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Acts 12:7

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 12:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
Acts 12:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4And when he had taken him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people.
5Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him.
6And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison.
7And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
8And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
9And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision.
10And when they were past the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and straightway the angel departed from him.
← Acts 12:6Acts 12:8 →
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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
“And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, etc.] Suddenly and at once, and stood by him; this was one of the ministering spirits sent forth by Christ, to minister to a servant of his: and a light shined in the prison; the Syriac version renders it, “in the whole house”; and the word that is used does signify an habitation, or a dwelling house properly, but is used also by the Greek writers f582 for a prison: this was an uncommon light produced by the angel, partly as an emblem of the presence, majesty, and power of God, who was present, to work a great deliverance; and partly for the use of Peter, that when being awaked he might see to rise and walk by: and he smote Peter on the side,…”
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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
“the angel of the Lord--rather, "an angel." came upon him--so in Luk 2:9, expressive of the unexpected nature of the visit. smote Peter on the side . . . Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off . . . Gird thyself . . . And so he did . . . Cast thy garment--tunic, which he had thrown off for the night.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And, behold, the angel of the Lord - See the notes on Acts 5:19. Came upon him - Greek: was present with him; stood near him ἐπέστη epestē. And a light shined in the prison - Many have supposed that this was lightning. But light, and splendor, and shining apparel are commonly represented as the accompaniments of the heavenly beings when they visit the earth, Luke 2:9; Luke 24:4; compare Mark 9:3. It is highly probable that this light was discerned only by Peter; and it would be to him an undoubted proof of the divine interposition in his behalf. And he smote Peter on the side - This was, doubtless, a gentle blow or stroke to arouse him from sleep. And his chains ... - This could have been…”
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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
“His chains - With which his right arm was bound to one of the soldiers, and his left arm to the other. Acts 12:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:7-11 See “Angels” Theme Note.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the angel: Act 12:23, Act 5:19, Act 10:30, Act 27:23, Act 27:24; Kg1 19:5, Kg1 19:7; Psa 34:7, Psa 37:32, Psa 37:33; Isa 37:30; Dan 6:22; Heb 1:14 and a: Act 9:3; Sa2 22:29; Eze 43:2; Mic 7:9; Hab 3:4, Hab 3:11; Rev 18:1 Arise: Gen 19:15, Gen 19:16; Isa 60:1; Eph 5:14 And his: The two chains with which his hands were fastened to those of the two soldiers between whom he slept. This, it appears, was the Roman method of securing a prisoner, and seems to be what is intimated in Act 12:6. Act 12:6, Act 2:24, Act 16:26; Psa 105:18-20, Psa 107:14, Psa 116:16, Psa 142:6, Psa 142:7, Psa 146:7; Dan 3:24, Dan 3:25 Acts 12:9”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification