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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 12:4 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/12-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/44_Act_12_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 12:4 - James Killed, Peter Imprisoned" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/12-4.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/12-4.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 4</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="/ad4.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/12-3.htm" title="Acts 12:3">◄</a> Acts 12:4 <a href="/acts/12-5.htm" title="Acts 12:5">►</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> After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. <a href="/nlt/acts/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. <a href="/esv/acts/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. <a href="/bsb/acts/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/acts/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> whom also, having seized, he put in prison, having delivered him to four sets of four soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. <a href="/kjv/acts/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. <a href="/nkjv/acts/12.htm">New King James Version</a> So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. <a href="/nasb_/acts/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When he had arrested him, he put him in prison, turning him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending only after the Passover to bring him before the people. <a href="/nasb/acts/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> When he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people. <a href="/nasb77/acts/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people. <a href="/lsb/acts/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> When he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people. <a href="/amp/acts/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When he had seized Peter, he put him in prison, turning him over to four squads of soldiers of four each to guard him [in rotation throughout the night], planning after the Passover to bring him out before the people [for execution]. <a href="/csb/acts/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> After the arrest, he put him in prison and assigned four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. <a href="/hcsb/acts/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> After the arrest, he put him in prison and assigned four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. <a href="/asv/acts/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when he had taken him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people. <a href="/cev/acts/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He put Peter in jail and ordered four squads of soldiers to guard him. Herod planned to put him on trial in public after the festival. <a href="/erv/acts/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when he had taken him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people. <a href="/gwt/acts/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> After capturing Peter, Herod had him thrown into prison with sixteen soldiers in squads of four to guard him. Herod wanted to bring Peter to trial in front of the people after Passover. <a href="/gnt/acts/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> After his arrest Peter was put in jail, where he was handed over to be guarded by four groups of four soldiers each. Herod planned to put him on trial in public after Passover. <a href="/isv/acts/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> When he arrested Peter, Herod put him in prison and turned him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, planning to bring him out to the people after Passover season. <a href="/msb/acts/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/acts/12.htm">NET Bible</a> When he had seized him, he put him in prison, handing him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him. Herod planned to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. <a href="/nheb/acts/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. <a href="/wbt/acts/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after the passover to bring him forth to the people. <a href="/wey/acts/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He had him arrested and lodged in jail, handing him over to the care of sixteen soldiers; and intended after the Passover to bring him out again to the people. <a href="/web/acts/12.htm">World English Bible</a> When he had arrested him, he put him in prison and delivered him to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> whom also having seized, he put in prison, having delivered [him] to four squads of four soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him forth to the people after the Passover. <a href="/blb/acts/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> whom also, having seized, he put in prison, having delivered him to four sets of four soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. <a href="/ylt/acts/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> whom also having seized, he did put in prison, having delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him, intending after the passover to bring him forth to the people. <a href="/slt/acts/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And having seized, he put him in prison, having delivered to four quaternions of soldiers to watch him; wishing after the pascha to bring him to the people.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when he had apprehended him, he cast him into prison, delivering him to four files of soldiers to be kept, intending, after the pasch, to bring him forth to the people. <a href="/cpdv/acts/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So when he had apprehended him, he sent him into prison, handing him over into the custody of four groups of four soldiers, intending to produce him to the people after the Passover. <a href="/nabre/acts/12.htm">New American Bible</a> He had him taken into custody and put in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. He intended to bring him before the people after Passover. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So he seized him and put him in prison and delivered him to the care of sixteen soldiers to keep him, so that he might deliver him to the Jewish people after the passover. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he arrested him and cast him into prison and delivered him unto sixteen Soldiers to guard him so that after Passover he would deliver him to the people of Judea,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four tetrads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the passover. <a href="/godbey/acts/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> whom having seized, he also put in prison, having committed him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; wishing to bring him out to the people after the passover. <a href="/haweis/acts/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Whom having apprehended, he put him in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep guard over him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people for execution. <a href="/mace/acts/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> having apprehended Peter, he put him into prison, appointing a detachment of sixteen soldiers to guard him, intending to have him brought to publick execution, after Easter. <a href="/wey/acts/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> He had him arrested and lodged in jail, handing him over to the care of sixteen soldiers; and intended after the Passover to bring him out again to the people. <a href="/worrell/acts/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, having seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending, after the passover, to bring him up to the people. <a href="/worsley/acts/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> whom he seized and put into prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending, after the passover, to bring him out to the people. <a href="/parallel/acts/12-4.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=3806" 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">James Killed, Peter Imprisoned</a> …3And seeing that this pleased the Jews, Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4<a href="/greek/4084.htm" title="4084: piasas (V-APA-NMS) -- Probably another form of biazo; to squeeze, i.e. Seize (press), or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture).">He arrested</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hon (RelPro-AMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">him</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5087.htm" title="5087: etheto (V-AIM-3S) -- To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.">put him</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">in</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> <a href="/greek/3860.htm" title="3860: paradous (V-APA-NMS) -- From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.">handing him over</a> <a href="/greek/5442.htm" title="5442: phylassein (V-PNA) -- Probably from phule through the idea of isolation; to watch, i.e. Be on guard; by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid.">to be guarded</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/5064.htm" title="5064: tessarsin (Adj-DNP) -- Four. Or neuter tessara a plural number; four.">by four</a> <a href="/greek/5069.htm" title="5069: tetradiois (N-DNP) -- Neuter of a presumed derivative of tetras; a quaternion or squad of four Roman soldiers.">squads of four</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 each.</a> <a href="/greek/1014.htm" title="1014: boulomenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to will, i.e. be willing.">Herod intended</a> <a href="/greek/321.htm" title="321: anagagein (V-ANA) -- From ana and ago; to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away.">to bring him out</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/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- 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/2992.htm" title="2992: laō (N-DMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a people.">people</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">after</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- 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/3957.htm" title="3957: pascha (N-ANS) -- The feast of Passover, the Passover lamb. Of Chaldee origin; the Passover.">Passover.</a> 5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him.…<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/5-18.htm">Acts 5:18-19</a> and arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. / But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, <a href="/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23-26</a> And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. / On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. / About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ... <a href="/acts/4-3.htm">Acts 4:3</a> They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day. <a href="/acts/28-16.htm">Acts 28:16</a> When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him. <a href="/matthew/27-64.htm">Matthew 27:64-66</a> So give the order that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people He has risen from the dead. And this last deception would be worse than the first.” / “You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” / So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard. <a href="/john/18-12.htm">John 18:12-13</a> Then the band of soldiers, with its commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him. / They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. <a href="/2_timothy/2-9.htm">2 Timothy 2:9</a> for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained! <a href="/philippians/1-13.htm">Philippians 1:13</a> As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-32.htm">2 Corinthians 11:32-33</a> In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me. / But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp. <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="/genesis/39-20.htm">Genesis 39:20-23</a> So Joseph’s master took him and had him thrown into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined. While Joseph was there in the prison, / the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. / And the warden put all the prisoners under Joseph’s care, so that he was responsible for all that was done in the prison. ... <a href="/jeremiah/37-15.htm">Jeremiah 37:15-21</a> The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison. / So Jeremiah went into a cell in the dungeon and remained there a long time. / Later, King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and received him in his palace, where he asked him privately, “Is there a word from the LORD?” “There is,” Jeremiah replied. “You will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.” ... <a href="/jeremiah/38-6.htm">Jeremiah 38:6-13</a> So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah with ropes into the cistern, which had no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud. / Now Ebed-melech the Cushite, a court official in the royal palace, heard that Jeremiah had been put into the cistern. While the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin, / Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and said to the king, ... <a href="/1_kings/22-27.htm">1 Kings 22:27</a> and tell them that this is what the king says: ‘Put this man in prison and feed him only bread and water until I return safely.’” <a href="/judges/16-21.htm">Judges 16:21-30</a> Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze shackles and forced to grind grain in the prison. / However, the hair of his head began to grow back after it had been shaved. / Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.” ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.he put.<a href="/acts/4-3.htm">Acts 4:3</a> And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.<a href="/acts/5-18.htm">Acts 5:18</a> And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.<a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Acts 8:3</a> As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.delivered.<a href="/acts/16-23.htm">Acts 16:23,24</a> And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: … <a href="/matthew/27-64.htm">Matthew 27:64-66</a> Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first… intending.<a href="/acts/4-28.htm">Acts 4:28</a> For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.<a href="/esther/3-6.htm">Esther 3:6,7,13</a> And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai… <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a> There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.Easter.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/1-5.htm">Apprehended</a> <a href="/luke/11-21.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Arrested</a> <a href="/acts/22-4.htm">Arresting</a> <a href="/john/20-7.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/acts/9-34.htm">Care</a> <a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/acts/11-5.htm">Four</a> <a href="/acts/5-24.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/john/17-12.htm">Guarded</a> <a href="/luke/24-30.htm">Handing</a> <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Herod</a> <a href="/acts/5-33.htm">Intended</a> <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Intending</a> <a href="/acts/5-25.htm">Jail</a> <a href="/acts/10-23.htm">Lodged</a> <a href="/john/19-42.htm">Passover</a> <a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/acts/10-42.htm">Public</a> <a href="/acts/11-23.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/micah/2-3.htm">Purposing</a> <a href="/acts/6-12.htm">Seized</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/28-1.htm">Sixteen</a> <a href="/john/19-34.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/acts/9-24.htm">Watch</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Apprehended</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Armed</a> <a href="/acts/21-33.htm">Arrested</a> <a href="/acts/22-4.htm">Arresting</a> <a href="/acts/16-26.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/acts/13-40.htm">Care</a> <a href="/acts/12-11.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/acts/13-19.htm">Four</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/acts/28-16.htm">Guarded</a> <a href="/genesis/25-33.htm">Handing</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Herod</a> <a href="/acts/20-7.htm">Intended</a> <a href="/acts/14-13.htm">Intending</a> <a href="/acts/16-23.htm">Jail</a> <a href="/acts/16-24.htm">Lodged</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-7.htm">Passover</a> <a href="/acts/12-5.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/acts/12-21.htm">Public</a> <a href="/acts/13-8.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/acts/19-30.htm">Purposing</a> <a href="/acts/16-19.htm">Seized</a> <a href="/acts/27-37.htm">Sixteen</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Soldiers</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Watch</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>He arrested him and put him in prison This phrase refers to Herod Agrippa I's actions against Peter. Herod Agrippa I was the grandson of Herod the Great and ruled Judea from AD 41 to 44. His arrest of Peter was part of a broader persecution of the early church, which included the execution of James, the brother of John. The imprisonment of Peter highlights the growing tension between the early Christians and the Jewish authorities, as well as the Roman rulers who sought to maintain order and appease the Jewish population. The act of imprisonment was a common method to suppress dissent and maintain control.handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each The use of four squads of four soldiers, totaling sixteen guards, indicates the high level of security and the importance Herod placed on preventing Peter's escape. This level of security was unusual for a single prisoner, suggesting Herod's awareness of Peter's previous miraculous escape from prison (<a href="/acts/5-19.htm">Acts 5:19</a>). The Roman military discipline and organization are evident here, reflecting the seriousness with which Herod viewed the potential threat posed by Peter and the early Christian movement.Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover Herod's intention to bring Peter out after the Passover reflects his political acumen. The Passover was a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, drawing large crowds to Jerusalem. By delaying Peter's public trial and potential execution until after the Passover, Herod aimed to maximize the impact of his actions, possibly to gain favor with the Jewish populace who were hostile to the Christian sect. This timing also mirrors the events of Jesus' own arrest and crucifixion, which occurred around the Passover, drawing a parallel between Peter's experience and that of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/h/herod_agrippa_i.htm">Herod Agrippa I</a> The king who arrested Peter. He was known for his persecution of the early church and sought to gain favor with the Jewish people by targeting Christian leaders. 2. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> One of Jesus' apostles, a key leader in the early church. His arrest was part of Herod's plan to suppress the Christian movement. 3. <a href="/topical/p/prison.htm">Prison</a> The place where Peter was held. It was heavily guarded, indicating the seriousness with which Herod viewed Peter's influence. 4. <a href="/topical/f/four_squads_of_four_soldiers.htm">Four Squads of Four Soldiers</a> The Roman military detail assigned to guard Peter, showing the high level of security and the importance Herod placed on preventing Peter's escape. 5. <a href="/topical/p/passover.htm">Passover</a> A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Herod's decision to wait until after Passover to present Peter to the people suggests a strategic move to avoid unrest during the holy period.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_persecution.htm">God's Sovereignty in Persecution</a> Despite Herod's intentions, God's plans cannot be thwarted. Believers can trust in God's ultimate control over their circumstances. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a> The church's response to Peter's imprisonment was fervent prayer (as seen in the following verses). This emphasizes the importance of prayer in times of crisis. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_trials.htm">Faithfulness in Trials</a> Peter's imprisonment serves as a reminder to remain faithful and steadfast in the face of persecution, trusting in God's deliverance. <a href="/topical/s/strategic_timing_in_god's_plan.htm">Strategic Timing in God's Plan</a> Herod's timing was strategic, but God's timing is perfect. Believers should trust in God's timing for deliverance and intervention.<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/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/is_there_historical_proof_of_passover_release.htm">In Matthew 27:15-26, the tradition of releasing a prisoner at Passover is mentioned; where is the historical evidence for this practice?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_household_salvation_in_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible say about household salvation?</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>(4) Delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers.--Agrippa apparently followed the lessons of Roman practice which he had learnt by his own experience. The four quaternions relieved each other at set times, and the prisoner was chained to two of the soldiers of each company, while the others were stationed as sentinels at the door of the dungeon. (Comp. St. Paul's chains in <a href="/acts/28-20.htm" title="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.">Acts 28:20</a>; <a href="/ephesians/6-20.htm" title="For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.">Ephesians 6:20</a>.)Intending after Easter.--Better, after the Passover, as elsewhere. In this solitary instance the translators have introduced, with a singular infelicity, the term which was definitely appropriate only to the Christian festival which took the place of the Passover.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - Taken for apprehended, A.V.; guard for keep, A.V.; the Passover for Easter, A.V. Four quaternions; i.e. four bands of four soldiers each, which were on guard in succession through the four watches of the night - one quaternion for each watch. The Passover. This is a decided improve-merit, as the use of the word "Easter" implies that the Christian feast is here meant. But perhaps" Feast of the Passover" would have been better, as showing that the whole seven days are intended. This is, perhaps, the meaning of τὸ πάσχα in <a href="/john/18-28.htm">John 18:28</a>, and certainly is its meaning here. We have another characteristic trait of the religion of Agrippa, and of his sympathy with the feelings of the Jews about the Law, that he would not allow a trial on a capital charge, or an execution, to take place during the Feast of Unleavened Bread (comp. <a href="/john/18-8.htm">John 18:8</a>). To bring him forth to the people. Still the same desire uppermost, to propitiate the people by gifts or shows, or by blood; ἀναγαγεῖν means exactly "to bring up" (<a href="/acts/9-39.htm">Acts 9:39</a>; <a href="/romans/10-7.htm">Romans 10:7</a>, etc.), either on to a stage or on some high ground, where all the people could see him condemned, which would be as good to them as an auto da fé to a Spanish mob, or a gladiatorial slaughter to a Roman audience (see ver. 11). <a href="/commentaries/acts/12-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>He arrested πιάσας (piasas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4084.htm">Strong's 4084: </a> Probably another form of biazo; to squeeze, i.e. Seize (press), or officially (arrest), or in hunting (capture). [him] ὃν (hon) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. put [him] ἔθετο (etheto) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5087.htm">Strong's 5087: </a> To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place. in εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. 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. handing [him] over παραδοὺς (paradous) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3860.htm">Strong's 3860: </a> From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit. to be guarded φυλάσσειν (phylassein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_5442.htm">Strong's 5442: </a> Probably from phule through the idea of isolation; to watch, i.e. Be on guard; by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid. by four τέσσαρσιν (tessarsin) Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5064.htm">Strong's 5064: </a> Four. Or neuter tessara a plural number; four. squads of four τετραδίοις (tetradiois) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5069.htm">Strong's 5069: </a> Neuter of a presumed derivative of tetras; a quaternion or squad of four Roman soldiers. soldiers [each]. 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. [Herod] intended βουλόμενος (boulomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1014.htm">Strong's 1014: </a> To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to 'will, ' i.e. be willing. to bring him out ἀναγαγεῖν (anagagein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_321.htm">Strong's 321: </a> From ana and ago; to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away. to the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine 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. people λαῷ (laō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2992.htm">Strong's 2992: </a> Apparently a primary word; a people. after μετὰ (meta) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative 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. Passover. πάσχα (pascha) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3957.htm">Strong's 3957: </a> The feast of Passover, the Passover lamb. Of Chaldee origin; the Passover. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/12-4.htm">Acts 12:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/12-4.htm">Acts 12:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/12-4.htm">Acts 12:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/12-4.htm">Acts 12:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/12-4.htm">Acts 12:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/12-4.htm">Acts 12:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/12-4.htm">Acts 12:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/12-4.htm">Acts 12:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/12-4.htm">Acts 12:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/12-4.htm">Acts 12:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/12-4.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 12:4 When he had arrested him he put (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/12-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 12:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 12:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/12-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 12:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 12:5" /></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>