Acts 12:12

“And when he had considered the thing, etc.] The whole of the salvation wrought for him; or rather, where he should go, to what house he should betake himself; ere he was aware, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark. This good woman seems to be a widow, no mention being made of her husband, and was sister to Barnabas, (<510410>Colossians 4:10). She is described by a son she had, whose name was John Mark, because of the frequent mention made of him hereafter; her house being large, and her heart as large as her house, the saints met here, and were welcome, and where they were at this time, though so late: where many were gathered together, praying; the…”

“he came to the house of Mary, &c.--who "must have had a house of some pretensions to receive a large number; and, accordingly, we read that her brother Barnabas (Col 4:10) was a person of substance (Act 4:37). She must also have been distinguished for faith and courage to allow such a meeting in the face of persecution" [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. To such a house it was natural that Peter should come. mother of John . . . Mark--so called to distinguish him from the apostle of that name, and to distinguish her from the other Marys. where many were gathered together praying--doubtless for Peter's deliverance, and continuing, no doubt, on this the last of the days of unleavened bread, which was…”

“And when he had considered ... - Thinking on the subject; considering what he should do in these circumstances. He came to the house of Mary ... - Probably this house was near him; and he would naturally seek the dwelling of a Christian friend. The mother of John ... - Probably this was the John Mark who wrote the gospel. But this is not certain. Whose surname - Greek: who was called Mark. It does not mean that he had two names conferred, as with us, both of which were used at the same time, but he was called by either, the Greeks probably using the name Mark, and the Jews the name John. He is frequently mentioned afterward as having been the attendant of Paul and Barnabas in their travels,…”

“And having considered - What was best to be done. Many were gathered together - At midnight. Acts 12:13”

“12:12 The home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, was evidently a gathering place for believers. John Mark later became a missionary colleague of Barnabas and Saul (12:25).”

“he came: Act 4:23, Act 16:40 John: Act 12:25, Act 13:5, Act 13:13, Act 15:37-39; Col 4:10; Ti2 4:11; Plm 1:24 where: Act 12:5; Isa 65:24; Mat 18:19, Mat 18:20; Jo1 5:14, Jo1 5:15 Acts 12:13”