Acts 12:19

And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that [they] should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and [there] abode.

And {G1161} when {G1934} Herod {G2264} had sought for {G1934} him {G846}, and {G2532} found him {G2147} not {G3361}, he examined {G350} the keepers {G5441}, and commanded {G2753} that they should be put to death {G520}. And {G2532} he went down {G2718} from {G575} Judaea {G2449} to {G1519} Caesarea {G2542}, and there abode {G1304}.

Herod had a thorough search made for him, but they failed to find him, so he cross-examined the guards and ordered them put to death. Then Herod went down from Y’hudah to Caesarea and spent some time there.

After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully, he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent some time there.

And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judæa to Cæsarea, and tarried there.

Commentary

Acts 12:19 chronicles the immediate, brutal aftermath of the Apostle Peter's miraculous escape from prison, focusing on the wrath of Herod Agrippa I. This verse highlights the severe consequences faced by those under Herod's authority and implicitly points to the divine hand that thwarted his plans.

Historical and Cultural Context

This passage follows directly from the astonishing account of Peter's supernatural liberation from chains by an angel. Herod Agrippa I, a politically astute ruler and grandson of Herod the Great, was eager to gain favor with the Jewish populace, which motivated his persecution of the early Christian community. Under Roman law, prison guards were held personally accountable for their prisoners. If a prisoner escaped, the guards were often subjected to the same punishment the prisoner would have received, which in Peter's case was execution. Herod's command for their death was a typical, albeit harsh, application of this legal principle. His subsequent move "from Judaea to Caesarea" indicates a common administrative relocation; Caesarea Maritima was the Roman capital of the province and a major port city, often serving as a royal residence, contrasting with the mountainous region where Jerusalem (in Judaea) was located.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Ruthless Authority: Herod's immediate and unforgiving command to execute the guards underscores his absolute power and the brutal nature of his regime. His inability to find Peter led to a swift, deadly retribution, showcasing a cruel disregard for human life and a determination to maintain his control and reputation.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Protection: The verse implicitly emphasizes God's omnipotence. Despite Herod's diligent search, Peter was nowhere to be found, serving as a powerful testament to God's unseen hand protecting His servant. This divine intervention utterly frustrated Herod's plans and demonstrated the futility of human opposition to God's will.
  • Consequences of Opposing God: Herod's actions of persecuting the church and his subsequent reaction to Peter's escape set the stage for his own dramatic downfall, detailed in the very next verses (Acts 12:20-23). His pride and hostility towards God's work ultimately led to divine judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "examined" (anakrinas - ἀνακρίνας) suggests a thorough investigation or interrogation, not just a casual inquiry. Herod likely interrogated the guards to ascertain if there was any negligence or complicity in Peter's disappearance, though the outcome for them was tragically sealed by the strict Roman policy regarding escaped prisoners.

Practical Application

Acts 12:19 serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of immense worldly power and injustice, God's purposes cannot be thwarted. It encourages believers to place their trust in God's sovereign protection, knowing that His hand is always at work, even when circumstances appear bleak. The verse also serves as a cautionary tale against the abuse of power and the dangers of pride, highlighting that all earthly rulers are ultimately accountable to a higher authority (Romans 13:1). It assures us that God defends His own and that those who oppose Him ultimately face His righteous judgment.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 16:27

    And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

  • Psalms 37:32

    The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

  • Psalms 37:33

    The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

  • John 12:10

    But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

  • John 12:11

    Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

  • Acts 12:6

    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.

  • Matthew 2:13

    ¶ And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
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