Herod Executes James; Peter Miraculously Freed
Acts 12:1-19
Acts.12.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Κατ᾽εκεινον: PREP+DEM,acc,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- καιρον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- επεβαλεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- Ηρωδης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- βασιλευς: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- χειρας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- κακωσαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τινας: PRON,acc,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- απο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εκκλησιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 4:3 (verbal): The authorities 'laid hands on' the apostles and put them in custody—same verb and arrest motif as Herod's action against members of the church.
- Acts 5:17-18 (verbal): The high priest and Sadducees 'laid hands on' the apostles to imprison them; parallels both the language and institutional persecution in Acts 12:1.
- Acts 8:1-3 (thematic): After Stephen's death a 'great persecution' arose and Saul ravaged the church—shows the recurring pattern of violent, official persecution of Christians in Acts.
- Matthew 10:17 (thematic): Jesus warns disciples they will be handed over to councils and flogged—an anticipatory teaching about official mistreatment of believers, thematically linked to Herod's actions.
- John 15:20 (thematic): Jesus teaches that those who persecuted him will persecute his followers—provides the theological framework for why Christians face hostile actions from authorities like Herod.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now about that time King Herod laid hands on some who belonged to the church to persecute them.
- Now about that time King Herod laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.
Acts.12.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ανειλεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- Ιακωβον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αδελφον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- Ιωαννου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- μαχαιρη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Mark 10:39 (verbal): Jesus asks James and John if they can ‘drink the cup’ he will drink (πίνειν τὸ ποτήριον), a verbal prediction of suffering that corresponds to James’ execution.
- Matthew 20:23 (verbal): Parallel to Mark’s saying: Jesus tells James and John they will ‘drink my cup,’ an anticipatory reference to the apostles’ suffering and martyrdom.
- Hebrews 11:37 (verbal): Lists the righteous who were ‘slain with the sword’ (ἐν μάχαιρᾳ ἐσφαγμένοι), thematically and verbally resonant with Acts’ note that James was killed by the sword.
- Revelation 6:9-11 (thematic): Portrays martyrs under the altar who were slain for God’s word and testimony; thematically parallels James’ status as an apostolic martyr executed for the faith.
Alternative generated candidates
- He had James the brother of John executed with the sword.
- He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.
Acts.12.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ιδων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- οτι: CONJ
- αρεστον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- Ιουδαιοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- προσεθετο: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- συλλαβειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- και: CONJ
- Πετρον: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ησαν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- δε: CONJ
- ημεραι: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αζυμων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
Parallels
- Acts 12:2 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel in the same scene: Herod has already put James to death (by the sword), and seeing this pleased the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter—continuation of the same persecution motif.
- Mark 6:14-29 (cf. Matthew 14:1-12) (thematic): Herod's earlier execution of John the Baptist shows the pattern of a ruler doing violence that 'pleased' or was instigated by others; parallels Herod's motive and readiness to kill to satisfy public or political pressure.
- John 19:12-16 (thematic): Pilate yielding to the demands of the chief priests/crowd (delivering Jesus to be crucified) parallels the dynamic of civil authority acting because it 'pleased' the Jewish leaders or populace.
- Acts 5:17-18 (thematic): The Jewish leadership's arrest and imprisonment of the apostles reflects the same persecutory activity against believers that motivates Herod's actions in Acts 12:3.
- Acts 12:19-23 (structural): The later account of Herod's mistreatment of the people, his acceptance of praise as a god, and his sudden death functions as narrative judgment and literary consequence to the arrest/violence described in v.3.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. It was during the days of Unleavened Bread.
- When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.)
Acts.12.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- πιασας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,m,sg
- εθετο: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- φυλακην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- παραδους: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- τεσσαρσιν: NUM,dat,pl
- τετραδιοις: NUM,dat,pl,m
- στρατιωτων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- φυλασσειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- βουλομενος: VERB,pres,mid,ptc,nom,sg,m
- μετα: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πασχα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- αναγαγειν: VERB,aor,act,inf
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- λαω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 5:18-20 (verbal): Same narrative pattern in Acts: apostles are seized and put in prison and guards are set. Shares language and theme of authorities arresting Christians and posting guards.
- Matthew 27:65-66 (thematic): Pilate orders the tomb to be made secure and a guard posted—parallel action of posting soldiers to control a situation and prevent a public disturbance or narrative change.
- John 18:12-14 (thematic): Jesus is arrested by soldiers and temple officers and handed over to the authorities. Parallels in the act of seizure, handing over to be tried or displayed, and the involvement of armed guards.
- Acts 16:23-26 (structural): Paul and Silas are imprisoned with guards set over them; like Peter, an apostle is detained under guard and later experiences a dramatic deliverance—parallel incident structure within Acts.
Alternative generated candidates
- He seized him and put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to be guarded, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people.
- After he seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to be guarded, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people.
Acts.12.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- μεν: PART
- ουν: CONJ
- Πετρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ετηρειτο: VERB,impf,pass,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- φυλακη·προσευχη: NOUN,f,sg,dat+NOUN,nom,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- εκτενως: ADV
- γινομενη: VERB,pres,mp,ptc,nom,sg,f
- υπο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εκκλησιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- προς: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- περι: PREP
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 12:12 (structural): Same scene—after Peter's release he goes to the house where believers were gathered in prayer, showing the church's ongoing intercession for him.
- Acts 4:24-31 (thematic): The early church prays corporately for the apostles' boldness and God's intervention; parallels communal, earnest prayer for leaders under threat.
- Acts 16:25-34 (thematic): Paul and Silas pray and sing in prison and God acts miraculously to deliver them—connects prayer in imprisonment with divine rescue and conversion.
- Philippians 1:19 (thematic): Paul expresses confidence that the prayers of the Philippians will help bring about his deliverance—parallels expectation that communal prayer aids an imprisoned apostle.
- James 5:16 (thematic): Affirms the effectiveness of fervent, righteous prayer; relates to the church's earnest intercession on behalf of Peter.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was being made to God by the church.
- So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was being made to God by the church.
Acts.12.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Οτε: CONJ
- δε: CONJ
- ημελλεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- προαγαγειν: VERB,aor,act,inf
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Ηρωδης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- νυκτι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εκεινη: PRON,dat,sg,f
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Πετρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- κοιμωμενος: VERB,pres,mid/pass,part,nom,sg,m
- μεταξυ: PREP
- δυο: NUM,acc,pl,m
- στρατιωτων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- δεδεμενος: PART,perf,pass,nom,sg,m
- αλυσεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- δυσιν: NUM,dat,pl,m
- φυλακες: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- τε: CONJ
- προ: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- θυρας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ετηρουν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- φυλακην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 12:7 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation—an angel appears, wakes Peter, and leads him out of the guarded prison (direct rescue following Peter’s sleep).
- Acts 5:19-20 (thematic): An angel frees the apostles from a prison at night and instructs them to preach—parallel motif of divine nighttime intervention releasing prisoners.
- Acts 16:25-26 (thematic): Paul and Silas are imprisoned with guards at night; a sudden divine act (earthquake) opens the prison and affects the guards—similar setting of night, guards, and miraculous liberation.
- Genesis 39:20-23 (allusion): Joseph is placed under custody in prison but the LORD is with him and the keeper entrusts him—parallel theme of a bound/prisoned righteous figure under guard yet under divine care.
- Psalm 4:8 (thematic): ‘I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety’—sleeping in the midst of danger evokes trust in divine protection like Peter’s sleep in custody.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood before the door guarding the prison.
- Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on the very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood before the door guarding the prison.
Acts.12.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ιδου: PART
- αγγελος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- επεστη: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- φως: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- ελαμψεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- οικηματι·παταξας: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- δε: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- πλευραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Πετρου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ηγειρεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- λεγων·Αναστα: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,m,sg
- εν: PREP
- ταχει·και: ADV
- εξεπεσαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- αι: ART,nom,pl,f
- αλυσεις: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- εκ: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- χειρων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
Parallels
- Acts 5:19 (structural): An angel of the Lord acts at night to free the apostles from prison; like Acts 12:7 this narrative uses an angelic intervention to open/enable escape from confinement.
- Acts 16:25-26 (thematic): Paul and Silas are freed at night when a divine action causes doors to open and chains to fall off—parallels the motif of miraculous release from chains/prison in Acts 12:7.
- Psalm 34:7 (34:8 LXX) (allusion): The angel of the LORD encamps around and delivers those who fear him; provides an Old Testament theological background for angelic protection and rescue like that in Acts 12:7.
- Daniel 6:22 (thematic): God's angel protects Daniel in the lions' den and effects his deliverance—another example of divine/angelic rescue from deadly confinement, resonant with Peter's supernatural release.
Alternative generated candidates
- And behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands.
- And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands.
Acts.12.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αγγελος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- αυτον·Ζωσαι: PRON,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- υποδησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- σανδαλια: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- σου·εποιησεν: PRON,gen,sg,2
- δε: CONJ
- ουτως: ADV
- και: CONJ
- λεγει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτω·Περιβαλου: PRON,dat,sg,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ιματιον: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- και: CONJ
- ακολουθει: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,sg
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
Parallels
- John 21:7 (verbal): Peter puts on his outer garment and immediately follows the risen Lord — parallels Acts 12:8's literal command to 'put on your cloak/ sandals' and the prompt act of following.
- Exodus 3:5 (allusion): A divine/angelic command concerning footwear at a theophany — both passages feature heavenly speech addressing sandals/feet, though Exodus orders removal (holy ground) while Acts orders putting them on (ready to go).
- Luke 10:4 (thematic): Jesus' missionary instruction not to take sandals/baggage contrasts with Acts' emphasis on putting on sandals; both use footwear imagery to signify readiness for travel and mission.
- Matthew 4:19 (structural): The call 'Follow me' to disciples initiating immediate obedience and mission echoes the angel's imperative to Peter in Acts 12:8 to clothe himself and follow.
Alternative generated candidates
- The angel said to him, "Gird yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. "Put on your cloak," he said, "and follow me."
- The angel said to him, "Gird yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel said.
Acts.12.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- εξελθων: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- ηκολουθει: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ηδει: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- οτι: CONJ
- αληθες: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- γινομενον: PART,pres,mid/pass,acc,sg,n
- δια: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- αγγελου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εδοκει: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- οραμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- βλεπειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- Acts 12:7-11 (structural): Immediate context: the angel frees Peter and leads him out; verse 9 is part of the same narrative, explaining Peter’s failure to recognize the angelic rescue as real.
- Acts 10:10-17 (thematic): Peter falls into a trance/vision and must interpret what he has seen; both passages show Peter confronting a supernatural experience and initially treating it as visionary.
- Acts 16:9-10 (thematic): Paul’s Macedonian call comes as a vision directing movement; parallels the motif of divine action communicated through visionary phenomena that prompt human response.
- Luke 1:11-20 (thematic): Zechariah’s encounter with the angel Gabriel provokes fear and unbelief about the angelic message—similar human inability to recognize or accept an angelic intervention as immediately real.
- Daniel 10:7-9 (thematic): Daniel is overwhelmed by a heavenly revelation and experiences physical/psychic incapacitation; parallels the blurring of vision and reality when humans encounter the divine.
Alternative generated candidates
- So he went out and followed him, not fully realizing that what was done by the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision.
- So Peter went out and followed him, not knowing that what the angel was doing was real, but thinking he was seeing a vision.
Acts.12.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- διελθοντες: VERB,aor,act,ptcp,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- πρωτην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- φυλακην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- δευτεραν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- ηλθαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- επι: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- πυλην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- σιδηραν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- φερουσαν: VERB,pres,act,ptcp,acc,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- πολιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ητις: PRON,rel,nom,sg,f
- αυτοματη: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- ηνοιγη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- και: CONJ
- εξελθοντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- προηλθον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- ρυμην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- μιαν: NUM,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ευθεως: ADV
- απεστη: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αγγελος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- απ᾽αυτου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,3,m
Parallels
- Acts 5:19 (verbal): An angel opens the prison doors at night and frees the apostles—direct parallel of angelic intervention and doors being opened to release prisoners.
- Acts 16:26 (thematic): A sudden miraculous opening of prison doors and release of prisoners (earthquake loosening chains) parallels Peter’s escape through opened gates.
- Daniel 6:22 (thematic): God sends deliverance while the righteous are held in custody (angel shutting the lions’ mouths); comparable motif of divine rescue from captivity.
- Psalm 34:7 (thematic): The angel of the LORD encamps around and delivers the fearful—a poetic parallel to angelic protection and deliverance in Peter’s release.
Alternative generated candidates
- They passed the first and the second guard and came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened for them of its own accord. They went out and walked along one street, and immediately the angel left him.
- They passed the first and the second guard posts and came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them of its own accord; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
Acts.12.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Πετρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- εαυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- γενομενος: VERB,aor,mid,ptc,nom,sg,m
- ειπεν·Νυν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- οιδα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- αληθως: ADV
- οτι: CONJ
- εξαπεστειλεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αγγελον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εξειλατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- εκ: PREP
- χειρος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- Ηρωδου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- πασης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- προσδοκιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- λαου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- Ιουδαιων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 5:19-20 (verbal): Both narratives report an 'angel of the Lord' intervening to open prison doors and free God's servants, showing a direct verbal and narrative parallel in Acts of angelic release from custody.
- Psalm 34:7 (quotation): Psalm declares 'The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them'; Acts 12:11 echoes this idea—God sending his angel to deliver a faithful servant from danger.
- Psalm 91:11-12 (thematic): Speaks of God commanding his angels to guard and lift up the faithful; thematically parallels Peter's claim that the Lord sent an angel to rescue him from harm.
- Daniel 6:22 (allusion): Daniel attributes his survival in the lions' den to God sending an angel to shut the lions' mouths; Acts 12:11 similarly credits divine angelic intervention for deliverance from an enemy's hand.
- 2 Kings 6:16-17 (structural): Elisha's servant is shown by God the heavenly host protecting them (chariots/angels) in the face of an enemy—a parallel scene of unseen divine protection revealed at a crisis, structurally similar to Peter's revelation after rescue.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people."
- Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know truly that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."
Acts.12.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Συνιδων: VERB,part,aor,act,nom,sg,m
- τε: CONJ
- ηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- επι: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- οικιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- Μαριας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- μητρος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- Ιωαννου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- επικαλουμενου: VERB,part,pres,mid,gen,sg,m
- Μαρκου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- ησαν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- ικανοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- συνηθροισμενοι: VERB,part,perf,pass,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- προσευχομενοι: VERB,pres,mid,ptc,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 12:5 (verbal): Same narrative: the church 'were earnestly praying' for Peter (v.5) connects directly with v.12's report that many were gathered and praying at Mary's house.
- Acts 1:14 (thematic): Early Jerusalem believers 'with one accord devoted themselves to prayer,' and named women (including Mary) are present — parallels communal, sustained prayer and female involvement in house gatherings.
- Acts 2:46-47 (thematic): Describes believers meeting 'day by day' in homes, breaking bread and praising God, illustrating the pattern of house-based gatherings like the meeting at Mary's house.
- Romans 16:5 (structural): Paul greets 'the church that meets in their house' (Priscilla and Aquila) — a comparable example of Christian assemblies convening in private homes.
- 1 Corinthians 16:19 (structural): 'Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, together with the church that meets in their house' — another parallel formulation showing early house-church meetings analogous to the gathering at Mary’s house.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose other name was Mark; there many were gathered together and were praying.
- When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered and were praying.
Acts.12.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- κρουσαντος: PART,aor,act,gen,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- θυραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πυλωνος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- προσηλθε: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- παιδισκη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- υπακουσαι: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,f
- ονοματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- Ροδη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- Revelation 3:20 (verbal): Both passages use the verb κρούω and door imagery ('stand at the door and knock'); verbal parallel of knocking at a door to gain entry.
- Luke 24:11 (thematic): Women report an astounding return (Jesus' resurrection) and the initial disbelief of others; parallels Rhoda's report of Peter's arrival and the household's incredulity.
- Matthew 26:69 (verbal): Uses the same noun παιδίσκη (servant girl) who interacts with Peter; parallels the motif of a maid/young woman and her role in a pivotal doorway/recognition scene.
- Acts 5:19 (structural): Earlier Acts episode in which an angel frees imprisoned followers and they unexpectedly appear outside the prison/among the people; structural parallel of miraculous release and sudden reappearance.
- Acts 16:26 (structural): Another Acts account where a divine intervention opens the prison (earthquake) and doors are unlocked—parallel motif of supernatural liberation and open doors.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.
- Peter knocked at the outer gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.
Acts.12.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- επιγνουσα: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- φωνην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Πετρου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- απο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- χαρας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ηνοιξεν: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- πυλωνα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εισδραμουσα: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- απηγγειλεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εσταναι: VERB,perf,act,inf
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- Πετρον: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- προ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πυλωνος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 12:13-16 (structural): Immediate context: the knocking at the gate, Rhoda’s recognition of Peter’s voice, and the household’s subsequent incredulity are part of the same narrative cluster—verse 14 continues and completes the scene begun in v.13 and followed in vv.15–16.
- John 20:14-18 (thematic): Mary Magdalene recognizes Jesus (first by sight or when he speaks her name) and then runs to report the appearance to the disciples—parallel motif of recognition of a beloved figure and rushing to announce the news.
- Luke 24:9-11 (thematic): The women who witnessed the empty tomb run back and report to the apostles, and are not immediately believed—similar pattern of a joyful report at a threshold met with skepticism.
- John 10:3-4,27 (verbal): The image of recognizing a familiar voice (the sheep knowing the shepherd’s voice) parallels Rhoda’s immediate recognition of Peter’s voice at the gate.
Alternative generated candidates
- Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter stood at the gate.
- Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate.
Acts.12.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- προς: PREP
- αυτην: PRON,acc,sg,f
- ειπαν·Μαινη: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- διισχυριζετο: VERB,impf,mid,ind,3,sg
- ουτως: ADV
- εχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- ελεγον·Ο: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- αγγελος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Matthew 14:26 (thematic): Disciples mistake a real person seen on the water for a ghost; parallels the group’s attribution of Peter’s appearance to a non‑corporeal being (“his angel”).
- Luke 24:37-39 (thematic): The disciples think they are seeing a spirit when Jesus appears after the resurrection; similar motif of misidentifying a familiar person as a spirit or angel.
- John 20:13-16 (thematic): Mary Magdalene initially fails to recognize the risen Jesus and mistakes him for someone else (the gardener); another instance of mistaken identity on encountering a known person unexpectedly.
- Matthew 18:10 (allusion): Jesus’ teaching about ‘their angels’ (guardian angels) reflects the background belief that could lead the group in Acts to suppose Peter had an angelic representative.
- Psalm 91:11 (verbal): The promise that God ‘will command his angels’ to guard believers echoes the language and idea behind the congregation’s reference to an ‘angel’ of Peter as a guardian or spiritual attendant.
Alternative generated candidates
- They said to her, "You are out of your mind." But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel."
- They said to her, "You are out of your mind!" But she insisted it was so. They said, "It is his angel."
Acts.12.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- Πετρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- επεμενεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- κρουων·ανοιξαντες: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m+PART,aor,act,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- ειδαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εξεστησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Acts 12:7-11 (structural): Immediate context: an angel frees Peter, leads him out and the gate opens — explains how Peter comes to be knocking and why his arrival astonishes those inside.
- Acts 5:19-21 (thematic): Another instance of angelic release from prison with the apostles appearing unexpectedly in public, producing surprise and controversy among the community.
- Acts 16:25-34 (thematic): Miraculous release from prison (earthquake) that provokes amazement and a decisive reaction from the jailer and household, paralleling the theme of unexpected deliverance and astonishment.
- John 20:19-20 (thematic): Jesus' sudden appearance causes the disciples to be startled and amazed — similar language and reaction when those inside open and 'see' Peter.
- Revelation 3:20 (verbal): Shared motif of knocking at a door: here Christ 'stands at the door and knocks,' echoing the image of Peter knocking and awaiting entry.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Peter continued knocking; and when they opened, they saw him and were astonished.
- Meanwhile Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were amazed.
Acts.12.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- κατασεισας: VERB,aor,act,part,m,sg,nom
- δε: CONJ
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- χειρι: NOUN,dat,sg,fem
- σιγαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- διηγησατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- πως: ADV
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- εξηγαγεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εκ: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- φυλακης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τε·Απαγγειλατε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,pl
- Ιακωβω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- αδελφοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- ταυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- εξελθων: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- επορευθη: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- ετερον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- τοπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 5:19-20 (thematic): Angel frees apostles from prison and instructs them to continue preaching — parallels Peter’s angelic liberation and the divine release motif.
- Acts 16:25-34 (thematic): Paul and Silas are delivered from prison (earthquake) and the event leads to witness/conversion of the jailer — another instance where prison deliverance advances the mission.
- Mark 1:43 (verbal): Jesus sternly orders a healed man to tell no one — parallels Peter’s gesture and command for silence (κατασεισας… σιγαν).
- Acts 15:13-21 (allusion): James acts as authoritative leader in the Jerusalem assembly — Peter’s instruction to report to 'James and the brothers' reflects James’s recognized leadership role in the Jerusalem church.
Alternative generated candidates
- He motioned to them with his hand to be silent, and he related how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. "Tell this to James and to the brothers," he said, and then he departed and went to another place.
- But he, motioning with his hand to be silent, related to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. "Tell this to James and to the brothers," he said, and then he departed and went to another place.
Acts.12.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Γενομενης: VERB,aor,pass,part,gen,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- ημερας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- ταραχος: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ολιγος: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- στρατιωταις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- αρα: PART
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Πετρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Acts 12:7-11 (structural): Immediate context: the angel frees Peter from prison and he escapes, explaining why the soldiers were thrown into confusion.
- Acts 5:19-20 (verbal): Another account of an angelic release of imprisoned apostles; shows the same motif of divine intervention undermining the guards' control and causing surprise.
- Matthew 28:4 (thematic): Guards are alarmed and terrified by a supernatural event (the angel at the tomb); parallels the soldiers' great disturbance at Peter's inexplicable disappearance.
- Daniel 6:22 (allusion): Divine rescue from imminent death by an angel (God shutting the lions' mouths) — a comparable motif of miraculous deliverance that would astonish and perplex onlookers, including guards.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now when it was day, there was a great commotion among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.
- When morning came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.
Acts.12.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Ηρωδης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- επιζητησας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,m,sg
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- ευρων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ανακρινας: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- φυλακας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- εκελευσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- απαχθηναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- και: CONJ
- κατελθων: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- απο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- Ιουδαιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- Καισαρειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- διετριβεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Acts 12:6-11 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: these verses recount Peter’s miraculous escape from prison that provokes Herod’s search and the execution of the guards in v.19.
- Acts 5:18-20 (thematic): Similar motif of apostles miraculously released from custody and authorities finding their prisoners gone (divine rescue vs. human failure to detain).
- Matthew 28:11-15 (thematic): Involves guards and an unexplained disappearance (the empty tomb); both passages treat the consequences and official response when prisoners/subjects are found missing.
- Daniel 6:24 (thematic): Parallel in a ruler’s punitive reaction after a surprising deliverance: those associated with the custody or accusation suffer execution while the one delivered is spared.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Herod searched for him, and not finding him, he examined the guards and ordered them to be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.
- And when Herod had sought for him and did not find him, he examined the guards and ordered them to be led away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.
Now about that time Herod the king laid violent hands on certain members of the church.
He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.
When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter as well. (This was during the days of Unleavened Bread.)
After seizing him he put him in prison, handing him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was being made to God by the church.
On the very night before Herod meant to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while sentries stood before the door of the prison.
Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him; a light shone in the cell, and the angel struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell from his hands.
The angel said to him, "Gird yourself and bind on your sandals." He did so. Then the angel said, "Wrap your cloak about you and follow me."
He went out and followed him, not realizing that what the angel did was real; he thought he was seeing a vision.
They passed the first and the second guard and came to the iron gate that leads into the city; it opened for them of its own accord. They went out and walked along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
When Peter came to himself he said, "Now I know in truth that the Lord has sent his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting."
When he had considered this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and praying. And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a young servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.
Recognizing Peter's voice she was so overjoyed that she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate.
They said to her, "You are beside yourself." But she kept insisting that it was so, and they said, "It is his angel."
Yet Peter continued knocking; and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.
He motioned with his hand to be silent and reported to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. He said, "Tell these things to James and to the brothers." Then he departed and went to another place.
When day came there was no small disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. But when Herod had searched for him and found him not, he examined the guards and ordered that they be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and remained there.