Acts 12:1-8

Peter’s Miraculous Escape From Prison

1 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them.
2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.
3 When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread.
4 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.
5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
6 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.
7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.
8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.

Cross References 10

  • 1. S Matthew 14:1
  • 2. S Matthew 4:21
  • 3. Mark 10:39
  • 4. Acts 24:27; Acts 25:9
  • 5. Exodus 12:15; Exodus 23:15; Acts 20:6
  • 6. S John 11:55
  • 7. S Acts 1:14; Romans 15:30,31; Ephesians 6:18
  • 8. Acts 21:33
  • 9. S Acts 5:19
  • 10. Psalms 107:14; Acts 16:26
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.