Acts 12:6

Acts 12:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison.

King James Version KJV

And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

American Standard Version ASV

And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when Herod was about to take him out, the same night Peter was sleeping in chains between two armed men, and the watchmen were keeping watch before the door of the prison.

Free Bible Version FBV

The night before Herod was to have him put on trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, chained to each of them, and with guards at the door keeping watch.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when Herod woulde haue brought him out vnto the people, the same night slept Peter betweene two souldiers, bound with two chaines, and the keepers before the doore, kept the prison.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night was Peter sleeping between two soldiers, having been bound with two chains, guards also before the door were keeping the prison,

World English Bible WEB

The same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

Translation for Translators T4T

The night before Herod planned to bring Peter out from prison to have him executed publicly, Peter was sleeping in the prison between two soldiers, with two chains binding his arms to the arms of the soldiers. Two other soldiers were guarding the prison doors.

Plain English Version PEV

That Jewish ceremony was almost finished, and Herod was going to judge Peter the next day. That night, Peter was asleep in that jail. There was one soldier on each side of him, and they tied each of his hands with chains to those soldiers. And 2 other soldiers stood at the gate of the jail.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 12:6

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Acts 12:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK οτε δε εμελλεν αυτον προαγειν ο ηρωδης τη νυκτι εκεινη ην ο πετρος κοιμωμενος μεταξυ δυο στρατιωτων δεδεμενος αλυσεσιν δυσιν φυλακες τε προ της θυρας ετηρουν την φυλακην

οτε hote G3753 when Adv

δε de G1161 then Conj

εμελλεν mellō G3195 to ensue Verb-IAI-3S

αυτον autos G846 it/s/he Pron-ASM

προαγειν proagō G4254 to go/bring before Verb-PAN

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

ηρωδης Hērōdēs G2264 Herod Noun-NSM

τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF

νυκτι nux G3571 night Noun-DSF

εκεινη ekeinos G1565 that Dem-DSF

ην eimi G1510 to be Verb-IAI-3S

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

πετρος Petros G4074 [mother-in-law of Peter] Noun-NSM

κοιμωμενος koimaō G2837 to sleep Verb-PPP-NSM

μεταξυ metaxu G3342 between/meanwhile Adv

δυο duo G1417 two Adj-NUI

στρατιωτων stratiōtēs G4757 soldier Noun-GPM

δεδεμενος deō G1210 to bind Verb-RPP-NSM

αλυσεσιν halusis G254 chain Noun-DPF

δυσιν duo G1417 two Adj-DPF

φυλακες phulaktērios G5441 guard Noun-NPM

τε te G5037 and/both Particle

προ pro G4253 before Prep

της ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSF

θυρας thura G2374 door Noun-GSF

ετηρουν tēreō G5083 to keep: observe Verb-IAI-3P

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

φυλακην phulakē G5438 prison/watch: prison Noun-ASF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 12:6

οτε hote G3753 "when" Adv

When indicates a specific point in time, as in Matthew 9:25 and Mark 1:32, where it is used to describe past events, or in 1 Corinthians 13:11, where it is used to describe a current situation.

Definition: ὅτε, temporal particle (correlat. of πότε, τότε), when; with indic., (so generally in cl., but also with optative, subjc.; LS, see word), most frequently with aor., Mat.9:25, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:25, Jhn.1:19, Act.1:13, Rom.13:11, Gal.1:15, Rev.1:17, al.; with impf., Mrk.14:12, Jhn.21:18, Rom.6:20, 1Th.3:4, al.; with pf., since, now that, 1Co.13:11 (B, ἐγένομην); with praes., Mrk.11:1, Jhn.9:4, Heb.9:17, with fut. (Hom.; of a def. fut. as opposite to the indef. fut. of ὅταν with subjc.), Luk.17:22, Jhn.4:21, 23 5:25 16:25, Rom.2:16 (T, txt., WH, mg.), 2Ti.4:3 (in all which instances, and with pres., Jo, l.with, ὅ. follows a subst. of time, and is equiv. to a rel. phrase, ἐν ᾧ or ᾗ). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 104 NT verses. KJV: after (that), as soon as, that, when, while See also: 1 Corinthians 12:2; Luke 4:25; 1 Peter 3:20.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

εμελλεν mellō G3195 "to ensue" Verb-IAI-3S

To ensue means to be about to happen or to intend to do something, like when Jesus was about to suffer in Matthew 2:13. It involves a sense of purpose or duty. The Bible uses this concept to describe events that are going to occur, like in Acts 3:3 and Hebrews 8:5.

Definition: μέλλω, [in LXX: Job.3:8 (עָתִיד) 19:25 (אַחֲרוֹן); elsewhere for fut., and frequently in Wi, II, 4Mac ;] to be about to be or do; __1. with inf. (Bl., §62, 4; 68, 2; M, Pr., 114); __(a) of intending or being about to do of one's own free will: with inf. praes., Mat.2:13, Luk.10:1, Act.3:3 5:35, Heb.8:5, 2Pe.1:12 (Field, Notes, 240), al.; with inf. aor. (Bl., §58, 3), Act.12:6, Rev.3:16; __(b) of compulsion, necessity or certainty: with inf. praes., Mat.16:27, Luk.9:31, Jhn.6:71, Rom.4:24, al.; with inf. aor., Rom.8:18, Gal.3:23, Rev.3:2 12:4. __2. Ptcp., ὁ μέλλων: absol., Rom.8:38, 1Co.3:22; τὰ μ., Col.2:17; εἰς τὸ μ. (Field, Notes, 65); with subst., Mat.3:7 12:32 (ὁ αἰὼν ὁ μ.; LXX for עַד), Act.24:25, 1Ti.4:8, Heb.2:5, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 108 NT verses. KJV: about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, + which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; Hebrews 11:20; 1 Peter 5:1.

αυτον autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-ASM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

προαγειν proagō G4254 "to go/bring before" Verb-PAN

To go or bring before something or someone, like in Acts 16:30 where Paul and Silas are brought before the magistrates. It can also mean to precede or lead the way, as in 1 Timothy 1:18.

Definition: προ-άγω [in LXX: 1Ki.17:16 (נָגַשׁ), Wis.19:11, al. ;] __1. prop. trans., to lead on, lead forth or forward: with accusative of person(s), Act.16:30 17:5; of bringing forth to trial, Act.12:6 (WH, txt., προσάγ-); before ἐπί, with genitive of person(s), Act.25:26. __2. Intrans. (Plat., Polyb., and later writers; see Bl., § 53, 1; MM, xxi); __(a) to lead the way, 1Ti.1:18 (R, mg.), hence, to go before, precede: Luk.18:39; opposite to ἀκολουθέω, Mrk.11:9; before εἰς, Mat.14:22, Mrk.6:45, 1Ti.5:24, Heb.7:18; with accusative of person(s), Mat.2:9 21:9, Mrk.10:32; before εἰς, Mat.21:31 26:32 28:7, Mrk.14:28 16:7; __(b) to go on, advance (Sir.20:27): 2Jn.9.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: bring (forth, out), go before See also: 1 Timothy 1:18; Mark 11:9; Hebrews 7:18.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ηρωδης Hērōdēs G2264 "Herod" Noun-NSM

Herod refers to four Jewish kings, including Herod the Great, who appears in Matthew 2:1-23 and Acts 23:35. The name means heroic and is associated with the Herod dynasty. Herod Antipas and Herod Agrippa I are also mentioned in the Bible.

Definition: Ἡρῴδης (Rec. -ώδης), -ου, ὁ Herod; __1. Herod the Great: Mat.2:1-23, Act.23:35. __2. Herod Antipas (ὁ τετραάρχης, Mat.14:1): Mat.14:1, 3 14:6, Mrk.6:1-56, Mrk.8:15, Luk.1:5 3:1, 19 8:3 9:7, 9 13:31, 23, Act.4:27 13:1. __3. Herod Agrippa I: Act.12:1, 6 12:11, 19 12:21 (cf. Ἀγρίππας (II)).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 41 NT verses. KJV: Herod See also: Acts 4:27; Luke 23:15; Matthew 14:6.

τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

νυκτι nux G3571 "night" Noun-DSF

Night is the time of darkness, as in Matthew 12:40 and Mark 6:48. It can be literal or figurative, like in 1 Thessalonians 5:7.

Definition: νύξ genitive νυκτός, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly for לַיִל ;] night: Mat.12:40, Mrk.6:48, Jhn.13:30, al.; genitive temp. (of the time within which something happens; M, Pr., 73; B1., § 36, 13), νυκτός, by night, Mat.2:14, Jhn.3:2, 1Th.5:7, al.; ν. κ. ἡμέρας, Mrk.5:5, 1Th.2:9, al.; ἡμέρας κ. ν., Luk.18:7, Rev.4:8, al.; μέσης ν., Mat.25:6; dative, νυκτί, in ans. to the question, "when?" (rare in cl.; Hdt., Soph.), ταύτῃ τ. ν., Luk.12:20, al.; ἐκείνῃ Act.12:6; ἐπιούσῃ, Act.23:11; accusative durat. (Bl., § 34, 8; Kühner3, III, 314b), ν. κ. ἠμέραν, Luk.2:37 Act.20:31; τ. νύκτας, Luk.21:37; διὰ νυκτός (= cl. νυκτός; Bl., § 42, 1; 46, 7), Act.5:19 16:9 17:10 23:31; δι᾽ ὅλης ν., Luk.5:5; κατὰ μέσον τῆς ν. (Bl., § 47, 6), Act.27:27. Metaphorical: Jhn.9:4, Rom.13:12, 1Th.5:5 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 62 NT verses. KJV: (mid-)night See also: 1 Corinthians 11:23; John 21:3; Revelation 4:8.

εκεινη ekeinos G1565 "that" Dem-DSF

This word means 'that one' or 'that thing', as in Luke 18:14. It's used to point out a specific person or object. In the Bible, it helps distinguish between different things or people.

Definition: ἐκεῖνος, -η, -ο (ἐκεῖ), [in LXX chiefly for הַהוּא ,הוּא, and cogn. forms ;] demonstr. pron., that person or thing (ille), implying remoteness as compared with οὗτος (hic); __1. absol., emphatic he, she, it: opposite to οὗτος, Luk.18:14, Jas.4:15; ἡμεῖς, Heb.12:25; ὑμεῖς, Mrk.4:11; ἄλλοι, Jhn.9:9; ἐγώ, Jhn.3:30; to persons named, Mk 16:[10, 13, 20], Jhn.2:21; of one (absent) who is not named, contemptuously (Abbott, JG, §§2385, 2732), Jhn.7:11 9:28; with respect, of Christ, 1Jo.2:6 3:3, al.; referring to a preceding noun, Mrk.16:[10], Jhn.7:45; resumption of a participial subject, Jhn.1:33 9:37 10:1, Rom.14:14, al. (on its reference in Jhn.19:35, see Westc, in l.; Moffatt, Intr., 568; Sanday, Fourth Gospel, 77ff.). __2. As adj., joined, like οὗτος, to a noun with the article: Mat.7:25, Mrk.3:24, Jhn.18:15, al.; esp. of time, past or future: ἐν τ. ἡμέραις ἐ., Mat.3:1, Mrk.1:9, Act.2:18" (LXX), al.; ἐν ἐ. τ. ἡμέρᾳ, esp of the Parousia, Mat.7:22, Luk.6:23, 2Th.1:10, 2Ti.1:12; adverbially, ἐκεινής (sc. ὁδοῦ) = cl. ἐκεινῇ (Bl., §36, 13), that way, Luk.19:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 247 NT verses. KJV: he, it, the other (same), selfsame, that (same, very), X their, X them, they, this, those See also: 1 Corinthians 9:25; John 11:53; Hebrews 3:10.

ην eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-IAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πετρος Petros G4074 "[mother-in-law of Peter]" Noun-NSM

This is the name Peter, which means a rock or stone. Jesus gave this name to Simon, one of his apostles, in Matthew 16:18. Peter became a key leader in the early Christian church.

Definition: Πέτρος, -ου, ὁ (i.e. a stone, see: πέτρα, Κηφᾶς), Simon Peter, the Apostle: Mat.4:18 10:2, Mrk.3:16, Luk.5:8, Jhn.1:41, 43, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 157 NT verses. KJV: Peter, rock See also: 1 Peter 1:1; John 18:17; Matthew 26:75.

κοιμωμενος koimaō G2837 "to sleep" Verb-PPP-NSM

To sleep or fall asleep, sometimes used to describe death, as in Matthew 27:52 and John 11:11.

Definition: κοιμάω, -ῶ [in LXX chiefly for שָׁכַב ;] to lull to sleep, put to sleep. Mid and pass., to fall asleep (M, Pr., 162; M, Th., 1, 4, 13): Mat.28:13, Luk.22:45, Jhn.11:12, Act.12:6. Metaph, of death: Mat.27:52, Jhn.11:11 Act.7:60 13:36, 1Co.7:39 11:30 15:6 15:18 15:20 15:51, 1Th.4:13-15, 2Pe.3:4 (cf. Isa.14:8 43:17, 2Ma.12:45).† SYN.: καθεύδω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: (be a-, fall a-, fall on) sleep, be dead See also: 1 Corinthians 7:39; 2 Peter 3:4; Matthew 28:13.

μεταξυ metaxu G3342 "between/meanwhile" Adv

Between or meanwhile refers to something happening in a time or place between two things, like in John 4:31. It can also mean after something.

Definition: μεταξύ (μετά + ξύν = σύν), [in LXX: Gen.31:50, Jdg.5:27, III Ki 15:6; 3Ki.15:32, Wis.4:10 16:19 18:23 * ;] __1. adv. of place and time (in NT time only); __(a) between: ἐν τῷ μ. (s.with χρόνῳ), Jhn.4:31; __(b) in late writers (FlJ, Plut., al.), like μετά (adv.), after, afterwards: τὸ μ. σάββατον, Act.13:42 (cf. Cl., Ro., I Co., 44, 2). __2. Prep. with genitive, between: of place, Mat.23:35, Luk.11:51 16:26, Act.12:6; of persons, as to mutual relation, Mat.18:15, Act.15:9, Rom.2:1-29 15:1-33.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: between, mean while, next See also: Acts 12:6; Luke 11:51; Romans 2:15.

δυο duo G1417 "two" Adj-NUI

Means two in number, used in Matthew 19:6 and Mark 10:8 to describe a married couple, and in Luke 10:1 to describe sending disciples out two by two.

Definition: δύο, numeral, indecl. exc. in dative, δυσί, δυσίν (Attic δυοῖν), two: Mat.19:6, Mrk.10:8, Jhn.2:6, al.; with pl. noun, Mat.9:27 10:10, al.; οἱ, τῶν, τοὺς δ., Mat.19:5 20:24, Mrk.10:8, Eph.2:15, al.; δ. ἐξ, Luk.24:13; distrib., ἀνὰ, κατὰ δ., two and two, two apiece: Luk.10:1 (WH, ἀνὰ δ. [δύο]), Jhn.2:6, 1Co.14:27; δύο δύο (= ἀνὰ δ., as LXX, Gen.6:19 for שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם, but not merely "Hebraism," cf. μυρία μυρία, Æsch., Pers., 981, and for usage in π. and MGr., see M, Pr., 21, 97), Mrk.6:7; εἰς δ. (two and two, Xen., Cyr., 7, 5, 17), into two parts, Mat.27:51, Mrk.15:38. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 121 NT verses. KJV: both, twain, two See also: 1 Corinthians 6:16; Mark 6:7; Hebrews 6:18.

στρατιωτων stratiōtēs G4757 "soldier" Noun-GPM

This word means a common soldier or warrior, like the soldiers in Matthew 8:9 and Mark 15:16. It can also refer to a spiritual warrior, as in 2 Timothy 2:3, where Paul talks about being a soldier of Jesus Christ. It's about being a fighter for a cause.

Definition: στρατιώτης, -ου, ὁ [in LXX; 2Ki.23:8 B1, 2Ma.5:12 2Mac 14:39, III Mac 3:12; 3Ma.3:4 Mac3 * ;] a soldier: Mat.8:9, Mrk.15:16, Jhn.19:2, Act.10:7, al.; metaphorically, σ. Χριστοῦ Ἰησ., 2Ti.2:3.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: soldier See also: 2 Timothy 2:3; Acts 28:16; Matthew 28:12.

δεδεμενος deō G1210 "to bind" Verb-RPP-NSM

To bind means to tie or fasten something, like an animal in Matthew 21:2 or a dead body in John 19:40. It can also mean to restrain someone with chains, as in Revelation 9:14.

Definition: δέω (I), [in LXX chiefly for אסר ;] to tie, bind, fasten; __(1) with accusative of thing(s), before εἰς δεσμάς, Mat.13:30; of an ass, Mat.21:2, Mrk.11:2, 4 Luk.19:30. __(2) with accusative of person(s), of swathing a dead body, ὀθονίοις, Jhn.19:40; δεδομένος τ. πόδας . . . κειρίαις (Bl., §34, 6; Kühner 3, iii, 125), Jhn.11:44; of binding with chains, ἀγγέλους, Rev.9:14; a demoniac, πέδαις κ. ἁλύσεσι, Mrk.5:3, 4; captives, Mat.12:29 14:3 22:13 27:2, Mrk.3:27 6:17 15:1, 7, Jhn.18:12, 24, Act.9:2, 14, 21, 21:11, 13 22:5, 29 24:27, Col.4:3, Rev.20:2; ἁλύσεσι, Act.12:6 21:33. Metaphorical, ὁ λόγος τ. Θεοῦ, 2Ti.2:9; of Satan binding by disease (MM, see word), Luk.13:16; of constraint or obligation, Act.20:22; of the marriage bond, 1Co.7:39; id. with dative of person(s), ἀνδρί, Rom.7:2; γυναικί, 1Co.7:27; in Rabbinic lang. (Dalman, Words, 213f.), to forbid, declare forbidden, Mat.16:19 18:18 (cf. κατα-, περι-, συν-, ὐπο-δέω; Cremer, 82).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 41 NT verses. KJV: bind, be in bonds, knit, tie, wind See also: 1 Corinthians 7:27; Luke 13:16; Revelation 9:14.

αλυσεσιν halusis G254 "chain" Noun-DPF

A chain or bond, this word is used to describe physical restraints in the Bible, like in Mark 5:3-4 and Acts 12:6-7. It also symbolizes spiritual bondage.

Definition: ἅλυσις, -εως, ἡ [in LXX: Wis.17:17 * ;] a chain, bond: Mrk.5:3-4, Luk.8:29, Act.12:6-7 21:33 28:20, Eph.6:20, 2Ti.1:16, Rev.20:1.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: bonds, chain See also: 2 Timothy 1:16; Ephesians 6:20; Revelation 20:1.

δυσιν duo G1417 "two" Adj-DPF

Means two in number, used in Matthew 19:6 and Mark 10:8 to describe a married couple, and in Luke 10:1 to describe sending disciples out two by two.

Usage: Occurs in 121 NT verses. KJV: both, twain, two See also: 1 Corinthians 6:16; Mark 6:7; Hebrews 6:18.

φυλακες phulaktērios G5441 "guard" Noun-NPM

A guard or watcher, like the ones who watched over Peter in Acts 5:23 and 12:6.

Definition: φύλαξ, -ακος, ὁ (φυλάσσω), [in LXX for שָׁמַר, צוּר ;] a guard, keeper: Act.5:23 12:6, 19.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: keeper See also: Acts 5:23; Acts 12:6; Acts 12:19.

τε te G5037 "and/both" Particle

A conjunction meaning and or both, used to connect words or ideas closely. Found in Matthew 28:12 and Acts 2:33, it shows a strong link between things.

Definition: τέ, enclitic copulative particle (= Lat. -que as καί = and, ac, atque, not very frequently in NT, more than two-thirds of the occurrences being in Ac. __1. τέ solitarium, and, denoting a closer affinity than καί between words and sentences which it connects (BL, §77, 8): Mat.28:12, Jhn.4:42, Act.2:33, 37 40 10:22 11:21, al. __2. Denoting a closer connection than simple καί, τὲ . . . καί, τὲ καί, τὲ . . . τέ (Act.26:16 Rom.14:8), as well . . . as also, both . . . and: Luk.12:45, Act.1:1 15:9, 21:30, al.; τὲ . . . δέ, and . . . and, Act.19:2; τὲ γάρ . . . ὁμοίως δὲ καί, Rom.1:26, 27. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 188 NT verses. KJV: also, and, both, even, then, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 20:21; Hebrews 1:3.

προ pro G4253 "before" Prep

This word means before something in time or place, like in Matthew 11:10 where John the Baptist is sent before Jesus. It can also mean superior to something, showing importance or priority. It appears in Acts 12:6 and James 5:9.

Definition: πρό prep. with genitive, [in LXX chiefly for פָּנִים ;] before; __(a) of place: Act.12:6, 14 14:13, Jas.5:9; π. προσώπου (= Heb. פָּנִים, Deu.3:18, Mal.3:1, al.; Bl., § 40, 9), Mat.11:10, Mrk.1:2, Luk.1:76 7:27 9:52 10:1, Act.14:13; __(b) of time: Mat.8:29 24:38, Luk.11:38 21:12, Jhn.11:55 13:1 17:24, Act.5:36 21:38, 1Co.2:7 4:5, Eph.1:4, Col.1:17, 2Ti.1:9 4:21, Tit.1:2, Heb.11:5, 1Pe.1:20, Ju 25; π. ἐτῶν δεκατεσσάρων, fourteen years ago, 2Co.12:2; π. προσώπου (see supr.), Act.13:24; with genitive of person(s), Mat.5:12, Jhn.5:7 10:8, Rom.16:7, Gal.1:17; with genitive art. inf. (= πρίν; M, Pr., 100; Bl., § 69, 7), Mat.6:8 Luk.2:21 22:15, Jhn.1:49 13:19 17:5, Act.23:15, Gal.2:12 3:23; as in late writers (resembling a Latin idiom but independent of it; B1., § 40, 5; M, Pr., 100 f.; of. Am 2Ma.15:36, and for other exx., Soph., Lex., see word), πρὸ ἓξ ἡμέρας τοῦ πάσχα, on the sixth day before the Passover, Jhn.12:1; __(with) of preference: π. πάντων, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; __(d) in compos., __α with subst., of position before: προαύλιον, πρόδρομος; priority of rank or order, προπάτωρ; anticipation, πρό γνωσις, πρό νοια; __β with adj., intensity, πρόδηλος; __γ with verb., of place, προάγω, προβαίνω; of preference, προαιρέομαι.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 47 NT verses. KJV: above, ago, before, or ever See also: 1 Corinthians 2:7; John 1:48; 1 Peter 1:20.

της ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

θυρας thura G2374 "door" Noun-GSF

A door or entrance, as in Matthew 6:6 and John 10:1-2. It can be literal or figurative, like an opportunity.

Definition: θύρα, -ας, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for פֶּתַח, also for דַּל, דֶּלֶת, etc. ;] a door: κλείειν (ἀποκ-) τὴν θ., Mat.6:6, Luk.13:25; pass., Mat.25:10, Luk.11:7, Jhn.20:19, 26, Act.21:30; ἀνοίγειν, Act.5:19; pass., Act.16:26-27; κρούειν, Act.12:13; διὰ τῆς θ., Jhn.10:1-2; πρὸς τὴν θ., Mrk.1:33 11:4 (WH om. τήν), Act.3:2; τὰ πρὸς τὴν θ., the space by the door, Mrk.2:2; πρὸς τῇ θ., Jhn.18:16; ἐπὶ τῇ θ, Act.5:9; πρὸ τῆς θ., Act.12:6; ἐπὶ τῶν θ., Act.5:23; ἡ θ. τ. μνημείου, Mat.27:60, Mrk.15:46 16:3. Metaphorical, of Christ, ἡ θ. τ. προβάτων, Jhn.10:7, 9; of the Kingdom of Heaven, Luk.13:24; of opportunities, θ. πίστεως, Act.14:27; θ. μεγάλη, 1Co.16:9; θ. τ. λόγου, Col.4:3; θ. ἀνεῳγμένη (ἠνεῳγ-), 2Co.2:12, Rev.3:8 4:1; of Christ, ἑστηκὼς ἐπὶ τὴν θ. καὶ κρούων, Rev.3:20; of his second coming, ἐπὶ θύραις εἶναι, Mat.24:33, Mrk.13:29; πρὸ θυρῶν ἑστηκέναι, Jas.5:9.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 37 NT verses. KJV: door, gate See also: 1 Corinthians 16:9; John 18:16; James 5:9.

ετηρουν tēreō G5083 "to keep: observe" Verb-IAI-3P

This word means to keep or observe something, like watching over it to keep it safe. Jesus uses it in John 17:11-12 to ask God to keep his followers safe. The Bible translates it as 'hold fast' or 'keep'.

Definition: τηρέω, -ῶ [in LXX for שָׁמַר, נָצַר, etc. ;] __1. to watch over, guard, keep, preserve: Mat.27:36, Act.16:23, al.; ἑαυτόν, 2Co.11:9, 1Ti.5:22, Jas.1:27, Ju 21; before εἰς, Jhn.12:7, Act.25:21, 1Pe.1:4, 2Pe.2:4 2:9 3:7, Ju 6; ἐν, Jhn.17:11-12, Ju 21; ἐκ, Jhn.17:15, Rev.3:10; τ. πίστιν, 2Ti.4:7, Rev.14:12; τ. ἑνότητα τ. πνεύματος, Eph.4:3. __2. to watch, give heed to, observe: τ. σάββατον, Jhn.9:16; τ. ἐντολήν (-άς), Mat.19:17, Jhn.14:15 15:10, 1Ti.6:14, 1Jn.2:3-4 Jn 3:22 Jn 3:24 Jn 5:3, Rev.12:17 14:12; τ. λόγον (-ους), Jhn.8:51-52, 55 14:23-24 15:20 17:6, 1Jn.2:5, Rev.3:8, 10 22:7, 9; τ. νόμον, Act.15:5, Jas.2:10; τ. παράδοσιν, Mrk.7:9; τ. ἔργα, Rev.2:26; τ. γεγραμμένα, Rev.1:3 (cf. δια-, παρα-, συν-τηρέω) SYN.: φυλάσσω, implying custody and protection: τ. expresses the idea of watchful care and "may mark the result of which φ. is the means" (Thayer see word) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 68 NT verses. KJV: hold fast, keep(- er), (pre-, re-)serve, watch See also: 1 Corinthians 7:37; John 8:55; 1 Peter 1:4.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

φυλακην phulakē G5438 "prison/watch: prison" Noun-ASF

This word refers to a prison, guard, or watch, like in Acts 12:10 where Peter was held in prison by King Herod's guards. It can also mean a place of protection or a time of vigilance, as in Luke 2:8 where shepherds kept watch over their flocks.

Definition: φυλακή, -ῆς, ἡ (φυλάσσω) [in LXX chiefly for מִשְׁמֶרֶת and cogn. forms, also for כֶּלֶא etc. ;] __(a) actively, a guarding, guard, watch (Hom., Plat., Xen., al.): cogn. accusative, φυλάσσειν φυλακάς, to keep watch, Luk.2:8; __(b) of those who keep watch (as also Lat. custodia), a guard; pl., sentinels, a guard (Hom., al.): Act.12:10; __(with) of the place where persons are kept under guard, a prison (Hdt., Thuc., al.): Mat.14:10, Mrk.6:17, Luk.3:20, Act.5:19, 2Co.6:5, 1Pe.3:19, Rev.18:2, al.; __(d) of the time during which guard was kept by night (Lest. vigilia; Anthol.), a watch: Mat.14:25 24:43, Mrk.6:48, Luk.12:38 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 45 NT verses. KJV: cage, hold, (im-)prison(-ment), ward, watch See also: 1 Peter 3:19; Luke 3:20; Hebrews 11:36.

Study Notes — Acts 12:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 12:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 12:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 12:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 12:6
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 12:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 12:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 12:6
Cambridge Bible on Acts 12:6
Barnes' Notes on Acts 12:6
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 12:6
Sermons on Acts 12:6

Context — The Rescue of Peter

4He 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. 5So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him.

6On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison.

7Suddenly 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. 8“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.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Acts 21:33	The commander came up and arrested Paul, ordering that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done.
2	Hebrews 13:6	So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
3	Philippians 4:6–7	Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
4	2 Timothy 1:16	May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains.
5	1 Samuel 23:26–27	Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!”
6	Ephesians 6:20	for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.
7	Acts 5:23	“We found the jail securely locked, with the guards posted at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”
8	Acts 28:20	So for this reason I have called to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
9	Genesis 22:14	And Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. So to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”
10	Matthew 28:4	The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.

Acts 12:6 Summary

This verse shows that even though Peter was in a difficult and scary situation, he was able to sleep peacefully because he trusted in God. It's like when David said in Psalm 4:8 that he could lie down and sleep in peace because God made him feel safe. Peter's trust in God is an example for us to follow, even when things seem impossible, as we see in Jeremiah 32:17, where it says that God is able to do all things. By trusting in God, we can find peace and rest, just like Peter did, and know that God is always with us, as promised in Matthew 28:20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Peter sleeping so soundly in prison despite his impending trial?

Peter's ability to sleep soundly in prison demonstrates his trust in God, as seen in Psalm 4:8, where David says, 'I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.'

What does it mean that Peter was bound with two chains?

The two chains that bound Peter signify the severe restrictions and security measures in place to prevent his escape, highlighting the miraculous nature of his subsequent deliverance, as seen in Acts 12:7.

What can we learn from the fact that sentries were standing guard at the entrance to the prison?

The presence of sentries guarding the prison entrance emphasizes the high level of security and the human efforts to keep Peter imprisoned, making God's intervention in Acts 12:7 all the more remarkable, as it shows that God's power surpasses human strength, as stated in Jeremiah 32:17.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of Peter's imprisonment?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Peter's imprisonment, as it sets the stage for the miraculous events that follow, demonstrating God's sovereign control over all situations, as seen in Romans 8:28, where it is written that 'God works all things together for the good of those who love him.'

Reflection Questions

What would it take for me to trust God like Peter did, even in the face of uncertainty and danger?
How can I apply the principle of trusting God in difficult circumstances to my own life, just as Peter did in prison?
What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God more, and how can I cultivate that trust?
In what ways can I, like Peter, find peace and rest in the midst of challenging situations, knowing that God is in control?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 12:6

And when Herod would have brought him forth,.... The next morning; so he had determined not to dismiss him, but to expose him to the people, and to put him to such a death they should choose: the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 12:6

And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 12:6

Brought him forth, to be put to death. The same night: this is a night to be remembered, as that in which God delivered his Israel out of Egypt: when both were come to the utmost extremity, and at the pit’ s brink, then so God does his marvellous work of deliverance, that it ought to be had in remembrance, . Peter was sleeping: innocency hath this advantage, and a good conscience acquiesces in the providence of God; it hath God to its friend; and if he be for us, who can be against us? Bound with two chains: see : to which may be added, that with one chain St. Peter’ s right hand was bound to the soldier’ s left; with the other chain his left hand to the other soldier’ s right; for so was their manner for their greater security, that they might not let the prisoner escape: thus persecutors are skilful to destroy; but no device can avail against any whom God will save.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 12:6

6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. Ver. 6. Peter was sleeping] As having cast himself into God’ s everlasting arms. So did David, Psalms 3:5. So did Mr Rogers, our protomartyr in Queen Mary’ s days, when he was warned suddenly to prepare for the fire, he then being found asleep, scarcely with much shogging could be awakened; at length being raised and bidden to make haste, then (said he) if it be so, I need not to tie my points.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 12:6

(6) Peter was sleeping between two soldiers.—The picture of the calm repose of the Apostle as of one to whom God had given the sleep of His beloved (Psalms 127:2), undisturbed by the fear of coming suffering and death, will be felt by most readers to be one of singular interest.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 12:6

Verse 6. Sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains] Two soldiers guarded his person; his right hand being bound to the left hand of one, and his left hand bound to the right hand of the other. This was the Roman method of guarding their prisoners, and appears to be what is intimated in the text.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 12:6

6. And when Herod would have brought him forth] Literally, “was about to bring him forth,” and this should be expressed, because it is an additional note of the delay and lapse of time between the arrest and the intended punishment.and the keepers before the door] Read, “and guards before the door,” i.e. the two soldiers of the quaternion who were not chained to the prisoner.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 12:6

And when Herod would have brought him forth - When he was about to bring him to be put to death. The same night - That is, the night preceding.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 12:6

6. Two chains—A light chain each, attached by the one end to the prisoner, by the other to a soldier. “The same chain,” says Seneca, “couples the prisoner and the guard.”

Sermons on Acts 12:6

	Sermon	Description
	The Lord's Knowledge, Our Safeguard by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on faith rather than relying on what we can see with our physical eyes. He shares personal experiences of feeling
	Victory Over Fear by Joshua Daniel	Joshua Daniel preaches on the importance of having childlike confidence in God, using the example of Peter sleeping soundly before his execution as a demonstration of true peace an
	Let Compassion Swallow Your Fear by Ray Comfort	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about injuring his arm while running to the house. Despite the pain, he continued to preach the gospel with his son-in-law outsi
	Facing Your Fears - Part 1 by Danny Bond	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jesus sending his disciples into a boat and commanding them to go to the other side of the lake. The disciples obey Jesus and be
	Faith That Overcomes by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith, overcoming through faith, confessing God's promises, and living a life surrendered to God. It highlights the victory in overcoming b
	Through the Bible - Hebrews - Part 4 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of striving against sin, just as Jesus did. He encourages the listeners to have an attitude of being willing to shed their bl
	Why Is Gods Strength Made Perfect in Our Weakness by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the call to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, highlighting that our weaknesses can be used by God for His glory. It encourages believers to step out in faith