Acts 12:17

“But he beckoning unto them with the hand, etc.] This is what the Jews call hzymr, “an hint” f588, which is a beckoning, or making signs, either with the head or hand: and this was now made, to hold their peace; to be silent, and not clamorous in their expressions of joy and wonder, lest it should alarm the neighbourhood, and the consequence be bad both to him and them; as also that he might have an opportunity of relating the whole affair to them; which he did, after he had entered into the house; which though not expressed is understood, and is added in Beza’s ancient copy, and in the Syriac version: and he went in; that is, into the house: and declared unto them how the Lord had brought…”

“But he, beckoning . . . with his hand to hold their peace--a lively touch this. In the hubbub of joyful and wondering interrogatories there might mingle reflections, thrown out by one against another, for holding out so long against the testimony of Rhoda; while the emotion of the apostle's own spirit would be too deep and solemn to take part in such demonstrations or utter a word till, with his hand, he had signified his wish for perfect silence. Go show these things unto James and to the brethren--Whether James the son of Alpheus, one of the Twelve, usually known as "James the Less," and "James the Lord's brother" (Gal 1:19), were the same person; and if not, whether the James here…”

“But he, beckoning ... - To prevent the noise, and tumult, and transport which was likely to be produced. His wish was, not that there should be clamorous joy, but that they should listen in silence to what God had done. It was sufficient to awe the soul, and produce deep, grateful feeling. A noise might excite the neighboring Jews, and produce danger. Religion is calm and peaceful; and its great scenes and surprising deliverances are rather suited to awe the soul to produce calm, sober, and grateful contemplation, than the noise of rejoicing, and the shoutings of exultation. The consciousness of the presence of God, and of his mighty power, does not produce rapturous disorder and tumult, but…”

“Beckoning to them - Many of whom being amazed, were talking together. And he said, Show these things to James - The brother or kinsman of our Lord, and author of the epistle which bears his name. He appears to have been a person of considerable weight and importance, probably the chief overseer of that province, and of the Church in Jerusalem in particular. He went into another place - Where he might be better concealed till the storm was over. Acts 12:19”

“beckoning: Act 13:16, Act 19:33, Act 21:40; Luk 1:22; Joh 13:24 declared: Psa 66:16, Psa 102:20, Psa 102:21, Psa 107:21, Psa 107:22, Psa 116:14, Psa 116:15, Psa 146:7 James: Act 15:13, Act 21:18; Co1 15:7; Gal 1:19, Gal 2:9, Gal 2:12; Jam 1:1 And he: Act 16:40; Mat 10:23; Joh 7:1, Joh 8:59, Joh 10:40, Joh 11:54 Acts 12:18”