Acts 12:15

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 12:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel.
Acts 12:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And they said unto her, thou art mad, etc. “Or art thou not mad?” as the Ethiopic version, and two of Beza’s exemplars read, and some others: they thought the girl must be out of her senses; they looked upon the thing impossible; for though they were praying for him, and praying in faith, yet they might have no expectation of a deliverance; but were praying that they might be supported under such a trial, and that it might be sanctified to them; and for Peter, that he might be strengthened and made steadfast, and kept faithful to the last; and bear, by his sufferings and death, a glorious and honourable testimony for Christ: but she constantly affirmed that it was even so; she asserted it…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Thou art mad--one of those exclamations which one can hardly resist on hearing what seems far "too good to be true." she constantly affirmed--"kept steadfastly affirming." that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel--his disembodied spirit, his ghost; anything, in fact, rather than himself. Though this had been the burden of their fervent prayers during all the days of unleavened bread, they dispute themselves out of it as a thing incredible. Still, it is but the unbelief of the disciples who "believed not for joy and wondered" at the tidings of their Lord's resurrection. How often do we pray for what we can hardly credit the bestowment of, when it comes in answer to our prayers!…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Thou art mad - Thou art insane. They seemed to have regarded his rescue as so difficult and so hopeless, that they deemed it proof of derangement that she now affirmed it. And yet this was the very thing for which they had been so earnestly praying. When it was now announced to them that the object of their prayers was granted, they deemed the messenger that announced it insane. Christians are often surprised even when their prayers are answered. They are overwhelmed and amazed at the success of their own petitions, and are slow to believe that the very thing for which they have sought could be granted. It shows, perhaps, with how little faith, after all, they pray, and how slow they are to…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“They said, Thou art mad - As we say, Sure you are not in your senses to talk so. It is his angel - It was a common opinion among the Jews, that every man had his particular guardian angel, who frequently assumed both his shape and voice. But this is a point on which the Scriptures are silent. Acts 12:17”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Thou: Act 26:24; Job 9:16; Mar 16:11, Mar 16:14; Luk 24:11 It is: Gen 48:16; Mat 18:10; Luk 24:37, Luk 24:38 Acts 12:17”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification