1
Now, about that time, King Herod arrested certain members of the Church, in order to ill-treat them;
2
and James, John's brother, he beheaded.
3
Finding that this gratified the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also; these being the days of Unleavened Bread.
4
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.
5
So Peter was kept in prison; but long and fervent prayer was offered to God by the Church on his behalf.
6
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.
7
Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell; and, striking Peter on the side, he woke him and said, "Rise quickly." Instantly the chains dropped off his wrists.
8
"Fasten your girdle," said the angel, "and tie on your sandals." He did so. Then the angel said, "Throw your cloak round you, and follow me."