When they were past the first and the second ward,— The first and second watch, where the guards were placed to secure the prison. Heylin renders it very agreeably to the Greek, the first and second guard. It was usual among the Easterns to plate over their gates with thick iron. Pitts tells us, that Algiers has five gates; and some of these have two, some three other gates within them; and some of them are plated all over with thick iron: and Bishop Pocock tells us the same of some gates not far from Antioch. The angel having conducted St. Peter into the street left him; for when things are within men's own power, it is folly and presumption to expect extraordinary assistance.
Related Commentaries of Acts 12:10
Acts 12:10
10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.