Acts 12:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Acts 12:7 vividly recounts the miraculous liberation of the Apostle Peter from prison, a divine intervention orchestrated by an angel of the Lord. This pivotal moment, occurring amidst intense persecution, underscores God's sovereign power to deliver His servants from seemingly insurmountable obstacles, demonstrating His faithfulness to His church and His ability to work beyond human limitations, even while Peter was deeply asleep and heavily guarded.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This dramatic event is situated within a broader narrative in Acts 12 (specifically [Acts 12:1-19](/acts/12-1-19 "Acts 12:1-19 - Peter's Miraculous Escape from Prison")) detailing King Herod Agrippa I's persecution of the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Herod had already executed James, the brother of John, with the sword, and, seeing that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter. The preceding verse, [Acts 12:6](/acts/12-6 "Acts 12:6 - Peter's Imprisonment"), sets the scene for Peter's imminent execution, describing him bound with two chains between two soldiers, with additional guards at the prison door and at the inner and outer gates. The church, meanwhile, was earnestly and constantly praying for him ([Acts 12:5](/acts/12-5 "Acts 12:5 - The Church Prays for Peter")), creating a stark contrast between human despair and divine hope, culminating in the sudden, supernatural intervention described in verse 7.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, ruled Judea from A.D. 41 to 44. His persecution of Christians was politically motivated, aimed at gaining favor with the Jewish populace, who largely opposed the burgeoning Christian movement. Roman prison systems of the time were notoriously secure, often involving multiple layers of guards, chains, and locked doors, making escape virtually impossible without external aid. Peter's imprisonment "between two soldiers" was a common Roman practice, where a prisoner would be chained to a guard on either side, ensuring constant surveillance. The mention of "the days of unleavened bread" ([Acts 12:3](/acts/12-3 "Acts 12:3 - Herod's Persecution")) indicates the Passover season, a time of heightened religious observance in Jerusalem, which Herod exploited for political gain.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 12:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's sovereign power to intervene supernaturally in seemingly impossible situations, echoing earlier deliverances like the Israelites from Egypt ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea")) or Daniel from the lion's den ([Daniel 6](/daniel/6 "Daniel 6 - Daniel in the Lions' Den")). Secondly, it underscores the **Power of Prayer**, as Peter's miraculous release is directly linked to the fervent, persistent prayers of the church ([Acts 12:5](/acts/12-5 "Acts 12:5 - The Church Prays for Peter")), highlighting the profound impact of collective intercession in moving the hand of God. Thirdly, the event demonstrates **God's Sovereignty and Protection** over His chosen instruments and His work, even in the face of severe persecution and human oppression. Finally, the appearance of the "angel of the Lord" highlights the reality of **Supernatural Aid**, emphasizing that God dispatches His heavenly agents to accomplish His purposes and protect His people, as seen in passages like [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came upon (Greek, _ephístēmi'_):** This verb (G2186) signifies "to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal); --assault, come (in, to, unto, upon), be at hand (instant), present, stand (before, by, over)." In this context, it denotes a sudden, immediate, and authoritative presence of the angel. It's not a casual approach but an instantaneous manifestation, emphasizing the divine nature and swiftness of the intervention.
* **smote (Greek, _patássō'_):** The Greek word (G3960) means "to knock (gently or with a weapon or fatally):--smite, strike." While "smote" might imply a violent blow in English, the context suggests a firm but non-injurious tap or strike, sufficient to rouse Peter from a deep sleep. It was a precise and necessary action to initiate Peter's awakening and participation in his own deliverance, rather than a forceful assault.
* **fell off (Greek, _ekpíptō'_):** This verb (G1601) means "to drop away; specially, be driven out of one's course; figuratively, to lose, become inefficient:--be cast, fail, fall (away, off), take none effect." The use of this word highlights the effortless and complete detachment of the chains. They didn't break through force or struggle; they simply "dropped away," indicating a supernatural, unhindered liberation that rendered the physical restraints completely ineffective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon [him],"**: This clause introduces the sudden, miraculous appearance of a divine messenger. The term "behold" (ἰδοὺ, _idoú_) serves as an exclamation, drawing immediate attention to the extraordinary nature of the event. The "angel of the Lord" is a common biblical designation for a divine agent sent directly from God, indicating God's direct and personal involvement in Peter's situation. The angel's instantaneous "coming upon" Peter signifies a direct, unhindered entry into the heavily guarded prison cell, bypassing all human security measures.
* **"and a light shined in the prison:"**: Concurrent with the angel's appearance, a brilliant light illuminates the dark prison cell. This light is not merely practical illumination but a manifestation of divine presence and glory, often associated with God's interventions (e.g., the Shekinah glory, the transfiguration). It dispels the physical darkness of the prison and symbolically the spiritual darkness of Peter's predicament, signifying God's active presence and power.
* **"and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly."**: The angel's action is precise and purposeful. He "smote" (tapped or nudged) Peter on the side, not violently, but firmly enough to awaken him from a deep sleep, perhaps induced by the stress of his impending execution. The command "Arise up quickly" is urgent and direct, signaling that Peter must respond immediately to the divine initiative. This demonstrates that while God performs the miraculous, He often requires human cooperation, even if only to stand up.
* **"And his chains fell off from [his] hands."**: This is the climax of the immediate physical liberation. As Peter is roused, his chains, which had bound him securely, spontaneously detach and fall to the ground. This instantaneous and effortless release underscores the supernatural power at work, rendering human restraints utterly powerless in the face of divine will. There is no struggle, no breaking, just a complete and immediate freeing from bondage.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 12:7 is rich with literary techniques that amplify its theological message. The most prominent device is **Divine Intervention**, where God directly and supernaturally intervenes in human affairs through His angelic messenger. This highlights His sovereignty and active involvement in the lives of His people. **Symbolism** is also evident: the "light" that shines in the prison is not merely physical illumination but symbolizes God's presence, truth, and the hope He brings into darkness and despair. The "chains" are powerful symbols of human bondage, oppression, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, their miraculous falling representing ultimate liberation and freedom from all forms of captivity. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony** as Peter, a prisoner awaiting execution, sleeps soundly while the divine plan unfolds around him, completely unbeknownst to the guards who are meant to keep him captive. This contrast emphasizes the vast difference between human power and divine omnipotence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 12:7 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign power to deliver His people from oppression. It vividly illustrates that no human barrier, no matter how formidable—be it prison walls, chains, or armed guards—can thwart the divine will. This event reassures believers that even in the darkest hours of persecution and despair, God is actively at work, often in ways unseen and unexpected, to bring about His purposes and protect His church. It underscores the biblical truth that God is the ultimate liberator, capable of breaking any bond, whether physical or spiritual, and that His timing and methods are perfect, often waiting until the last possible moment to display His glory most powerfully.

* [Psalm 107:14](/psalms/107-14 "Psalm 107:14 - He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their bonds in sunder.")
* [Isaiah 49:9](/isaiah/49-9 "Isaiah 49:9 - Saying to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves.")
* [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Philippians 1:29 - For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 12:7 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers navigating the complexities of life. It reminds us that our God is a God of miracles, capable of intervening in our "prisons"—whether they are literal incarcerations, spiritual bondages, emotional distress, financial hardship, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles that bind us. This passage calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's power and sovereignty, even when circumstances appear hopeless. It challenges us to persist in prayer, recognizing that fervent, united intercession can indeed move the hand of God and unlock divine intervention. Moreover, it invites us to consider what "chains" might be holding us back from fully living out God's purpose for our lives, assuring us that the same God who freed Peter desires to bring freedom and light into our own darkness, empowering us to arise and fulfill our calling.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "chains" or seemingly impossible situations in your life are you currently asking God to break?**
* **How does Peter's deep sleep in the face of danger challenge or comfort your understanding of God's sovereignty and human responsibility?**
* **In what ways can you, like the early church, commit to earnest and persistent prayer for those who are suffering or in bondage?**

### FAQ

**Why was Peter in prison, and what was his fate supposed to be?**

Answer: Peter was imprisoned by King Herod Agrippa I, who had already executed James, the brother of John, to gain favor with the Jewish leaders ([Acts 12:1-3](/acts/12-1-3 "Acts 12:1-3 - Herod's Persecution of the Church")). Herod intended to bring Peter out to the people after the Passover festival, likely for public trial and execution, similar to James's fate. Peter was being held under extremely heavy guard, with two chains and multiple soldiers, to ensure his death.

**How did the chains fall off Peter's hands so easily?**

Answer: The chains fell off Peter's hands not through human effort or mechanical failure, but through a direct, supernatural act of God. The text explicitly states that an "angel of the Lord" was present and that the chains "fell off" (G1601, _ekpíptō_), implying an instantaneous and effortless detachment. This was a miraculous intervention, demonstrating God's power to nullify physical restraints and deliver His servant against all human odds.

**What does this event teach us about God's timing?**

Answer: This event teaches us that God's timing is perfect, even if it seems "last minute" from a human perspective. Peter was scheduled for execution the very next day ([Acts 12:6](/acts/12-6 "Acts 12:6 - Peter's Imprisonment")). God waited until the opportune moment to intervene, not only to save Peter but also to display His power and glory in a way that left no doubt about the divine source of the deliverance. This reinforces the biblical principle that God often acts when human resources are exhausted, highlighting His omnipotence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous liberation of Peter from his physical chains and impending death in Acts 12:7 serves as a powerful earthly prefigurement of the ultimate, spiritual deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as Peter was bound by literal chains in a dark prison, humanity is universally bound by the spiritual chains of sin, death, and the law, imprisoned in the darkness of spiritual alienation. Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, entered the "prison" of human fallenness and, like the angel smiting Peter, broke the bonds that held us captive. He is the true light that shines in our spiritual darkness, bringing illumination and life ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). His call to "Arise up quickly" echoes the gospel's summons to repent and rise to new life in Him ([Ephesians 5:14](/ephesians/5-14 "Ephesians 5:14 - Awake, O Sleeper")). Ultimately, Christ's victory on the cross caused the chains of sin and death to "fall off" all who believe, setting us free from condemnation and empowering us to walk in the glorious liberty of the children of God ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from the Law of Sin and Death"); [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). Peter's physical freedom points to the far greater spiritual freedom found only in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 5:19

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

Acts 16:26

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

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

Psalms 105:20

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

Psalms 146:7

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

Psalms 142:6

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

Psalms 142:7

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.