Acts 12:9

And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

And {G2532} he went out {G1831}, and followed {G190} him {G846}; and {G2532} wist {G1492} not {G3756} that {G3754} it was {G2076} true {G227} which {G3588} was done {G1096} by {G1223} the angel {G32}; but {G1161} thought {G1380} he saw {G991} a vision {G3705}.

Going out, Kefa followed him but did not realize that what was happening through the angel was real — he thought he was seeing a vision.

So Peter followed him out, but he was unaware that what the angel was doing was real. He thought he was only seeing a vision.

And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision.

Acts 12:9 (KJV) describes Peter's initial reaction to his miraculous release from prison by an angel. Having been led out of his cell, through guards, and past iron gates, Peter was in a state of profound bewilderment, unable to grasp the reality of what was happening.

Context

This verse is a crucial moment in the dramatic account of Peter's imprisonment under King Herod Agrippa I. Herod had already executed James, the brother of John, and intended to do the same to Peter after Passover. However, the immediate context reveals the earnest prayer of the church for Peter. In response, an angel of the Lord appeared in Peter's cell, struck off his chains, and led him past sleeping guards and miraculously opening gates (Acts 12:6-8). Verse 9 captures Peter's dazed state as he followed the angel, not yet fully comprehending that his escape was real and not a dream or supernatural trance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention and Miraculous Deliverance: The primary theme is God's direct and powerful hand in rescuing Peter from certain death. It underscores that God can deliver His servants from seemingly impossible situations, demonstrating His sovereignty and care for His people.
  • Human Disbelief and Bewilderment: Peter's reaction highlights the extraordinary nature of the miracle. He couldn't process that such a profound event was actually occurring, defaulting to the idea that it must be a vision or a dream, a common way God communicated in the Bible. This emphasizes how far beyond human expectation God's actions often are.
  • The Power of God's Reality: Despite Peter's initial confusion, the escape was undeniably real. This serves as a powerful reminder that God's actions in the world are tangible and effective, even when they defy human logic or expectation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "wist not" is an archaic English term from the King James Version, meaning "did not know" or "was unaware." It perfectly conveys Peter's state of utter confusion and lack of understanding regarding the reality of his situation. He "knew not that it was true." The Greek word for "vision" here is horama (ὅραμα), which refers to something seen, often a supernatural appearance or revelation. Peter's mind immediately categorized this incredible experience as a spiritual vision rather than a physical, tangible escape, demonstrating his struggle to reconcile the miraculous with his current reality.

Practical Application

Acts 12:9 offers several insights for believers today:

  • God's Help May Come in Unexpected Ways: Like Peter, we may experience God's deliverance in forms so extraordinary that we initially struggle to believe they are real. It encourages us to be open to God working beyond our expectations and understanding.
  • Trust Even When Confused: Peter followed the angel even though he "wist not" what was happening. This teaches us the importance of continuing to follow God's leading, even when we don't fully understand the circumstances or the path He is taking us on.
  • The Reality of God's Power: The verse reminds us that God's power is not just theoretical but actively at work in the world, capable of achieving the impossible. Peter's experience echoes other divine interventions, such as when an angel freed the apostles from prison earlier, solidifying the truth that God's hand is real and active in the lives of His people.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 126:1

    ¶ A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

  • Hebrews 11:8

    By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

  • Acts 26:19

    Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

  • 2 Corinthians 12:1

    ¶ It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:3

    And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

  • Genesis 45:26

    And told him, saying, Joseph [is] yet alive, and he [is] governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob's heart fainted, for he believed them not.

  • Acts 10:3

    He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

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