John Chrysostom — Commentary on Scripture

Acts 12:10

When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

When they were past the first and the second ward - see also how strong the guard was - they came unto the iron gate.

Acts 12:11 · 3 passages

And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

And when he came to himself: for in very truth, it was indeed an amazement. "Now," saith he, "I know" - now, not then, when I was in the prison - "that the Lord hath sent His Angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews."

And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent His Angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. When the angel departed, then Peter understood: "Now I perceive," says he, not then. But why is this so, and why is Peter not sensible of the things taking place, although he had already experienced a like deliverance when all were released? The Lord would have the pleasure come to him all at once, and that he should first be at liberty, and then be sensible of what had happened.

Now know I that the Lord hath sent His Angel. Why is not this effected by themselves? I answer: By this also the Lord honors them, that by the ministry of His Angels he rescues them. Then why was it not so in the case of Paul? There with good reason, because the jailer was to be converted, whereas here, it was only that the Apostle should be released. And God disposes all things in divers ways. And there too, it is beautiful, that Paul sings hymns, while here Peter was asleep.

Acts 12:12 · 3 passages

And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

And when he had considered, it says: viz. where he was, or, that he must not without more ado depart but requite his Benefactor: he came to the house of Mary the mother of John. Who is this John? Probably he that was always with them: for this is why he adds his distinctive name, "whose surname was Mark." But observe, "praying" in the night, how much they got by it: what a good thing affliction is; how wakeful it made them! Do you see how great the gain resulting from the death of Stephen? do you see how great the benefit accruing from this imprisonment? For it is not by taking vengeance upon those who wronged them that God shows the greatness of the Gospel: but in the wrong-doers themselves, without any harm happening to those, he shows what a mighty thing the afflictions in themselves are, that we may not seek in any wise deliverance from them, nor the avenging of our wrongs.

And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. Observe how Peter does not immediately withdraw, but first brings the good tidings to his friends.

And when he had considered, he came to the house of Mary. Then let us not hide God's marvels, but for our own good let us study to display these abroad for the edifying of the others. For as he deserves to be admired for choosing to be put into bonds, so is he worthy of more admiration, that he withdrew not until he had reported all to his friends.

Acts 12:13-14 · 2 passages

And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness. Mark even the servant-girls, how full of piety they are. But ran in, just as we are wont to do, she was eager to be herself the bringer of the good tidings, for good news it was indeed.

And mark how the very servant-girls were henceforth upon an equality with them. "For joy," it says, "she opened not." This too is well done, that they likewise may not be amazed by seeing him at once, and that they may be incredulous, and their minds may be exercised.

Acts 12:15 · 2 passages

And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

And they said unto her, Thou art mad: but she constantly affirmed that it was even so: then said they, It is his Angel. And what would the Angel? It was from the time of night that they surmised this.

And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel. This is a truth, that each man has an Angel. It was from the time of night that they surmised this.

Acts 12:16-17 · 4 passages

But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

But when he continued knocking, and when they had opened, and saw him, they were astonished. But he beckoning to them with his hand made them keep quiet, to hear all that had happened to him. He was now an object of more affectionate desire to the disciples, not only in consequence of his being saved, but by his sudden coming in upon them and straightway departing. Now, both his friends learn all clearly; and the aliens also learn, if they had a mind, but they had not. The same thing happened in the case of Christ. "Tell these things," he says, "to James, and to the brethren." How free from all vainglory! Nor did he say, Make known these things to people everywhere, but, "to the brethren. And he withdrew to another place:" for he did not tempt God, nor fling himself into temptation: since, when they were commanded to do this, then they did it. "Go," it was said, "speak in the temple to the people." But this the Angel said not here; on the contrary, by silently removing him and bringing him out by night, he gave him free permission to withdraw - and this too is done, that we may learn…

But when he continued knocking, and when they had opened, and saw him, they were astonished. But he beckoning to them with his hand made them keep quiet, to hear all that had happened to him. He was now an object of more affectionate desire to the disciples, not only in consequence of his being saved, but by his sudden coming in upon them and straightway departing. Now, both his friends learn all clearly; and the aliens also learn, if they had a mind, but they had not. The same thing happened in the case of Christ. "Tell these things," he says, "to James, and to the brethren." How free from all vainglory! Nor did he say, Make known these things to people everywhere, but, "to the brethren. And he withdrew to another place:" for he did not tempt God, nor fling himself into temptation: since, when they were commanded to do this, then they did it. "Go," it was said, "speak in the temple to the people." But this the Angel said not here; on the contrary, by silently removing him and bringing him out by night, he gave him free permission to withdraw - and this too is done, that we may learn that many things are providentially brought about after the manner of men - so that he should not again fall into peril.

For that they may not say, "It was his Angel," after he was gone, they say this first, and then they see himself overthrowing their notion of the matter. Had it been the Angel, he would have knocked at the door, would not have retired to another place. And what followed in the day, make them sure.

But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go show these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

And he said, Tell James and the brethren. That they may rejoice: that they may not be anxious. Through these those learn, not those through him: such thought had he for the humbler part!

Acts 12:18-19 · 2 passages

Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

Some persons, it is likely, are at a loss how to explain it, that God should quietly look on while His champions are put to death, and now again the soldiers on account of Peter: and yet it was possible for Him after delivering Peter to rescue them also. But it was not yet the time of judgment, so as to render to each according to his deserts. And besides, it was not Peter that put them into his hands. For the thing that most annoyed him was the being mocked; just as in the case of his grandfather when he was deceived by the wise men, that was what made him feel cut to the heart - the being eluded and made ridiculous. "And having put them to the question," it says, "he ordered them to be led away to execution." And yet he had heard from them - for he had put them to the question - both that the chains had been left, and that he had taken his sandals, and that until that night he was with them.

For if the Angel had brought out the soldiers also, along with Peter, it would have been thought a case of flight. Then why, you may ask, was it not otherwise managed? Why, where is the harm? Now, if we see that they who have suffered unjustly, take no harm, we shall not raise these questions. For why do you not say the same of James? Why did not God rescue him? "There was no small stir among the soldiers." So clearly had they perceived nothing of what had happened. Lo, I take up the plea in their defence. The chains were there, and the keepers within, and the prison shut, nowhere a wall broken through, all told the same tale: the man had been carried off: why dost thou condemn them? Had they wished to let him off, they would have done it before, or would have gone out with him. "But he gave them money?" And how should he, who had not to give even to a poor man, have the means to give to these? And then neither had the chains been broken, nor were they loosed. He ought to have seen, that the thing was of God, and no work of man.

Acts 12:20-21

And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.

Why does he mention this history? Say, what has it to do with the Gospel, that Herod is incensed with the Tyrians and Sidonians? It is not a small matter, even this, how immediately justice seized him; although not because of Peter, but because of his arrogant speaking. "And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and there abode. And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon." He is now going to mention a matter of history: this is the reason why he adds the names, that it may be shown how he keeps to the truth in all things. "And," it says, "having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, they desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country." For probably there was a famine. I suppose it was also to bring those men of Tyre and Sidon to apologize, that he withdrew from Jerusalem: for with those he was incensed, while paying such court to these. See how vainglorious the man is: meaning to confer the boon upon them, he makes an harangue. But Josephus says, that he was also arrayed in a splendid robe made of silver.

Acts 12:22-23 · 2 passages

And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

And yet, it may be said, if those shouted, what is that to him? Because he accepted the acclamation, because he accounted himself to be worthy of the adoration. Through him those most receive a lesson, who so thoughtlessly flattered him. Observe again, while both parties deserve punishment, this man is punished. For this is not the time of judgment, but He punishes him that had most to answer for, leaving the others to profit by this man's fate. Observe both what flatterers those were, and what a high spirit was shown by the Apostles: the man whom the whole nation so courted, the same they held in contempt.

But if this man, because it was said to him, "It is the voice of God and not of a man" although he said nothing himself, suffered such things: much more should Christ, had He not Himself been God, have suffered for saying always as He did, "These words of mine are not Mine" and, "Angels minister to Me," and such like. But that man ended His life by a shameful and miserable death, and thenceforth no more is seen of him. And observe him also, easily talked over even by Blastus, like a poor creature, soon incensed and again pacified, and on all occasions a slave of the populace, with nothing free and independent about him.