Acts 12:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G3739}{G2532} when he had apprehended {G4084} him, he put {G5087} him in {G1519} prison {G5438}, and delivered {G3860} him to four {G5064} quaternions {G5069} of soldiers {G4757} to keep {G5442} him {G846}; intending {G1014} after {G3326} Easter {G3957} to bring {G321} him {G846} forth {G321} to the people {G2992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so when Herod seized him, he threw him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each, with the intention of bringing him to public trial after Pesach.

Berean Standard Bible

He arrested him and put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover.

American Standard Version

And when he had taken him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Herod Agrippa I, having executed James, apprehended Peter and imprisoned him under exceptionally heavy guard, assigning four quaternions (16 soldiers) to ensure his custody. His intention was to publicly present Peter for judgment and likely execution after the conclusion of the Passover festival, aiming to further appease the Jewish populace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the martyrdom of James, the brother of John, at the hands of Herod Agrippa I, an act that "pleased the Jews" ([Acts 12:3](/acts/12-3 "Acts 12:3 - Herod's Persecution of James")). Herod's decision to arrest Peter is a direct consequence of this positive reception, indicating his desire to gain further favor by persecuting another prominent leader of the nascent Christian community. The verse sets the stage for the miraculous divine intervention that will unfold in the subsequent verses, particularly Peter's dramatic escape from prison in [Acts 12:6-11](/acts/12-6-11 "Acts 12:6-11 - Peter's Miraculous Deliverance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, ruled Judea from AD 41-44. He was known for his efforts to gain favor with the Jewish populace, meticulously observing Jewish law and traditions. His persecution of the church was politically motivated, aiming to consolidate his power and popularity among the Jewish leaders who viewed the burgeoning Christian movement as a subversive sect. The timing "after Easter" (referring to Passover) was crucial; public executions during major festivals were generally avoided to prevent unrest, and Herod likely intended a spectacle that would maximize public approval once the holy days concluded.
* **Key Themes:** This verse underscores the theme of **persecution against the early church**, a recurring motif throughout the book of Acts, as seen in the trials faced by Stephen ([Acts 7](/acts/7 "Acts 7 - Stephen's Martyrdom and Discourse")) and Paul ([Acts 16](/acts/16 "Acts 16 - Paul and Silas in Philippi")). It also highlights the **clash between human authority and divine sovereignty**, where Herod's meticulously planned malice is ultimately thwarted by God's intervention. The **intense security measures**—"four quaternions of soldiers"—emphasize the perceived threat of Peter and the determination of Herod, simultaneously setting up the dramatic contrast with Peter's effortless liberation by an angel in [Acts 12:7-10](/acts/12-7-10 "Acts 12:7-10 - Peter's Angelic Escape").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **apprehended (Greek, _piázō'_):** This verb signifies to seize or lay hold of, often with force or authority. In this context, it describes Herod's official act of arresting Peter, indicating a deliberate and forceful capture rather than a casual encounter. It highlights the power Herod wielded over the early Christian leaders.
* **quaternions (Greek, _tetrádion'_):** Derived from the Greek word for "four," a "quaternion" refers to a squad of four Roman soldiers. The mention of "four quaternions" means Peter was guarded by a total of sixteen soldiers, likely divided into four shifts of four, ensuring constant, rigorous surveillance. This detail underscores the extreme measures taken to prevent Peter's escape, reflecting the high value Herod placed on securing this prisoner.
* **Easter (Greek, _páscha'_):** This term, though translated as "Easter" in the KJV, refers unequivocally to the Jewish **Passover** festival. It signifies the time of year when the events occurred, specifically the week-long celebration commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. Herod's intention to wait "after Passover" was a strategic move to avoid defiling the holy festival and to execute Peter at a time when public sentiment might be most receptive to such a display of authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had apprehended him":** This clause describes Herod Agrippa I's direct action of arresting Peter, following his successful execution of James. It signifies the initiation of the next phase of persecution against the church.
* **"he put him in prison":** This indicates Peter's immediate incarceration, a common fate for those who challenged Roman or local authorities. The prison serves as a symbol of human constraint and the apparent triumph of worldly power.
* **"and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him":** This detail highlights the extraordinary security measures employed. A "quaternion" was a squad of four soldiers, meaning Peter was guarded by a total of sixteen soldiers, likely working in shifts. This level of security underscores the perceived importance or danger of Peter and Herod's determination to prevent any escape.
* **"intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people":** This reveals Herod's strategic timing and ultimate motive. "Easter" here refers to the Jewish Passover festival. Herod planned to wait until after this sacred period to publicly execute Peter, likely to avoid offending the Jewish populace during a holy celebration and to maximize the public spectacle of Peter's demise, thereby consolidating his own political favor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Foreshadowing** by setting up a seemingly inescapable situation for Peter, which implicitly points to the dramatic divine intervention that will follow. The detailed description of the **Security Measures** (four quaternions of soldiers) serves to amplify the perceived power of Herod and the human impossibility of escape, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of Peter's eventual deliverance. The use of **Irony** is also present, as Herod's meticulous planning and overwhelming force are ultimately rendered futile by God's sovereign will, demonstrating that human malice, no matter how calculated, cannot thwart divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 12:4 powerfully illustrates the ongoing conflict between the forces of evil, represented by Herod's persecution, and the divine will protecting God's people. It underscores that human power, even when seemingly absolute and meticulously planned, is ultimately subservient to God's sovereignty. The intensity of Peter's imprisonment highlights the severity of the threat but also serves to magnify the miraculous nature of his subsequent deliverance, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His servants, especially in times of extreme vulnerability. This narrative reinforces the theological truth that God's plans for His church will prevail, regardless of earthly opposition.

* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.")
* [2 Timothy 4:18](/2_timothy/4-18 "2 Timothy 4:18 - The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse challenges believers to consider the nature of divine protection in the face of overwhelming opposition. Herod's elaborate security measures for Peter—sixteen soldiers, constant watch—were designed to ensure no escape, yet they proved utterly ineffective against God's plan. For us today, this can be a profound source of encouragement: no matter how meticulously planned or formidable the obstacles we face, whether personal struggles, societal pressures, or spiritual attacks, God's sovereign power is infinitely greater. Acts 12:4 invites us to trust in God's ability to intervene, even when circumstances seem hopeless, and to remember that His purposes for our lives and for His church will ultimately prevail. It also subtly prepares us for the importance of prayer, as the church's fervent intercession for Peter in the following verse is intrinsically linked to his deliverance, reminding us that our petitions are powerful and effective.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Herod's meticulous planning in this verse highlight the futility of human efforts against God's sovereign will?**
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "imprisoned" by circumstances, and how can the narrative of Peter's security inspire your faith in God's deliverance?**
* **What does the intense guarding of Peter suggest about the perceived threat of the early Christian message, and how might that apply to the church's witness today?**

### FAQ
**Why is "Easter" used in the King James Version of Acts 12:4 instead of "Passover"?**

Answer: The term "Easter" in the King James Version (KJV) of [Acts 12:4](/acts/12-4 "Acts 12:4 - Peter's Imprisonment") is a translation of the Greek word _páscha_ (πάσχα), which unambiguously refers to the Jewish Passover festival. At the time of the KJV translation (1611), "Easter" was a common English term used to refer to the Paschal season, encompassing both the Jewish Passover and the Christian celebration of Christ's resurrection. However, in this specific context, the KJV translators used "Easter" to denote the Jewish feast, as Herod Agrippa I, a Jewish king, would have been observing Jewish customs, not Christian ones. Modern translations almost universally render _páscha_ as "Passover" in this verse to avoid confusion with the Christian holiday. Herod's intention was to wait until after the Jewish Passover celebration to avoid causing a disturbance during a sacred time and to maximize the public impact of Peter's trial.

**What does "four quaternions of soldiers" mean, and why was Peter guarded so heavily?**

Answer: A "quaternion" (Greek: _tetrádion_) literally means a group of four. Therefore, "four quaternions of soldiers" refers to a total of sixteen soldiers. This was an exceptionally heavy guard detail, likely indicating that Peter was considered a high-profile prisoner or a significant threat to Herod's authority and public order. The soldiers would have been organized into four shifts of four, ensuring that Peter was under constant, vigilant surveillance, even chained to two guards at all times, as implied by [Acts 12:6](/acts/12-6 "Acts 12:6 - Peter Bound with Two Chains"). This extreme security underscores Herod's determination to prevent Peter's escape, especially given the previous miraculous escape of apostles from prison in [Acts 5:17-20](/acts/5-17-20 "Acts 5:17-20 - Apostles Miraculously Released from Prison").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 12:4 details Peter's imprisonment, it profoundly points to Christ through its demonstration of divine sovereignty over human malice, a theme perfectly embodied in Jesus's own life, death, and resurrection. Herod's intention to "bring him forth to the people" for judgment after Passover echoes the very public trial and crucifixion of Jesus, who was also handed over to authorities ([Matthew 27:2](/matthew/27-2 "Matthew 27:2 - Jesus Delivered to Pilate")) and executed during the Passover season ([John 19:14](/john/19-14 "John 19:14 - Jesus' Trial on Preparation Day of Passover")). Just as Herod sought to eliminate Peter to consolidate power, the religious and political powers of Jesus's day sought to silence Him, believing His death would end His movement. However, Christ's resurrection decisively proved that no human power, no prison, and no grave could hold the Son of God ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead")). Peter's miraculous deliverance from Herod's formidable guard in the subsequent verses ([Acts 12:7-11](/acts/12-7-11 "Acts 12:7-11 - Peter's Miraculous Escape")) serves as a powerful type and shadow of Christ's ultimate victory over death and the grave, assuring believers that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work for them ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - The Immeasurable Greatness of God's Power in Christ")). The narrative ultimately proclaims that the true King's authority far surpasses any earthly ruler's, and His purposes for His church will always prevail.

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

Luke 22:33

And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

Proverbs 19:21

¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Luke 21:12

But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute [you], delivering [you] up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.

John 13:36

¶ Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

John 13:38

Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Acts 4:28

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Matthew 26:5

But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar among the people.