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Acts 12:4

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Acts 12:4 describes a critical moment in the early church's history, detailing the imprisonment of the Apostle Peter by Herod Agrippa I. This verse sets the stage for a dramatic divine intervention.

Context

This verse follows Herod Agrippa I's initial persecution of the church, which included the execution of James, the brother of John. Seeing that this act pleased the Jewish leaders, Herod decided to apprehend Peter with the intention of executing him publicly after the Passover festival. The phrase "after Easter" in the King James Version is a translation of the Greek word pascha (πάσχα), which universally refers to the Jewish Passover. Herod's timing was likely to avoid causing a disturbance during the holy days and to gain maximum public approval for Peter's eventual execution.

Key Themes

  • Persecution of the Church: The verse highlights the severe opposition faced by early Christians from political authorities.
  • Human Malice vs. Divine Will: Herod's calculated plan to eliminate Peter stands in stark contrast to God's ultimate sovereignty and protection over His servants.
  • Intense Security: The mention of "four quaternions of soldiers" (16 guards) underscores the extreme measures taken to prevent Peter's escape, emphasizing the perceived threat he posed and the determination of Herod.
  • Anticipation of Deliverance: While the verse itself portrays a grim situation, it implicitly sets the stage for the powerful miraculous deliverance of Peter that follows, a testament to the power of God and the earnest prayers of the church.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Easter" in the KJV is a rendering of the Greek word pascha (πάσχα), which refers exclusively to the Jewish Passover festival. This translation choice in the KJV has led to some confusion, as "Easter" typically refers to the Christian holiday commemorating Christ's resurrection. However, in this context, it clearly denotes the Jewish feast, indicating Herod's intent to wait until after the religious observances were concluded.

A "quaternion" (from Greek tetradion, τετράδιον) literally means a group of four. Thus, "four quaternions of soldiers" meant 16 guards, likely rotating in shifts of four, ensuring Peter was constantly under heavy surveillance. This level of security was similar to that used for high-profile prisoners.

Significance and Application

Acts 12:4 serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of overwhelming human power and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, God remains sovereign. Herod's meticulous planning and formidable security measures were ultimately futile against God's plan for Peter. For believers today, this verse encourages faith and perseverance during times of persecution or difficulty. It highlights that God often allows His people to face trials, not to abandon them, but to demonstrate His power and faithfulness through miraculous intervention or sustained strength. It also implicitly underscores the importance of prayer, as the subsequent verses reveal the church's fervent prayers were instrumental in Peter's release.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Luke 22:33 (7 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 19:21 (7 votes)

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

  • Luke 21:12 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Matthew 26:5 (2 votes)

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