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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 12:6 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/12-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/44_Act_12_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 12:6 - The Rescue of Peter" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/12-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/12-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/12-5.htm" title="Acts 12:5">◄</a> Acts 12:6 <a href="/acts/12-7.htm" title="Acts 12:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/12.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/acts/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> 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. <a href="/esv/acts/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/acts/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/acts/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And when Herod was about to bring him forth, on that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, having been bound with two chains, and guards before the door were watching the prison. <a href="/kjv/acts/12.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/acts/12.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/acts/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. <a href="/nasb/acts/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. <a href="/nasb77/acts/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And on the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. <a href="/lsb/acts/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now on the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. <a href="/amp/acts/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The very night before Herod was to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries were in front of the door guarding the prison. <a href="/csb/acts/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When Herod was about to bring him out for trial, that very night Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while the sentries in front of the door guarded the prison. <a href="/hcsb/acts/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> On the night before Herod was to bring him out for execution, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while the sentries in front of the door guarded the prison. <a href="/asv/acts/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison. <a href="/cev/acts/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The night before Peter was to be put on trial, he was asleep and bound by two chains. A soldier was guarding him on each side, and two other soldiers were guarding the entrance to the jail. <a href="/erv/acts/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison. <a href="/gwt/acts/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The night before Herod was going to bring Peter to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers. His hands were bound with two chains, and guards were in front of the door. They were watching the prison. <a href="/gnt/acts/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> The night before Herod was going to bring him out to the people, Peter was sleeping between two guards. He was tied with two chains, and there were guards on duty at the prison gate. <a href="/isv/acts/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> That very night, before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, and guards in front of the door were watching the prisoners. <a href="/msb/acts/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/acts/12.htm">NET Bible</a> On that very night before Herod was going to bring him out for trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. <a href="/nheb/acts/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison. <a href="/wbt/acts/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</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="/wey/acts/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now when Herod was on the point of taking him out of prison, that very night Peter was asleep between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards were on duty outside the door. <a href="/web/acts/12.htm">World English Bible</a> The same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night was Peter sleeping between two soldiers, having been bound with two chains, guards were also keeping the prison before the door, <a href="/blb/acts/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And when Herod was about to bring him forth, on that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, having been bound with two chains, and guards before the door were watching the prison. <a href="/ylt/acts/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night was Peter sleeping between two soldiers, having been bound with two chains, guards also before the door were keeping the prison, <a href="/slt/acts/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And when Herod was about to bring him before, in that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the watch before the door kept the prison.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</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="/cpdv/acts/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when Herod was ready to produce him, in that same night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, and was bound with two chains. And there were guards in front of the door, guarding the prison. <a href="/nabre/acts/12.htm">New American Bible</a> On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And on the very night before the morning that he was to be delivered up, while Simon Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and others were guarding the doors of the prison, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And that night toward dawn, he was preparing to hand him over while Shimeon was asleep between two Soldiers and was bound with two chains, and the others were keeping the gate of the prison.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> When Herod was about to bring him out, on that night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers before the doors were guarding the prison. <a href="/godbey/acts/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But when Herod was about to lead him forth, and Peter was sleeping that night between two soldiers, and bound with two chains; and the guards were keeping guard before the door. <a href="/haweis/acts/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now when Herod was going to bring him forth, the same night was Peter fast asleep between the two soldiers, fastened to them with two chains: and the guards before the door kept the prison. <a href="/mace/acts/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> now the very night preceding the day which Herod design'd for his execution, Peter bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while the other guards secured the prison door; when an angel of <a href="/wey/acts/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now when Herod was on the point of taking him out of prison, that very night Peter was asleep between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards were on duty outside the door. <a href="/worrell/acts/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, when Herod was about to bring him forth, in that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and guards before the door were keeping the prison. <a href="/worsley/acts/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And when Herod was about to bring him forth, that very night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the guards at the door watched the prison. <a href="/parallel/acts/12-6.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=3827" 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> 5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him. 6<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">On</a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinē (DPro-DFS) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3571.htm" title="3571: nykti (N-DFS) -- The night, night-time. A primary word; night.">night</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3753.htm" title="3753: Hote (Adv) -- When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.">before</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2264.htm" title="2264: Hērōdēs (N-NMS) -- Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings.">Herod</a> <a href="/greek/3195.htm" title="3195: ēmellen (V-IIA-3S) -- A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.">was</a> <a href="/greek/4254.htm" title="4254: proagagein (V-ANA) -- From pro and ago; to lead forward; intransitively, to precede (participle, previous).">to bring him to trial,</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/4074.htm" title="4074: Petros (N-NMS) -- Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.">Peter</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/2837.htm" title="2837: koimōmenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- From keimai; to put to sleep, i.e. to slumber; figuratively, to decease.">sleeping</a> <a href="/greek/3342.htm" title="3342: metaxy (Prep) -- Meanwhile, afterwards, between. From meta and a form of sun; betwixt; as adjective, intervening, or adjoining.">between</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-GMP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">two</a> <a href="/greek/4757.htm" title="4757: stratiōtōn (N-GMP) -- A soldier. From a presumed derivative of the same as stratia; a camper-out, i.e. A warrior.">soldiers,</a> <a href="/greek/1210.htm" title="1210: dedemenos (V-RPM/P-NMS) -- To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.">bound</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dysin (Adj-DFP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">with two</a> <a href="/greek/254.htm" title="254: halysesin (N-DFP) -- A (light) chain, bond. Of uncertain derivation; a fetter or manacle.">chains,</a> <a href="/greek/5037.htm" title="5037: te (Conj) -- And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also.">with</a> <a href="/greek/5441.htm" title="5441: phylakes (N-NMP) -- A guard, keeper, sentinel. From phulasso; a watcher or sentry.">sentries</a> <a href="/greek/5083.htm" title="5083: etēroun (V-IIA-3P) -- From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.">standing guard</a> <a href="/greek/4253.htm" title="4253: pro (Prep) -- A primary preposition; fore, i.e. In front of, prior to.">at</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- 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/2374.htm" title="2374: thyras (N-GFS) -- (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance.">entrance</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.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/5438.htm" title="5438: phylakēn (N-AFS) -- From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.">prison.</a> 7Suddenly 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.…<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/16-25.htm">Acts 16:25-26</a> About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. / 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="/daniel/6-16.htm">Daniel 6:16-23</a> So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” / A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that nothing concerning Daniel could be changed. / Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting. No entertainment was brought before him, and sleep fled from him. ... <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="/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="/matthew/28-2.htm">Matthew 28:2-4</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. / The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men. <a href="/luke/22-43.htm">Luke 22:43</a> Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. <a href="/2_kings/6-17.htm">2 Kings 6:17</a> Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. <a href="/genesis/48-16.htm">Genesis 48:16</a> the angel who has redeemed me from all harm—may He bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.” <a href="/psalms/3-5.htm">Psalm 3:5</a> I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me. <a href="/psalms/4-8.htm">Psalm 4:8</a> I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. <a href="/psalms/127-2.htm">Psalm 127:2</a> In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved. <a href="/isaiah/26-3.htm">Isaiah 26:3</a> You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">Matthew 18:10</a> See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven. <a href="/hebrews/1-14.htm">Hebrews 1:14</a> Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.the same.<a href="/genesis/22-14.htm">Genesis 22:14</a> And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.<a href="/deuteronomy/32-26.htm">Deuteronomy 32:26</a> I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men:<a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">1 Samuel 23:26,27</a> And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them… bound.<a href="/acts/21-33.htm">Acts 21:33</a> Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.<a href="/acts/28-20.htm">Acts 28:20</a> For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.<a href="/jeremiah/40-4.htm">Jeremiah 40:4</a> And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which were upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go.and the.<a href="/acts/5-23.htm">Acts 5:23</a> Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.<a href="/matthew/28-4.htm">Matthew 28:4</a> And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/12-4.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/acts/7-60.htm">Asleep</a> <a href="/acts/9-21.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/acts/9-21.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/acts/10-18.htm">Door</a> <a href="/john/18-16.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/acts/12-4.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/acts/10-30.htm">Front</a> <a href="/acts/12-4.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/luke/22-63.htm">Guarding</a> <a href="/acts/5-24.htm">Guards</a> <a href="/acts/12-4.htm">Herod</a> <a href="/acts/5-23.htm">Keepers</a> <a href="/acts/11-23.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/acts/12-5.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/10-23.htm">Night</a> <a href="/acts/9-40.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/acts/12-5.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/acts/7-3.htm">Point</a> <a href="/acts/12-5.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/acts/5-23.htm">Sentries</a> <a href="/john/11-11.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/acts/12-4.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/acts/11-28.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/acts/4-9.htm">Trial</a> <a href="/acts/12-4.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/acts/9-24.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/matthew/28-12.htm">Watchmen</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/12-18.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/acts/13-36.htm">Asleep</a> <a href="/acts/13-46.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/acts/12-7.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/acts/12-13.htm">Door</a> <a href="/acts/20-22.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/acts/12-9.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/acts/12-14.htm">Front</a> <a href="/acts/12-10.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/acts/22-20.htm">Guarding</a> <a href="/acts/12-19.htm">Guards</a> <a href="/acts/12-11.htm">Herod</a> <a href="/acts/12-19.htm">Keepers</a> <a href="/acts/14-18.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/acts/12-15.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/16-9.htm">Night</a> <a href="/acts/12-14.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/acts/12-7.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/acts/16-27.htm">Point</a> <a href="/acts/12-7.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-12.htm">Sentries</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-20.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/acts/12-18.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/acts/12-7.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/acts/15-10.htm">Trial</a> <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Watch</a> <a href="/acts/22-20.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/acts/12-19.htm">Watchmen</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>On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial This phrase sets the scene during the reign of Herod Agrippa I, a ruler known for his persecution of the early church. The timing is significant, as it was the night before Peter's trial, indicating the urgency and gravity of the situation. Herod's intent to bring Peter to trial reflects the political and religious tensions of the time, as Herod sought to appease Jewish leaders by persecuting Christians. This echoes the trials of Jesus and other apostles, highlighting the ongoing conflict between the early church and Jewish authorities.Peter was sleeping between two soldiers Peter's ability to sleep in such dire circumstances demonstrates his faith and trust in God. The presence of two soldiers indicates the high level of security, as Peter was considered a significant threat due to his leadership role in the church. This situation parallels the peace Jesus exhibited during the storm (<a href="/mark/4-38.htm">Mark 4:38</a>), showing a deep trust in God's sovereignty.bound with two chains The use of two chains emphasizes the extreme measures taken to ensure Peter's captivity, reflecting the seriousness with which Herod viewed the threat of the Christian movement. Chains in the Bible often symbolize bondage and oppression, yet they also set the stage for divine intervention, as seen in other instances where God delivers His people from seemingly impossible situations (e.g., Paul and Silas in <a href="/acts/16-25.htm">Acts 16:25-26</a>).with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison The presence of sentries highlights the Roman practice of ensuring maximum security for prisoners, especially those considered high-risk. This detail underscores the human efforts to control and suppress the spread of the Gospel, which are ultimately futile against God's plans. The guards' role also sets the stage for the miraculous nature of Peter's impending escape, demonstrating God's power over human authority and obstacles.<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 Christian church. At this point, he is imprisoned by Herod Agrippa I. 2. <a href="/topical/h/herod_agrippa_i.htm">Herod Agrippa I</a> The king of Judea, known for persecuting the early church. He is the grandson of Herod the Great and is seeking to please the Jewish leaders by arresting Peter. 3. <a href="/topical/s/soldiers.htm">Soldiers</a> Roman guards tasked with ensuring Peter's imprisonment. Their presence highlights the seriousness of Peter's captivity. 4. <a href="/topical/c/chains.htm">Chains</a> Symbolic of Peter's physical bondage, yet they also set the stage for the miraculous deliverance that follows. 5. <a href="/topical/p/prison.htm">Prison</a> The physical location of Peter's confinement, representing the oppressive power of earthly authorities against the early church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> Peter's ability to sleep peacefully despite imminent danger demonstrates a profound trust in God's control over his life. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a> The church was fervently praying for Peter (<a href="/acts/12-5.htm">Acts 12:5</a>), illustrating the importance and power of intercessory prayer in the life of believers. <a href="/topical/g/god's_deliverance.htm">God's Deliverance</a> The chains and guards symbolize human limitations, but God's power transcends these, reminding us that no situation is beyond His reach. <a href="/topical/p/peace_amidst_trials.htm">Peace Amidst Trials</a> Peter's peace serves as a model for Christians to maintain faith and calmness in the face of trials, trusting in God's ultimate plan. <a href="/topical/w/witness_through_suffering.htm">Witness Through Suffering</a> Peter's imprisonment and subsequent deliverance serve as a testimony to God's faithfulness and power, encouraging believers to witness through their own trials.<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/evidence_outside_bible_for_peter's_escape.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence outside the Bible to confirm Peter's miraculous prison escape in Acts 12?</a> <a href="/q/key_events_in_acts.htm">What are the key events in the Book of Acts?</a> <a href="/q/any_non-biblical_proof_of_angelic_escape.htm">Acts 5:17–19: Is there any archaeological or historical record outside the Bible confirming an angelic prison escape in Jerusalem? </a> <a href="/q/does_job_17's_despair_contradict_deliverance.htm">Does the profound hopelessness expressed in Job 17 contradict other scriptures that promise divine deliverance for the faithful?</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>(6) Peter was sleeping between two soldiers.--The picture of the calm repose of the Apostle as of one to whom God had given the sleep of His beloved (<a href="/psalms/127-2.htm" title="It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he gives his beloved sleep.">Psalm 127:2</a>), undisturbed by the fear of coming suffering and death, will be felt by most readers to be one of singular interest.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 6. - Was about to bring for would have brought, A.V.; guards for the keepers, A.V. What a picture we have here! The dungeon; the double chain fastening the prisoner to two soldiers; the other two soldiers of the quaternion keeping watch at the first and second ward, or station; the iron gate securely fastened; the population of the great city expecting with the morning light to be gratified with the blood of the victim of their bigotry; the king having made his arrangements for the imposing spectacle which was to ingratiate him with his people and obtain the applause he so dearly loved; and then the servant of Jesus Christ sleeping calmly under the shadow of God's wings; and, a little way off, the Church keeping her solemn watch and pouring forth her intensest prayers through the silence of the night! And the issue, the triumph of the few and the weak over all the power of the many and the strong. <a href="/commentaries/acts/12-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>On τῇ (tē) Article - Dative 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. [the] ἐκείνῃ (ekeinē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1565.htm">Strong's 1565: </a> That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. night νυκτὶ (nykti) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3571.htm">Strong's 3571: </a> The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'. [before] Ὅτε (Hote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3753.htm">Strong's 3753: </a> When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When. Herod Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2264.htm">Strong's 2264: </a> Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings. was ἤμελλεν (ēmellen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3195.htm">Strong's 3195: </a> A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something. to bring him [to trial], προαγαγεῖν (proagagein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4254.htm">Strong's 4254: </a> From pro and ago; to lead forward; intransitively, to precede (participle, previous). Peter Πέτρος (Petros) Noun - Nominative 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. was ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. sleeping κοιμώμενος (koimōmenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2837.htm">Strong's 2837: </a> From keimai; to put to sleep, i.e. to slumber; figuratively, to decease. between μεταξὺ (metaxy) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3342.htm">Strong's 3342: </a> Meanwhile, afterwards, between. From meta and a form of sun; betwixt; as adjective, intervening, or adjoining. two δύο (dyo) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. soldiers, στρατιωτῶν (stratiōtōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4757.htm">Strong's 4757: </a> A soldier. From a presumed derivative of the same as stratia; a camper-out, i.e. A warrior. bound δεδεμένος (dedemenos) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1210.htm">Strong's 1210: </a> To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind. with two δυσίν (dysin) Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. chains, ἁλύσεσιν (halysesin) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_254.htm">Strong's 254: </a> A (light) chain, bond. Of uncertain derivation; a fetter or manacle. with τε (te) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_5037.htm">Strong's 5037: </a> And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also. sentries φύλακές (phylakes) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5441.htm">Strong's 5441: </a> A guard, keeper, sentinel. From phulasso; a watcher or sentry. standing guard ἐτήρουν (etēroun) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5083.htm">Strong's 5083: </a> From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold. at πρὸ (pro) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4253.htm">Strong's 4253: </a> A primary preposition; 'fore', i.e. In front of, prior to. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive 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. entrance θύρας (thyras) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2374.htm">Strong's 2374: </a> (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance. to 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. prison. φυλακήν (phylakēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5438.htm">Strong's 5438: </a> From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 12:6 The same night when Herod was about (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/12-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 12:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 12:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/12-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 12:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 12:7" /></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>