side, he woke him up and said, “Quick, get up! ” And the chains fell off his wrists. <a href="/hcsb/acts/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. Striking Peter on the side, he woke him up and said, &#8220Quick, get up!&#8221 Then the chains fell off his wrists.&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. <a href="/cev/acts/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Suddenly an angel from the Lord appeared, and light flashed around in the cell. The angel poked Peter in the side and woke him up. Then he said, "Quick! Get up!" The chains fell off his hands, <a href="/erv/acts/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. <a href="/gwt/acts/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Suddenly, an angel from the Lord stood near Peter, and his cell was filled with light. The angel nudged Peter's side, woke him up, and said, "Hurry! Get up!" At that moment the chains fell from Peter's hands. <a href="/gnt/acts/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood there, and a light shone in the cell. The angel shook Peter by the shoulder, woke him up, and said, "Hurry! Get up!" At once the chains fell off Peter's hands. <a href="/isv/acts/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on his side, woke him up, and said, "Get up quickly!" His chains fell from his wrists. <a href="/msb/acts/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/acts/12.htm">NET Bible</a> Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the prison cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, "Get up quickly!" And the chains fell off Peter's wrists. <a href="/nheb/acts/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And look, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up, saying, "Stand up quickly." His chains fell off from his hands. <a href="/wbt/acts/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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 quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. <a href="/wey/acts/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell; and, striking Peter on the side, he woke him and said, "Rise quickly." Instantly the chains dropped off his wrists. <a href="/web/acts/12.htm">World English Bible</a> And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Stand up quickly!” His chains fell off his hands. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and behold, a messenger of the LORD stood by, and a light shone in the buildings, and having struck Peter on the side, he raised him up, saying, “Rise in haste,” and his chains fell from off [his] hands. <a href="/blb/acts/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by, and a light shone in the cell. And having struck Peter's side, he woke him up, saying, "Rise up in haste." And his chains fell off the hands. <a href="/ylt/acts/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and lo, a messenger of the Lord stood by, and a light shone in the buildings, and having smitten Peter on the side, he raised him up, saying, 'Rise in haste,' and his chains fell from off his hands. <a href="/slt/acts/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And, behold, the messenger of the Lord stood before, and a light shone in the dwelling: and having struck Peter's side, he raised him up, saying, Arise quickly. And his chains fell off from the hands.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him: and a light shined in the room: and he striking Peter on the side, raised him up, saying: Arise quickly. And the chains fell off from his hands. <a href="/cpdv/acts/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And behold, an Angel of the Lord stood near, and a light shined forth in the cell. And tapping Peter on the side, he awakened him, saying, “Rise up, quickly.” And the chains fell from his hands. <a href="/nabre/acts/12.htm">New American Bible</a> Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The angel of the LORD stood over him, and a light shone in all the prison: and the angel touched him on the side and awoke him, and said to him, Rise up quickly. And the chains fell off from his hands. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> The Angel of THE LORD JEHOVAH stood over him, and the light shone in the entire place and he jabbed him in the side and raised him up and said to him, “Arise quickly.” And the chains fell from his hands.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison. And he gently struck Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying: Arise quickly; and his chains fell from his hands. <a href="/godbey/acts/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And, behold, the angel of the Lord stood over him, and a light shone in the house; and having touched the side of Peter, he raised him up, saying; Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. <a href="/haweis/acts/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And, lo! an angel of the Lord stood there, and light glared through the apartment: then with a stroke on Peter?s side, he roused him up, and said, Arise quickly. And his chains fell from his hands. <a href="/mace/acts/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the Lord suddenly appear'd and fill'd the room with light, and touching Peter on the side, awak'd him, saying, rise, be quick, and immediately his chains fell from his hands. <a href="/wey/acts/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell; and, striking Peter on the side, he woke him and said, "Rise quickly." Instantly the chains dropped off his wrists. <a href="/worrell/acts/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell; and, smiting the side of Peter, he raised him up, saying, "Rise up quickly!" And his chains fell off from his hands. <a href="/worsley/acts/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the room; and smiting Peter on the side, he waked him, and said, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. <a href="/parallel/acts/12-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=3840" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/12.htm">The Rescue of Peter</a> …6On 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. 7<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Suddenly</a> <a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: idou (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!"></a> <a href="/greek/32.htm" title="32: angelos (N-NMS) -- From aggello; a messenger; especially an angel; by implication, a pastor.">an angel</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriou (N-GMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">of the Lord</a> <a href="/greek/2186.htm" title="2186: epestē (V-AIA-3S) -- To stand by, be urgent, befall one (as of evil), be at hand, impend. From epi and histemi; to stand upon, i.e. Be present.">appeared</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōs (N-NNS) -- Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.">a light</a> <a href="/greek/2989.htm" title="2989: elampsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To shine, give light. A primary verb; to beam, i.e. Radiate brilliancy.">shone</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3612.htm" title="3612: oikēmati (N-DNS) -- A prison cell. From oikeo; a tenement, i.e., a jail.">cell.</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3960.htm" title="3960: pataxas (V-APA-NMS) -- To smite, strike (as with a sword), smite to death, afflict. Probably prolongation from paio; to knock.">He tapped</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4074.htm" title="4074: Petrou (N-GMS) -- Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.">Peter</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">on the</a> <a href="/greek/4125.htm" title="4125: pleuran (N-AFS) -- The side of the body. Of uncertain affinity; a rib, i.e. side.">side</a> <a href="/greek/1453.htm" title="1453: ēgeiren (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse.">and woke him up,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">saying,</a> <a href="/greek/450.htm" title="450: Anasta (V-AMA-2S) -- To raise up, set up; I rise from among (the) dead; I arise, appear. From ana and histemi; to stand up.">“Get up</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/5034.htm" title="5034: tachei (N-DNS) -- Quickness, speed; hastily, immediately. From the same as tachus; a brief space, i.e. in haste.">quickly.”</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hai (Art-NFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/254.htm" title="254: halyseis (N-NFP) -- A (light) chain, bond. Of uncertain derivation; a fetter or manacle.">chains</a> <a href="/greek/1601.htm" title="1601: exepesan (V-AIA-3P) -- From ek and pipto; to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient.">fell</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">off</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">his</a> <a href="/greek/5495.htm" title="5495: cheirōn (N-GFP) -- A hand. ">wrists.</a> 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/5-19.htm">Acts 5:19</a> But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, <a href="/acts/16-26.htm">Acts 16:26</a> Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. <a href="/psalms/34-7.htm">Psalm 34:7</a> The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them. <a href="/daniel/6-22.htm">Daniel 6:22</a> My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.” <a href="/genesis/19-15.htm">Genesis 19:15-16</a> At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.” / But when Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters. And they led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them. <a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2</a> There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. <a href="/1_kings/19-5.htm">1 Kings 19:5-7</a> Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” / And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. / A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” <a href="/luke/22-43.htm">Luke 22:43</a> Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. <a href="/matthew/28-2.htm">Matthew 28:2-3</a> Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. / His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. <a href="/isaiah/63-9.htm">Isaiah 63:9</a> In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. <a href="/psalms/91-11.htm">Psalm 91:11-12</a> For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. / They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. <a href="/hebrews/1-14.htm">Hebrews 1:14</a> Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? <a href="/luke/1-11.htm">Luke 1:11</a> Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. <a href="/judges/6-12.htm">Judges 6:12</a> And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” <a href="/zechariah/3-1.htm">Zechariah 3:1-2</a> Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. / And the LORD said to Satan: “The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And, behold, the angel of the Lord came on 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.the angel.<a href="/acts/12-23.htm">Acts 12:23</a> 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.<a href="/acts/5-19.htm">Acts 5:19</a> But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,<a href="/acts/10-30.htm">Acts 10:30</a> And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,and a.<a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Acts 9:3</a> And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:<a href="/2_samuel/22-29.htm">2 Samuel 22:29</a> For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.<a href="/ezekiel/43-2.htm">Ezekiel 43:2</a> And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.Arise.<a href="/genesis/19-15.htm">Genesis 19:15,16</a> And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city… <a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1</a> Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.<a href="/ephesians/5-14.htm">Ephesians 5:14</a> Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.And his.<a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6</a> 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.<a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6</a> 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.<a href="/acts/2-24.htm">Acts 2:24</a> Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.<a href="/acts/16-26.htm">Acts 16:26</a> And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/11-13.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/acts/11-7.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/luke/8-24.htm">Awoke</a> <a href="/ezekiel/40-45.htm">Cell</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/acts/11-15.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/acts/11-28.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Light</a> <a href="/acts/10-3.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/john/20-4.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/acts/10-40.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/acts/11-7.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Shined</a> <a href="/acts/10-30.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Shone</a> <a href="/acts/10-32.htm">Side</a> <a href="/acts/7-24.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/acts/11-17.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/acts/7-24.htm">Striking</a> <a href="/acts/7-11.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/acts/10-30.htm">Suddenly</a> <a href="/acts/5-35.htm">Touching</a> <a href="/luke/8-24.htm">Woke</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/12-8.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/acts/20-30.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Awoke</a> <a href="/acts/16-24.htm">Cell</a> <a href="/acts/16-26.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/acts/13-11.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/acts/13-17.htm">Great</a> <a href="/acts/12-11.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/acts/13-47.htm">Light</a> <a href="/acts/12-8.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/acts/12-8.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/acts/12-9.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/acts/17-15.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/acts/13-22.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/acts/14-10.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">Shined</a> <a href="/acts/22-6.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/acts/22-6.htm">Shone</a> <a href="/acts/13-22.htm">Side</a> <a href="/acts/12-23.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/acts/14-10.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/acts/12-14.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/acts/27-41.htm">Striking</a> <a href="/acts/12-23.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/acts/12-10.htm">Suddenly</a> <a href="/acts/19-40.htm">Touching</a> <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Woke</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 12</div>1. <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">King Herod persecutes the Christians, kills James, and imprisons Peter; </a> 6. <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">whom an angel delivers upon the prayers of the church.</a> 20. <a href="/acts/12-20.htm">Herod in his pride taking to himself the honor due to God, </a> 23. <a href="/acts/12-23.htm">is stricken by an angel, and dies miserably.</a> 24. <a href="/acts/12-24.htm">After his death, the word of God prospers.</a> 25. <a href="/acts/12-25.htm">Saul and Barnabas return to Antioch.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared The sudden appearance of an angel signifies divine intervention, a common theme in Scripture where God sends His messengers to deliver or guide His people (e.g., <a href="/genesis/22-11.htm">Genesis 22:11</a>, <a href="/daniel/6-22.htm">Daniel 6:22</a>). Angels are often depicted as God's agents in executing His will, emphasizing His sovereignty and power. This event occurs during a time of persecution, highlighting God's protection over His apostles.and a light shone in the cell. The light symbolizes God's presence and revelation, often associated with divine truth and guidance (<a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>, <a href="/john/1-5.htm">John 1:5</a>). In a literal sense, the light would have been necessary for Peter to see, but metaphorically, it represents the illumination of God's intervention in a dark situation. This imagery is consistent with other biblical accounts where God's presence is accompanied by light (<a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21</a>, <a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Acts 9:3</a>).He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, The gentle action of tapping Peter suggests a personal and caring approach by the angel, reflecting God's intimate concern for His servants. Peter's deep sleep, despite his impending execution, indicates his trust in God (<a href="/psalms/4-8.htm">Psalm 4:8</a>). The act of waking Peter signifies a call to action, a theme seen throughout Scripture where God awakens His people to fulfill His purposes (<a href="/judges/6-12.htm">Judges 6:12</a>, <a href="/1_kings/19-5.htm">1 Kings 19:5-7</a>).saying, “Get up quickly.” The urgency in the angel's command underscores the immediacy of God's deliverance. It reflects the need for prompt obedience to divine instructions, a principle seen in other biblical narratives (<a href="/genesis/19-15.htm">Genesis 19:15-16</a>, <a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13-14</a>). This command also foreshadows the rapid unfolding of events that lead to Peter's escape, demonstrating God's control over time and circumstances.And the chains fell off his wrists. The miraculous release from chains symbolizes liberation from bondage, a recurring theme in Scripture that points to spiritual freedom through Christ (<a href="/isaiah/61.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a>, <a href="/john/8-36.htm">John 8:36</a>). This physical liberation prefigures the greater spiritual deliverance that Jesus provides. The falling of the chains without human intervention highlights the power of God to break any form of captivity, both physical and spiritual.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> One of Jesus' closest disciples and a leading figure in the early church. At this point, he is imprisoned by Herod Agrippa I for preaching the Gospel. 2. <a href="/topical/a/angel_of_the_lord.htm">Angel of the Lord</a> A divine messenger sent by God to intervene in Peter's imprisonment, demonstrating God's power and sovereignty. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_cell.htm">The Cell</a> The prison where Peter is held, symbolizing the physical and spiritual bondage from which God delivers His people. 4. <a href="/topical/h/herod_agrippa_i.htm">Herod Agrippa I</a> The ruler who sought to persecute the early Christians, representing opposition to the Gospel. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_light.htm">The Light</a> Symbolizes divine presence and revelation, dispelling darkness and bringing freedom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_intervention.htm">Divine Intervention</a> God is actively involved in the lives of His people, often intervening in miraculous ways to accomplish His purposes. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_freedom.htm">Spiritual Freedom</a> Just as Peter's chains fell off, believers are set free from the bondage of sin through Christ. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_persecution.htm">Faith in Persecution</a> Peter's deliverance encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in times of persecution. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_angels.htm">The Role of Angels</a> Angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation, reminding us of God's care and provision. <a href="/topical/l/light_in_darkness.htm">Light in Darkness</a> God's presence brings light into the darkest situations, offering hope and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 12</a> <a href="/q/how_did_peter_escape_unnoticed_in_acts_12.htm">In Acts 12:7–10, how can the chains supernaturally fall off Peter’s wrists and prison doors open on their own without any guards noticing? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_angels.htm">What does the Bible say about guardian angels?</a> <a href="/q/why_save_peter_but_not_james.htm">Why would God intervene to rescue Peter (Acts 12:7–17) but not prevent James’s execution (Acts 12:2)? </a> <a href="/q/is_philip's_move_in_acts_8_39-40_literal.htm">How can the account of Philip’s sudden relocation in Acts 8:39–40 be reconciled with natural laws, and is it meant literally or symbolically?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) The angel of the Lord came upon him.--The phrase is identical with that of <a href="/luke/2-9.htm" title="And, see, the angel of the Lord came on them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.">Luke 2:9</a>. The absence of the article in the Greek leaves it open to render it either as "the angel" or "an angel." The "light" in this instance corresponds to the "glory of the Lord" in that.In the prison.--Literally, in the dwelling, or chamber. The term appears to be used as an euphemism for "prison."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - An angel for the angel, A.V. (see note on Acts 5:19); stood by him for came upon him, A.V. (comp. <a href="/luke/2-9.htm">Luke 2:9</a>); cell for prison, A.V.; awoke him for raised him up, A.V. (ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν); rise for arise, A.V. Cell. The word οἴκημα, a dwelling, was used by the Athenians as an euphemism for a prison. It only occurs here in the New Testament, though it is a common Greek word. His chains fell off from his hands, showing that each hand bad been chained to a soldier. The loosening of the chains would enable him to rise without necessarily awakening the soldiers to whom he was fastened, and who would feel no difference in the chain which was attached to them. <a href="/commentaries/acts/12-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Suddenly καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. an angel ἄγγελος (angelos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_32.htm">Strong's 32: </a> From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor. of [the] Lord Κυρίου (Kyriou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. appeared ἐπέστη (epestē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2186.htm">Strong's 2186: </a> To stand by, be urgent, befall one (as of evil), be at hand, impend. From epi and histemi; to stand upon, i.e. Be present. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. a light φῶς (phōs) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. shone ἔλαμψεν (elampsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2989.htm">Strong's 2989: </a> To shine, give light. A primary verb; to beam, i.e. Radiate brilliancy. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. cell. οἰκήματι (oikēmati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3612.htm">Strong's 3612: </a> A prison cell. From oikeo; a tenement, i.e., a jail. He tapped πατάξας (pataxas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3960.htm">Strong's 3960: </a> To smite, strike (as with a sword), smite to death, afflict. Probably prolongation from paio; to knock. Peter Πέτρου (Petrou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4074.htm">Strong's 4074: </a> Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle. on the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. side πλευρὰν (pleuran) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4125.htm">Strong's 4125: </a> The side of the body. Of uncertain affinity; a rib, i.e. side. [and] woke him up, ἤγειρεν (ēgeiren) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1453.htm">Strong's 1453: </a> (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse. saying, λέγων (legōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “Get up Ἀνάστα (Anasta) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_450.htm">Strong's 450: </a> To raise up, set up; I rise from among (the) dead; I arise, appear. From ana and histemi; to stand up. quickly.” τάχει (tachei) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5034.htm">Strong's 5034: </a> Quickness, speed; hastily, immediately. From the same as tachus; a brief space, i.e. in haste. And καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the αἱ (hai) Article - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. chains ἁλύσεις (halyseis) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_254.htm">Strong's 254: </a> A (light) chain, bond. Of uncertain derivation; a fetter or manacle. fell ἐξέπεσαν (exepesan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1601.htm">Strong's 1601: </a> From ek and pipto; to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient. off ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. [his] τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. wrists. χειρῶν (cheirōn) Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5495.htm">Strong's 5495: </a> A hand. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/12-7.htm">Acts 12:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/12-7.htm">Acts 12:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/12-7.htm">Acts 12:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/12-7.htm">Acts 12:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/12-7.htm">Acts 12:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/12-7.htm">Acts 12:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/12-7.htm">Acts 12:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/12-7.htm">Acts 12:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/12-7.htm">Acts 12:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/12-7.htm">Acts 12:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/12-7.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 12:7 And behold an angel of the Lord (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/12-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 12:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 12:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/12-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 12:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 12:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>