Acts 12:1-11

1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

3 And because he saw it pleased * the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. * (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

4 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.

5 Peter * therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

6 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.

7 And, behold , the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up , saying , Arise up quickly *. And his chains fell off from his hands.

8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself , and bind on thy sandals. And so he did . And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

9 And he went out , and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out , and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said , Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

Footnotes

• [a]. Easter: Gr. Passover
• [b]. prayer...: or, instant and earnest prayer was made