Acts 12:7
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Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Smote Peter on the side - He struck him in such a way as was just sufficient to awake him from his sleep. His chains fell off from his hands - The chains mentioned above, by which he was bound to the two soldiers.
Open source ↗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.
Open source ↗And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him,.... 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 (f) 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, and raised him up; he touched him on that side which lay uppermost, or punched him on it, in order to awake him, and raise him out of his sleep: saying arise up quickly; without delay, make haste: and his chains fell off from his hands; from both his hands, and were left with the soldiers, between whom he slept; which must be ascribed to an almighty power, which caused them to drop off. (f) Vid Harpocratian Lex. p. 212.
Open source ↗In this chapter we have the story, I. Of the martyrdom of James the apostle, and the imprisonment of Peter by Herod Agrippa, who now reigned as king in Judea (Act 12:1-4). II. The miraculous deliverance of Peter out of prison by the ministry of an angel, in answer to the prayers of the church for him (Act 12:6-19). III. The cutting off of Herod in the height of his pride by the stroke of an angel, the minister of God's justice (Act 12:20-23); and this was done while Barnabas and Saul were at Jerusalem, upon the errand that the church of Antioch sent them on, to carry their charity; and therefore in the close we have an account of their return to Antioch (Act 12:24, Act 12:25).
Open source ↗12:7-11 See “Angels” Theme Note.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying,
Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.
He executes justice for the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free,
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains.
Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this, the ninth hour. Suddenly a man in radiant clothing stood before me
So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness.
My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”