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Acts 12:19

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 12:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And 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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And 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 12:19 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.
20Now he was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: and they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king`s chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king`s country.
21And upon a set day Herod arrayed himself in royal apparel, and sat on the throne, and made an oration unto them.
22And the people shouted, [saying], The voice of a god, and not of a man.
← Acts 12:18Acts 12:20 →
← Full Chapter 12 Acts Overview

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 when Herod had sought for him and found him not, etc.] Neither in the prison, nor in any part of the city: he examined the keepers; of the prison, and those that were upon the watch, whether they had not been accessary to his escape: and commanded that they should be put to death: or brought forth, not before a judge to be tried and judged, because they had been examined by Herod already; but either that they should be carried and laid in bonds, or be led forth to suffer punishment; and so our version directs, and which is confirmed by the Syriac; and the Greeks say f589, that apagwgh is a kind of punishment: and he went down from Judea to Caesarea; not Peter, but Herod: and there abode;…”
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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
“examined the keepers--who, either like the keepers of our Lord's sepulchre, had "shaken and become as dead men" (Mat 28:4), or had slept on their watch and been divinely kept from awaking. commanded that they should be put to death--Impotent vengeance!”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He examined the keepers - The soldiers who were entrusted with his custody. Probably only those who had the special care of him at that watch of the night. The word “examine” here means “to inquire diligently, to make investigation.” He subjected them to a rigid scrutiny to ascertain the manner of his escape; for it is evident that Herod did not mean to admit the possibility of a miraculous interposition. Should be put to death - For having failed to keep Peter. This punishment they had a right to expect for having suffered his escape. And he went down ... - How soon after the escape of Peter he went down to Caesarea, or how long he abode there, is not known. Caesarea was rising into…”
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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
“Herod commanded them to be put to death - And thus the wicked suffered in the room of the righteous. And going down from Judea - With shame, for not having brought forth Peter, according to his promise. Acts 12:20”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“sought for him: Sa1 23:14; Psa 37:32, Psa 37:33; Jer 36:26; Mat 2:13 he examined: Act 12:4, Act 12:6; Mat 28:11-15 commanded: Dan 2:11-13; Mat 2:16; Joh 12:10, Joh 12:11 he went: Act 21:8, Act 25:13; Kg1 20:43; Est 6:12 Acts 12:20”
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Related study paths

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

Sources and verification