Acts 12:1
What does Acts 12:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 12:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 12:1 means
This verse introduces a new wave of hostility against believers. “Herod the king” (Herod Agrippa I) deliberately moves to harm “certain of the church,” showing targeted persecution, not random violence. Political rulers can use oppression to gain favor or control, and the church is not spared from such storms. Yet the wording hints at God’s awareness; these are Christ’s people, and to touch them is to contend with the Lord who shepherds them. The early church’s growth had drawn attention, and with it came pressure. This verse reminds us that opposition to the gospel often arises when God is at work, but it never falls outside His sovereign oversight.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now about that time Herod the king put forth his hands to afflict certain of the church.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now about that time Herod the king put forth his hands to afflict certain of the church.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now, about that time, Herod the king made cruel attacks on the Christians.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And about that time, Herod the king put forth his hands, to do evil to certain of those of the assembly,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And at the same time, Herod the king stretched forth his hands, to afflict some of the church.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890At that time Herod the king laid his hands on some of those of the assembly to do them hurt,
Context
Acts 12 opens by shifting focus back to Jerusalem after reports of the gospel’s spread. The chapter follows a pattern: persecution, prayer, deliverance, and judgment. Verse 1 sets the stage for the execution of James and the arrest of Peter, framing Herod’s actions as deliberate and public. What follows will contrast human power with God’s power, moving from prison darkness to angelic deliverance, and finally to Herod’s own downfall. Understanding this opening helps the reader see the narrative as a contest between earthly kingship and the Lord’s rule over His church.
v.1This passage
v.2And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 16:2
They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you shall think that he offereth service unto God.
- Matthew 10:17
But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you;
- John 15:20
Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.
- Acts 4:30
while thou stretchest forth thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy Servant Jesus.
- Matthew 24:9
Then shall they deliver you up unto tribulation, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all the nations for my name’s sake.
- Luke 22:53
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched not forth your hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
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