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Acts 12:16

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 12:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed.
Acts 12:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.
14And when she knew Peter`s voice, she opened not the gate for joy, but ran in, and told that Peter stood before the gate.
15And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel.
16But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed.
17But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him forth out of the prison. And he said, Tell these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went to another place.
18Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
19And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and tarried there.
← Acts 12:15Acts 12:17 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But Peter continued knocking, etc.] That they might come to him, and let him in; beginning to be impatient, and being very desirous of seeing his friends, as well as being in danger of being taken up, and had to prison again, should any of his enemies come by, who knew him: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished: they could hardly believe their own eyes; it was amazing to them, how it should be, that he should be delivered out of prison, when they knew there was such a strong guard about him.”
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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
“Peter continued knocking--delay being dangerous.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Were astonished - They were now convinced that it was Peter, and they were amazed that he had been rescued. As yet they were of course ignorant of the manner in which it was done. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Related study paths

Read Acts 12 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification