Acts 12:6
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
Acts 12:6 in other translations
| BSB | On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison. |
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| WEB | The same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison. |
| ASV | And 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. |
| YLT | and when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night was Peter sleeping between two soldiers, having been bound with two chains, guards also before the door were keeping the prison, |
| DARBY | And when Herod was going to bring him forth, that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards before the door kept the prison. |
| BBE | And when Herod was about to take him out, the same night Peter was sleeping in chains between two armed men, and the watchmen were keeping watch before the door of the prison. |
| Webster | And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers before the door kept the prison. |
What does Acts 12:6 mean?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 12:5-6
5-6. prayer was made without ceasing--rather, "instant," "earnest," "urgent" (Margin); as in Lu 22:44; Ac 26:7; and 1Pe 4:8 (see Greek). of the church unto God for him--not in public assembly, for it was evidently not safe to meet thus; but in little groups in private houses, one of which was Mary's (Ac 12:12). And this was kept up during all the days of unleavened bread.
Barnes' Notes
The same night. That is, the night preceding. The intention of Herod was to bring him out as soon as the Passover was over; but during the night which immediately preceded the day in which Herod intended to bring him to punishment, Peter was rescued.
Peter was sleeping. Here is an instance of remarkable composure, and one of the effects of peace of conscience and of confidence in God. It was doubtless known to Peter what the intention of Herod was. James had just been put to death; and Peter had no reason to expect a better fate. And yet in this state he slept as quietly as if there had been no danger, and was roused even by an angel to contemplate his condition, and to make his escape. There is nothing that will give quiet rest and gentle sleep so certainly as a conscience void of offence; and in the midst of imminent dangers, he who confides in God may rest securely and calmly.
Between two soldiers. Acts 12:4. Peter was bound to the two. His left hand was chained to the right hand of one of the soldiers, and his right hand to the left hand of the other. This was a common mode of securing prisoners among the Romans. See abundant authorities for this quoted in Lardner's Credibility, part i. chap. x. 9, Lond. ed. 1829, vol. i. pp. 242, 243, etc.
And the keepers, etc. See Acts 12:4. Two soldiers were stationed at the door. We may see now that every possible precaution was used to insure the safe custody of Peter.
(1.) He was in prison.
(2.) He was in the charge of sixteen men, who could relieve each other when weary, and thus every security was given that he could not escape by inattention or weariness on their part.
(3.) He was bound fast between two men. And
(4.) he was further guarded by two others, whose business it was to watch the door of the prison. It is to be remembered, also, that it was death for a Roman soldier to be found sleeping at his post. And in this way every possible security was given for the safe keeping of Peter. But God can deliver in spite of all the precautions of men; and it is easy for him to overcome the most cunning devices of his enemies.
(+) "kept the prison" "guarded"
Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Acts 12:6-11
Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain
Acts 12:6 in the original Greek
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Cross references for Acts 12:6
- Hebrews 13:6
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
- Acts 21:33
Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.
- 1 Samuel 23:26-27
And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them. But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.
- 2 Timothy 1:16
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
- Philippians 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 6:20
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
- Genesis 22:14
And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah–jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.
- Jeremiah 40:4
And now, behold, I loose thee this day from the chains which were upon thine hand. If it seem good unto thee to come with me into Babylon, come; and I will look well unto thee: but if it seem ill unto thee to come with me into Babylon, forbear: behold, all the land is before thee: whither it seemeth good and convenient for thee to go, thither go.
- Acts 28:20
For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
- Psalms 4:8
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
- Matthew 28:4
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
- Psalms 3:5-6
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
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Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Context
- Acts 12:5
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
- Acts 12:6
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
- Acts 12:7
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
Acts 12:6 in other languages
| Spanish Reina-Valera 1909 | Y cuando Herodes le había de sacar, aquella misma noche estaba Pedro durmiendo entre dos soldados, preso con dos cadenas, y los guardas delante de la puerta, que guardaban la cárcel. |
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| French Bible J.N. Darby 1885 | Mais lorsque Hérode allait le produire, cette nuit-là, Pierre dormait entre deux soldats, lié de deux chaînes; et des gardes, devant la porte, gardaient la prison. |
| German Elberfelder 1871 | Als aber Herodes ihn vorführen wollte, schlief Petrus in jener Nacht zwischen zwei Kriegsknechten, gebunden mit zwei Ketten, und Wächter vor der Tür verwahrten das Gefängnis. |
| Latin Clementine Vulgate | Cum autem producturus eum esset Herodes, in ipsa nocte erat Petrus dormiens inter duos milites, vinctus catenis duabus: et custodes ante ostium custodiebant carcerem. |