Acts 12:16,17 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

But Peter continued knocking Though they delayed to open to him; and when At length, several of them, it seems, going out together; they had opened the door, and saw him That it really was he; they were astonished Were filled with wonder and joy, as much as they were just before with sorrow and fear concerning him. But beckoning unto them (many of whom, being amazed, were talking together) to hold their peace That they might hear him relate in what an extraordinary manner he had been delivered; he declared unto them how the Lord had By the ministry of an angel; brought him out of prison. And it is probable, that, having found them praying for his deliverance, he did not part with them till he and they had solemnly given God thanks together for so wonderfully answering their prayers. And he said, Go show these things unto James The brother, or kinsman, of our Lord, and author of the epistle that bears his name. He appears to have been a person of considerable weight and importance, probably the chief overseer of the Christian societies of that province, and of the church in Jerusalem in particular. And to the brethren Namely, The other disciples, that they might join in praising God for this great deliverance, and consider it as laying a further obligation upon them to serve him with still greater zeal and fidelity. And he departed thence to another place Where he might be better concealed till the rage of persecution was abated.

Acts 12:16-17

16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.