Acts 12:8

And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

And {G5037} the angel {G32} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Gird thyself {G4024}, and {G2532} bind on {G5265} thy {G4675} sandals {G4547}. And {G1161} so {G3779} he did {G4160}. And {G2532} he saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Cast {G4016} thy garment {G2440} about {G4016} thee {G4675}, and {G2532} follow {G190} me {G3427}.

The angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals,” and he did. “Throw on your robe,” he said, “and follow me!”

“Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”

And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

Commentary

Context of Acts 12:8

Acts 12:8 describes a pivotal moment in the miraculous liberation of the Apostle Peter from prison. King Herod Agrippa I had arrested Peter, intending to execute him after the Passover, following the execution of James, the brother of John (Acts 12:2). Peter was heavily guarded, chained between two soldiers, with sentries at the door. However, the church was engaged in fervent prayer for Peter. In the preceding verse, an angel of the Lord appeared, a light shone in the cell, and the angel struck Peter's side, waking him. His chains immediately fell off his hands (Acts 12:7).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Intervention and Miraculous Deliverance: This verse beautifully illustrates God's sovereign power to intervene in seemingly impossible situations. Despite the heavy guards and chains, God sends an angel to effect Peter's escape, demonstrating that no human barrier can thwart His will for His servants. This echoes other instances of divine liberation in Acts.
  • Prompt Obedience: Peter's immediate response to the angel's specific commands—"Gird thyself," "bind on thy sandals," "Cast thy garment about thee," and "follow me"—is crucial. Even in a dazed state, he performs these actions without question, indicating a deep-seated trust and readiness to obey divine instruction. This highlights the importance of trusting and following God's leading, even when the path is unclear.
  • Practical Guidance for the Next Step: The angel's instructions are highly practical and necessary for Peter to transition from a prisoner to a free man on the move. "Gird thyself" (tuck in your long outer robe for freedom of movement) and "bind on thy sandals" were preparations for travel or activity, while "Cast thy garment about thee" meant putting on his outer cloak for warmth and disguise. These are not complex spiritual directives but essential, immediate steps for escape.

Linguistic Insights

The commands given by the angel are straightforward and practical. "Gird thyself" (Greek: zonnymai) refers to the common practice of tucking one's loose outer tunic into a belt, allowing for freedom of movement, especially when preparing for a journey or work. Similarly, "bind on thy sandals" (Greek: hypodesai ta sandalia sou) signifies preparing one's feet for walking. "Cast thy garment about thee" (Greek: peribalou to himation sou) refers to putting on the outer cloak, which would provide warmth and help Peter blend in outside the prison.

Practical Application

Acts 12:8 encourages believers to trust in God's power to deliver them from difficult circumstances, even when they seem insurmountable. It also emphasizes the importance of immediate and practical obedience to God's voice, whether directly or through circumstances. Sometimes, God's guidance comes in simple, actionable steps, not grand revelations. Our part is to faithfully take the next step He reveals, preparing ourselves for the journey ahead, trusting that He will lead us through it.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.