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.
When they were past the first and the second ward, х Dielthontes (G1330) de (G1161) prooteen (G4413) fulakeen (G5438) etc.] - 'When they had passed through the first and second guard.' The English reader is apt to think that it is places of confinement that are here meant, whereas it is guards of soldiers through whom they had to pass.
They came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city. We can only conjecture the details here alluded to, not knowing the plan and position of the prison.
And they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him - that is, as soon as he had placed him beyond pursuit. Thus, "He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise" (Job 5:12).