Acts

12 Now in the course of that season Herod the king thrust forth his hands to harm some of them of the assembly,—

2 and slew James the brother of John with a sword;

3 and seeing that it was acceptable unto the Jews he went on to apprehend Peter also (now they were the days of unleavened bread),—

4 whom also having seized he put into prison, delivering him up unto four quaternions of soldiers to be guarding him,—intending after the passover to bring him up unto the people.

5 Peter therefore was kept in the prison; but prayer was earnestly being made by the assembly unto God concerning him.

6 And when Herod was about to bring him forth on that night was Peter sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, guards also before the door were keeping the prison.

7 And lo! a messenger of the Lord stood over him, and a light shone in the cell; and smiting the side of Peter he roused him up, saying—Rise up quickly! And his chains fell off out of his hands.

8 And the messenger said unto him—Gird thyself and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he saith unto him—Throw around thee thy mantle, and be following me.

9 And coming out he began following, and knew not that it was true which was coming about through means of the messenger; but supposed that a vision he was beholding.

10 And passing through the first ward and the second they came unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city, the which of its own accord opened unto them; and coming out they went on through one street, and straightway the messenger was parted from him.

11 And Peter coming to himself said—Now know I, of a truth, that the Lord hath sent forth his messenger, and taken me out of the hand of Herod and all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

12 And considering the matter he came unto the house of Mary the mother of John who was surnamed Mark, where a considerable number were gathered together and praying.

13 And when he had knocked at the door of the porch there came unto it a maiden to hearken, by name Rhoda;

14 and recognizing the voice of Peter by reason of her joy she opened not the porch,—but running in bare tidings that Peter was standing before the porch. But they unto her said—Thou art raving!

15 She however kept on strongly declaring that so it was. But they were saying—It is his messenger.

16 And Peter continued knocking; and opening they saw him, and were amazed.

17 But making a sign to them with his hand to hold their peace he related to them how the Lord had brought him forth out of the prison; and he said—Carry tidings unto James and the brethren as to these things. And going out he went his way unto some other place.

18 And when it became day there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to What then Peter had become!

19 And Herod seeking after and not finding him having examined the guards ordered them to be led away [to death]; and going down from Judaea unto Caesarea stayed there.

20 Now he was bitterly hostile to them of Tyre and Zidon; but with one accord they came unto him, and persuading Blastus who was over the bed-chamber of the king they were suing for peace; because their country was fed by the king’s.

21 And on an appointed day Herod putting on royal apparel and seating himself upon the tribunal proceeded to deliver an oration unto them.

22 And the populace began to shout—A god’s voice, and not a man’s!

23 And instantly there smote him a messenger of the Lord, because he gave not the glory unto God; and becoming worm-eaten he expired.

24 And the word of the Lord went on growing and multiplying.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned unto Jerusalem fulfilling the ministering, taking with them John who was surnamed Mark.