Acts 12:7

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.

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, the angel {G32} of the Lord {G2962} came upon {G2186} him, and {G2532} a light {G5457} shined {G2989} in {G1722} the prison {G3612}: and {G1161} he smote {G3960} Peter {G4074} on the side {G4125}, and raised {G1453} him {G846} up {G1453}, saying {G3004}, Arise up {G450} quickly {G1722}{G5034}. And {G2532} his {G846} chains {G254} fell off {G1601} from {G1537} his hands {G5495}.

Suddenly an angel of Adonai stood there, and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Kefa’s side and woke him. “Hurry! Get up!” he said; and the chains fell off his hands.

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists.

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

Commentary

Acts 12:7 KJV vividly describes a pivotal moment in the life of the Apostle Peter: his miraculous liberation from prison. This verse is part of a larger narrative showcasing God's active intervention on behalf of His persecuted church.

Context

This dramatic event unfolds during a period of intense persecution initiated by King Herod Agrippa I against the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Herod had already executed James, the brother of John, with the sword, and, seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter during the days of unleavened bread. Peter was held under heavy guard, bound with two chains between two soldiers, with additional guards at the prison door (Acts 12:6). The church, however, was earnestly praying for him (Acts 12:5), setting the stage for divine intervention.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The verse powerfully illustrates God's ability to intervene supernaturally in seemingly impossible situations. Despite iron gates and multiple guards, God's power is unhindered, freeing Peter from certain death. This echoes other biblical accounts of God's people being delivered from captivity, such as the Israelites from Egypt or Daniel from the lion's den.
  • Power of Prayer: The miraculous release of Peter is directly linked to the fervent prayers of the church. This highlights the profound impact of collective, persistent prayer in moving the hand of God and seeing impossible situations transformed.
  • God's Sovereignty and Protection: Even in the face of severe persecution and human oppression, God remains sovereign. He protects His chosen instruments and ensures His work continues. The sudden appearance of the angel and the immediate falling of the chains demonstrate God's ultimate control over all circumstances.
  • Supernatural Aid: The appearance of the "angel of the Lord" underscores the reality of spiritual forces working on behalf of believers. Angels are frequently depicted in Scripture as God's messengers and agents of His deliverance, as seen in Psalm 34:7.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the angel of the Lord" (Greek: angelos Kyriou) is a common designation in both the Old and New Testaments for a divine messenger sent directly from God. The action of the angel "smote Peter on the side" implies not a violent blow, but a firm, awakening tap, necessary to rouse him from his deep sleep. The immediate and effortless manner in which "his chains fell off from his hands" emphasizes the supernatural nature of the event; there was no struggle or human effort involved, only instant liberation.

Practical Application

Acts 12:7 offers immense encouragement for believers facing their own "prisons" today—whether they are literal incarcerations, spiritual bondage, emotional distress, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It reminds us that:

  • God Hears Prayer: Our prayers, even when we feel helpless, are powerful and heard by God. We should never underestimate the impact of fervent prayer in any situation.
  • God Can Deliver: No chain is too strong, no prison too secure, for God's liberating power. We can trust Him to break us free from whatever binds us, according to His perfect will and timing.
  • Hope in Adversity: Even in the darkest moments, God can bring light and freedom. This verse inspires hope and faith that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, working for their good and His glory, much like His promise in Jeremiah 29:11.
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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 5:19 (22 votes)

    But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

  • Acts 16:26 (21 votes)

    And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

  • Psalms 105:18 (10 votes)

    Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:

  • Psalms 105:20 (10 votes)

    The king sent and loosed him; [even] the ruler of the people, and let him go free.

  • Psalms 146:7 (9 votes)

    Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:

  • Psalms 142:6 (8 votes)

    Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

  • Psalms 142:7 (8 votes)

    Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.