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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 12:16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astounded.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/12-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/44_Act_12_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 12:16 - The Rescue of Peter" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astounded." /><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/12-16.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/12-16.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 16</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="/ad16.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/12-15.htm" title="Acts 12:15">◄</a> Acts 12:16 <a href="/acts/12-17.htm" title="Acts 12:17">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astounded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking. And having opened <i>it</i>, they saw him and were amazed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened <i>the door</i>, and saw him, they were astonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened <i>the door</i> and saw him, they were astonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened <i>the door,</i> they saw him and were amazed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened <i>the door</i>, they saw him and were amazed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened <i>the door</i>, they saw him and were astounded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But [meanwhile] Peter continued knocking; and when they opened <i>the door</i> and saw him, they were completely amazed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Peter, however, kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were amazed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Peter, however, kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astounded. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But Peter kept on knocking, until finally they opened the gate. They saw him and were completely amazed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But Peter kept knocking. When they opened the door, they were shocked to see him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Meanwhile Peter kept on knocking. At last they opened the door, and when they saw him, they were amazed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Peter kept on knocking and knocking. When they opened the gate, they saw him and were amazed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astounded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were greatly astonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking. When they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking. And when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Meanwhile Peter went on knocking, until at last they opened the door and saw that it was really he, and were filled with amazement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking. When they had opened, they saw him and were amazed. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Peter was continuing knocking, and having opened, they saw him, and were astonished,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking. And having opened <i>it</i>, they saw him and were amazed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Peter was continuing knocking, and having opened, they saw him, and were astonished,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Peter continued knocking: and having opened, they saw him, and were moved.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking. And when they had opened, they saw him, and were astonished. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But Peter was persevering in knocking. And when they had opened, they saw him and were astonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Peter continued to knock, and when they opened it, they saw him and were astounded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the gate, they saw him and were amazed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But Simon Peter continued knocking at the door; and they went out, and saw him, and were astonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And Shimeon was knocking at the gate and they went out and saw him and they marveled among themselves.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But Peter continued to knock; and when they had opened the door, they saw him, and were astonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But Peter remained knocking: and having opened, they saw him, and were astonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking: and they opened the door and saw him, and were astonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />as Peter still continued knocking, they let him in, and seeing it was he, they were extremely surpriz'd:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Meanwhile Peter went on knocking, until at last they opened the door and saw that it was really he, and were filled with amazement.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking; and, opening, they saw him, and were amazed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But Peter continued knocking; and when they opened <i>the door,</i> they saw him, and were astonished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/12-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=3950" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/12.htm">The Rescue of Peter</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>“You are out of your mind,” they told her. But when she kept insisting it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</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/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/1961.htm" title="1961: epemenen (V-IIA-3S) -- (a) I remain, tarry, (b) I remain in, persist in. From epi and meno; to stay over, i.e. Remain.">kept on</a> <a href="/greek/2925.htm" title="2925: krouōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To knock, beat a door with a stick, to gain admittance. Apparently a primary verb; to rap.">knocking,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/455.htm" title="455: anoixantes (V-APA-NMP) -- To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.">when they opened the door</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: eidan (V-AIA-3P) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">and saw</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.">him,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1839.htm" title="1839: exestēsan (V-AIA-3P) -- From ek and histemi; to put out of wits, i.e. Astound, or become astounded, insane.">they were astounded.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">17</span>Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a></span><br />Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/24-36.htm">Luke 24:36-37</a></span><br />While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” / But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/20-19.htm">John 20:19-20</a></span><br />It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you!” He said to them. / After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-19.htm">Acts 5:19-20</a></span><br />But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, / “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/16-26.htm">Acts 16:26-27</a></span><br />Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. / When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-17.htm">Acts 10:17-18</a></span><br />While Peter was puzzling over the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house and approached the gate. / They called out to ask if Simon called Peter was staying there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-39.htm">Acts 9:39-41</a></span><br />So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. / Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down and prayed, and turning toward her body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. / Peter took her by the hand and helped her up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her to them alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-31.htm">Acts 4:31</a></span><br />After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-2.htm">Acts 2:2-4</a></span><br />Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. / They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. / And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/3-11.htm">1 Samuel 3:11</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-33.htm">2 Kings 4:33-36</a></span><br />So he went in, closed the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the LORD. / Then Elisha got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eye to eye, and hand to hand. As he stretched himself out over him, the boy’s body became warm. / Elisha turned away and paced back and forth across the room. Then he got on the bed and stretched himself out over the boy again, and the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10-15</a></span><br />Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. / And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. / So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-6.htm">Genesis 21:6-7</a></span><br />Then Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of this will laugh with me.” / She added, “Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-31.htm">Exodus 14:31</a></span><br />When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-22.htm">Judges 6:22-23</a></span><br />When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he said, “Oh no, Lord GOD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!” / But the LORD said to him, “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid, for you will not die.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/10-45.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/acts/9-7.htm">Amazement</a> <a href="/acts/10-45.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/john/19-3.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/acts/12-9.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/acts/8-13.htm">Continuing</a> <a href="/acts/12-14.htm">Door</a> <a href="/acts/9-17.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/acts/11-24.htm">Full</a> <a href="/acts/12-15.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/luke/11-10.htm">Knocking</a> <a href="/acts/8-2.htm">Last</a> <a href="/acts/9-7.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/acts/12-14.htm">Open</a> <a href="/acts/12-14.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/acts/12-14.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/acts/12-9.htm">Really</a> <a href="/acts/10-45.htm">Wonder</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/13-12.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/acts/13-12.htm">Amazement</a> <a href="/acts/13-12.htm">Astonished</a> <a href="/acts/16-23.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/acts/12-24.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/acts/25-14.htm">Continuing</a> <a href="/acts/14-27.htm">Door</a> <a href="/acts/13-9.htm">Filled</a> <a href="/acts/13-9.htm">Full</a> <a href="/acts/12-22.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/revelation/3-20.htm">Knocking</a> <a href="/acts/19-29.htm">Last</a> <a href="/acts/18-24.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/acts/14-27.htm">Open</a> <a href="/acts/14-27.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/acts/12-17.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/romans/3-11.htm">Really</a> <a href="/acts/13-12.htm">Wonder</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/12-1.htm">King Herod persecutes the Christians, kills James, and imprisons Peter; </a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/12-6.htm">whom an angel delivers upon the prayers of the church.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/12-20.htm">Herod in his pride taking to himself the honor due to God, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/12-23.htm">is stricken by an angel, and dies miserably.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/12-24.htm">After his death, the word of God prospers.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/12-25.htm">Saul and Barnabas return to Antioch.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>But Peter kept on knocking</b><br>Peter's persistence in knocking reflects his urgency and determination to rejoin the believers after his miraculous escape from prison. This act of knocking can be seen as a metaphor for prayer and seeking God's intervention, as Jesus taught in <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7</a>, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Peter's continuous knocking also highlights the reality of his physical presence, countering any notion that his appearance was merely a vision or ghost, as some might have thought.<p><b>and when they opened the door and saw him</b><br>The opening of the door signifies the moment of revelation and recognition. The believers inside were gathered in prayer, likely interceding for Peter's safety, as indicated earlier in the chapter. This moment parallels the resurrection appearances of Jesus, where His followers initially struggled to recognize Him until He revealed Himself. The act of opening the door can also symbolize the opening of hearts to the miraculous works of God, as seen in <a href="/revelation/3-20.htm">Revelation 3:20</a>, where Jesus stands at the door and knocks, waiting to be invited in.<p><b>they were astounded</b><br>The astonishment of the believers underscores the unexpected nature of God's intervention. Despite their prayers, they were not fully prepared for such a miraculous answer, reflecting a common human tendency to doubt even while praying for divine help. This reaction is reminiscent of the disciples' amazement when Jesus calmed the storm in <a href="/mark/4-41.htm">Mark 4:41</a>, highlighting the theme of God's power surpassing human understanding. The astonishment also serves to authenticate the miracle, as the witnesses were genuinely surprised by Peter's presence, reinforcing the truth of his divine deliverance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a></b><br>One of Jesus' original twelve apostles, Peter is a central figure in the early Christian church. In this passage, he has just been miraculously freed from prison by an angel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_house_of_mary.htm">The House of Mary</a></b><br>This is the location where the early Christians were gathered in prayer. Mary, the mother of John Mark, owned the house, which served as a meeting place for believers.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/rhoda.htm">Rhoda</a></b><br>A servant girl who first hears Peter knocking and, in her excitement, forgets to open the door, instead running to tell the others.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a></b><br>The group of believers gathered in prayer, demonstrating the communal and prayerful nature of the early Christian community.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where these events take place, a central location for the early church and the spread of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_persistent_prayer.htm">The Power of Persistent Prayer</a></b><br>The early church was engaged in fervent prayer for Peter, demonstrating the importance of persistent and communal prayer in times of crisis.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_miraculous_deliverance.htm">God's Miraculous Deliverance</a></b><br>Peter's release from prison is a testament to God's power and willingness to intervene in seemingly impossible situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>Despite their prayers, the believers were initially incredulous at Peter's release, reminding us to have faith that God hears and answers our prayers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_fellowship.htm">Community and Fellowship</a></b><br>The gathering at Mary's house underscores the importance of community and fellowship among believers, especially in times of trial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/expect_the_unexpected.htm">Expect the Unexpected</a></b><br>God's answers to prayer can be surprising and beyond our expectations, encouraging us to remain open to His plans.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'die_once'_mean.htm">Who was Rhoda in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_god_show_answered_prayers.htm">Does God provide evidence of answering prayers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_acts_14_27_mention_gentile_faith.htm">Why would Acts 14:27 assert God 'opened a door of faith to the Gentiles' when earlier passages (e.g., Acts 10) already describe Gentile inclusion?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> <span class="accented">- Opened</span> for <span class="accented">opened the door</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">they</span>... <span class="accented">and</span> for <span class="accented">and</span>... <span class="accented">they</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">amazed</span> for <span class="accented">astonished</span>, A.V. (see <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Acts 8:9</a>, note). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/12-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Peter</span><br /><span class="grk">Πέτρος</span> <span class="translit">(Petros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4074.htm">Strong's 4074: </a> </span><span class="str2">Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kept on</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπέμενεν</span> <span class="translit">(epemenen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I remain, tarry, (b) I remain in, persist in. From epi and meno; to stay over, i.e. Remain.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knocking,</span><br /><span class="grk">κρούων</span> <span class="translit">(krouōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2925.htm">Strong's 2925: </a> </span><span class="str2">To knock, beat a door with a stick, to gain admittance. Apparently a primary verb; to rap.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[when] they opened [the door],</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνοίξαντες</span> <span class="translit">(anoixantes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_455.htm">Strong's 455: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they saw</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶδαν</span> <span class="translit">(eidan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτὸν</span> <span class="translit">(auton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">were amazed.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐξέστησαν</span> <span class="translit">(exestēsan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1839.htm">Strong's 1839: </a> </span><span class="str2">From ek and histemi; to put out of wits, i.e. Astound, or become astounded, insane.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/12-16.htm">Acts 12:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/12-16.htm">Acts 12:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/12-16.htm">Acts 12:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/12-16.htm">Acts 12:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/12-16.htm">Acts 12:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/12-16.htm">Acts 12:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/12-16.htm">Acts 12:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/12-16.htm">Acts 12:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/12-16.htm">Acts 12:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/12-16.htm">Acts 12:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/12-16.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 12:16 But Peter continued knocking (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/12-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 12:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 12:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/12-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 12:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 12:17" /></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>