Acts 12:17

KJV

But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he, beckoning {G2678} unto them {G846} with the hand {G5495} to hold their peace {G4601}, declared {G1334} unto them {G846} how {G4459} the Lord {G2962} had brought {G1806} him {G846} out of {G1537} the prison {G5438}. And {G1161} he said {G2036}, Go shew {G518} these things {G5023} unto James {G2385}, and {G2532} to the brethren {G80}. And {G2532} he departed {G1831}, and went {G4198} into {G1519} another {G2087} place {G5117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Motioning to them with his hand to be quiet, he told them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison and said, “Tell all this to Ya‘akov and the brothers.” Then he left and went elsewhere.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him forth out of the prison. And he said, Tell these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went to another place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 12:17 vividly portrays the immediate aftermath of Peter's miraculous liberation from prison, detailing his urgent communication to the astonished believers gathered in prayer. Having been supernaturally freed by the Lord, Peter quickly recounts the divine intervention to quiet the excited crowd, instructs them to convey the news to James and the wider Christian community, and then prudently departs to a safer, undisclosed location, demonstrating both faith in God's power and wisdom in the face of ongoing persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the narrative climax and transition point following a dramatic sequence in [Acts 12](/acts/12 "Acts 12 - Peter's Miraculous Deliverance"). The chapter opens with King Herod Agrippa I's severe persecution of the early church, culminating in the execution of James, the brother of John, and the subsequent arrest and imprisonment of Peter, with the intent of public execution after the Passover festival ([Acts 12:1-4](/acts/12-1-4 "Acts 12:1-4 - Herod's Persecution and Peter's Arrest")). While Peter was heavily guarded, an angel of the Lord miraculously appeared, released his chains, opened the prison doors, and led him out ([Acts 12:7-11](/acts/12-7-11 "Acts 12:7-11 - Peter's Angelic Release")). Peter, realizing the reality of his freedom, then made his way to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many believers were earnestly praying for him ([Acts 12:12](/acts/12-12 "Acts 12:12 - Believers Praying for Peter")). His arrival caused a commotion of disbelief, joy, and noise, which Peter addresses in this verse before his strategic departure.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Acts 12](/acts/12 "Acts 12 - Herod's Persecution and Peter's Deliverance") unfold during the reign of Herod Agrippa I (AD 41-44), a grandson of Herod the Great. Agrippa, a shrewd politician, sought to gain favor with the Jewish populace by persecuting the burgeoning Christian movement, which was viewed with suspicion by many Jewish leaders. His execution of James and imprisonment of Peter were calculated moves to appease the religious establishment. Roman prisons, unlike modern correctional facilities, were often holding cells for those awaiting trial or execution, and conditions could be harsh. The early Christian community, facing intense opposition, relied heavily on communal prayer, often gathering in private homes, as public worship was dangerous. Peter's immediate departure reflects the constant threat of arrest and martyrdom that leaders of the early church faced, necessitating strategic movements to continue their ministry.

* **Key Themes:** Peter's experience in [Acts 12:17](/acts/12-17 "Acts 12:17 - Peter's Account and Departure") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Intervention and Deliverance**, demonstrating God's sovereign power to protect His servants from seemingly insurmountable dangers, even when human efforts fail. This echoes the Lord's promise of protection found in passages like [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord"). Secondly, the narrative highlights the **Power of Corporate Prayer**, as Peter's release occurs while the church is fervently praying for him, illustrating the efficacy of persistent intercession in the face of adversity, a theme consistent with Christ's teaching on prayer in [Matthew 18:19-20](/matthew/18-19-20 "Matthew 18:19-20 - Power of Agreement in Prayer"). Thirdly, Peter's immediate action to "declare how the Lord had brought him out" emphasizes the importance of **Sharing Testimony** of God's faithfulness, which serves to glorify God and strengthen the faith of other believers ([1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Always Be Prepared to Give an Answer")). Lastly, his instruction to inform James and his subsequent departure reveal the themes of **Prudent Leadership and Strategic Movement** in the face of ongoing persecution, balancing faith in God's power with practical wisdom for the continuation of ministry and the safety of the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beckoning (Greek, _kataseíō_):** From the verb `kataseíō` (G2678), meaning "to sway downward" or "make a signal." This is not a gentle wave but an emphatic, authoritative gesture, likely involving a downward motion of the hand to command immediate attention and silence from a noisy, excited crowd. It conveys Peter's need to quickly establish order and communicate vital information.
* **declared (Greek, _diēgéomai_):** The verb `diēgéomai` (G1334) means "to relate fully" or "to narrate comprehensively." Peter didn't just give a brief summary; he provided a detailed account of how the Lord had brought him out of prison. This implies a thorough, perhaps even dramatic, recounting of the miraculous events, intended to impress upon his listeners the divine nature of his escape.
* **another place (Greek, _héteros tópos_):** The combination of `héteros` (G2087), meaning "other" or "different," and `tópos` (G5117), meaning "a spot," "location," or "place," indicates Peter's strategic departure to a distinct, new location. This was not a return to his previous dwelling or a familiar haunt, but a different, likely safer, refuge, highlighting the ongoing necessity for prudence and evasion in the face of persecution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace":** Peter, upon finally gaining entry and seeing the commotion of the praying believers, immediately takes charge of the situation. His gesture with his hand is a strong, authoritative signal, not merely a request, but a command for silence and attention, necessary to calm the excited and disbelieving crowd so he could convey his extraordinary story.
* **"declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison.":** Once silence was achieved, Peter's first priority was to give a full and detailed testimony of his miraculous deliverance. He explicitly attributes his release not to chance or human ingenuity, but to the direct, supernatural intervention of "the Lord," emphasizing God's sovereign power and faithfulness in answering their prayers.
* **"And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren.":** Peter then issues a specific instruction, highlighting the importance of communicating this significant event to key leaders and the wider Christian community. "James" refers to James, the brother of Jesus, who was a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church ([Acts 15:13](/acts/15-13 "Acts 15:13 - James's Leadership at the Jerusalem Council")), signifying the need for official reporting and the dissemination of encouraging news among the believers. "The brethren" indicates the wider body of believers, ensuring the news would spread and strengthen faith.
* **"And he departed, and went into another place.":** After delivering his testimony and instructions, Peter promptly left. His departure to "another place" signifies a strategic withdrawal from immediate danger. Despite the miraculous intervention, Peter exercised practical wisdom, understanding that Herod's pursuit would be relentless, and staying in Jerusalem would jeopardize both his life and the safety of the community. This demonstrates a balance between faith in divine protection and responsible prudence.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Divine Intervention** as its central literary and theological device, showcasing God's direct action in human affairs. Peter's escape is not a result of human planning or strength, but a supernatural act that underscores God's sovereignty over earthly powers. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony** in the preceding verses, where the believers are praying fervently for Peter's release yet disbelieve Rhoda's report of his arrival ([Acts 12:13-16](/acts/12-13-16 "Acts 12:13-16 - Rhoda's Report and the Believers' Disbelief")), which is resolved by Peter's physical presence and his need to silence their commotion. Furthermore, the verse acts as a **Narrative Transition**, moving Peter from the immediate crisis to a new phase of his ministry, while also foreshadowing the continued spread of the gospel despite persecution, a recurring theme in Acts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 12:17 stands as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in the lives of His people, particularly in times of severe persecution. It underscores the theological truth that God is not a distant deity but one who hears and responds to the prayers of His church, intervening miraculously to deliver His servants for the continuation of His redemptive purposes. Peter's immediate act of declaring the Lord's deliverance highlights the intrinsic link between divine action and human testimony, where personal experiences of God's faithfulness serve to glorify Him and strengthen the collective faith of the community. Moreover, the directive to inform James and the brethren, followed by Peter's strategic departure, illustrates the importance of prudent leadership, responsible communication within the body of Christ, and the necessary balance between trusting in God's miraculous power and exercising practical wisdom in navigating hostile environments.

* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps") - "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them."
* [Matthew 18:19-20](/matthew/18-19-20 "Matthew 18:19-20 - Power of Agreement in Prayer") - "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Always Be Prepared to Give an Answer") - "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 12:17 offers profound insights for contemporary believers facing various forms of opposition or seemingly impossible circumstances. Peter's experience reminds us that God's power is not limited by prison walls, political decrees, or human expectations. When we find ourselves in situations beyond our control, this passage encourages us to persist in fervent prayer, trusting that the Lord hears and can act in ways far beyond our imagination. Furthermore, Peter's immediate testimony underscores the vital importance of sharing our stories of God's faithfulness. Such testimonies not only bring glory to God but also serve to encourage and strengthen the faith of others in the community, reminding them of God's active presence and power. Finally, Peter's wise and strategic departure teaches us the balance between unwavering faith and practical wisdom. While we trust God for miraculous deliverance, we are also called to exercise discernment and prudence in navigating challenges, ensuring our safety and the continued effectiveness of our witness for Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "prisons" (physical, emotional, spiritual) might God be calling me to trust Him for deliverance today?**
* **How does Peter's immediate testimony challenge or affirm my own practice of sharing God's work in my life?**
* **How can I better balance fervent prayer with practical wisdom and strategic action in my current circumstances?**
* **What does Peter's instruction to inform "James, and to the brethren" teach us about communication and community within the church?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter need to "beckon with the hand to hold their peace"?**

Answer: Peter's need to "beckon with the hand to hold their peace" ([Acts 12:17](/acts/12-17 "Acts 12:17 - Peter's Account and Departure")) highlights the intense emotional state of the believers. Having been praying earnestly for his release, his sudden appearance at the door caused a mixture of shock, disbelief, and overwhelming joy, leading to a loud commotion. The servant girl Rhoda's initial report had been met with disbelief ([Acts 12:13-15](/acts/12-13-15 "Acts 12:13-15 - Rhoda's Report")), so Peter's physical presence was a dramatic reveal. His authoritative gesture was necessary to calm the excited crowd, gain their attention, and allow him to communicate the extraordinary account of his divine deliverance.

**Why was it important for Peter to tell "James, and to the brethren" specifically?**

Answer: Peter's instruction to "Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren" ([Acts 12:17](/acts/12-17 "Acts 12:17 - Peter's Account and Departure")) was crucial for several reasons. James, the brother of Jesus, had emerged as a prominent and respected leader of the Jerusalem church ([Acts 15:13](/acts/15-13 "Acts 15:13 - James's Leadership at the Jerusalem Council")), especially after Peter's departure from Jerusalem became more frequent. Informing James ensured that the primary leadership was aware of this significant event, which would strengthen their faith, guide their future decisions, and allow for an official, authoritative account to be disseminated. "The brethren" refers to the wider community of believers, ensuring that the encouraging news of God's miraculous intervention would spread throughout the church, bolstering their faith amidst ongoing persecution.

**Why did Peter depart "into another place" so quickly after his miraculous escape?**

Answer: Peter's swift departure "into another place" ([Acts 12:17](/acts/12-17 "Acts 12:17 - Peter's Account and Departure")) demonstrates a wise balance between faith in God's miraculous power and practical prudence in the face of danger. While God had supernaturally delivered him from prison, the threat from King Herod Agrippa I remained very real. Herod had already executed James ([Acts 12:2](/acts/12-2 "Acts 12:2 - James's Martyrdom")) and intended to execute Peter. Staying in Jerusalem would have put Peter at continued risk and potentially endangered the believers sheltering him. His departure was a strategic move to ensure his safety and enable him to continue his ministry elsewhere, reflecting the principle that divine protection does not negate the need for human wisdom and discretion when facing persecution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Peter's miraculous deliverance from prison in [Acts 12:17](/acts/12-17 "Acts 12:17 - Peter's Account and Departure"), orchestrated by "the Lord," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the greater liberation wrought by Jesus Christ. Just as Peter was freed from physical chains and the threat of death, Christ's death and resurrection accomplished a far more profound deliverance for humanity: freedom from the bondage of sin, the power of death, and the tyranny of the devil ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into Light")). Peter's escape from Herod's prison foreshadows Christ's triumph over the ultimate "prison" of the grave ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead")). Furthermore, Peter's immediate testimony to the believers about his deliverance mirrors the ongoing mission of the church to proclaim the good news of Christ's victory and the freedom found in Him ([Romans 6:22](/romans/6-22 "Romans 6:22 - Freed from Sin, Enslaved to God")). His instruction to inform James and the brethren reflects Christ's commission to His disciples to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), and Peter's departure to "another place" can be seen as an echo of Christ's own strategic movements and eventual ascension, empowering His followers to continue His work in new territories through the power of the Holy Spirit ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")). Thus, Peter's experience is a powerful microcosm of the redemptive work of Christ, demonstrating His sovereign power to deliver and His ongoing mission through His church.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 21:40

And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto [them] in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Acts 13:16

Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with [his] hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

Acts 19:33

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

Acts 15:13

And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men [and] brethren, hearken unto me:

Acts 21:18

And the [day] following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

Galatians 2:9

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Galatians 1:19

But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.