17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,” he said, and then he left for another place.

What does Acts 12:17 mean? Peter is finally safe—for now. An angel just rescued him from prison and imminent execution. Days before, Herod Agrippa I arrested and beheaded the apostle James, brother to John and son of Zebedee, then arrested Peter (Acts 12:1–5).

Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place. And having made a sign to them with the hand to be silent, he related to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison.

12 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also.

5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell.

Acts 12:17. When the angel ‘departed from him,’ Peter had to fall back on his own wits, and they served him well. He ‘considered the thing,’ and resolved to make for the house of Mary.

“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.”

2025年3月3日 · Acts 12:17 Commentary and Explanation. This verse serves as a bridge in the story of Peter’s escape and the broader context of the early church’s struggles against persecution. The narrative leading up to this moment describes a time when King Herod had imprisoned Peter.

Peter attributes his escape to divine intervention, highlighting the sovereignty and power of God in delivering His people. This event echoes earlier biblical narratives where God delivers His servants, such as Daniel from the lion's den. It reinforces the theme of God's faithfulness and protection over His church.

17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,” he said, and then he left for another place. 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.