Acts 12:11
What does Acts 12:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 12:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 12:11 means
With the angel gone, Peter comes to full awareness and openly confesses what has happened: the Lord sent His angel and delivered him from Herod’s hand and from the people’s expectation. This is not luck or cleverness; it is the Lord’s rescue. Peter interprets the event theologically—God acted, and public plans were overturned. The church’s prayers (earlier in the chapter) find their answer in this confession. The Lord safeguards His witness until His purpose is complete. Peter’s words rebuke fear and honor God’s sovereignty in the face of hostile rulers and crowds. Gratitude becomes the fitting response to a salvation so clearly from God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a truth, that the Lord hath sent forth his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a truth, that the Lord hath sent forth his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when Peter came to his senses he said, Now, truly, I am certain that the Lord has sent his angel and taken me out of the hands of Herod, against all the hopes of the Jews.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Peter having come to himself, said, `Now I have known of a truth that the Lord did sent forth His messenger, and did deliver me out of the hand of Herod, and all the expectation of the people of the Jews;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Peter coming to himself, said: Now I know in very deed that the Lord hath sent his angel and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Peter, being come to himself, said, Now I know certainly that [the] Lord has sent forth his angel and has taken me out of the hand of Herod and all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Context
After the sequence of miraculous events, verse 11 provides Peter’s clear assessment. It ties the whole rescue back to God’s initiative, matching the church’s earlier prayers. From here, the narrative will shift to reunion: Peter will go to Mary’s house, where many are praying, bringing the answer to their door. This acknowledgment of divine deliverance prepares the reader for the mingled surprise and disbelief among the believers in verses 12–16.
v.10And when they were past the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and straightway the angel departed from him.
v.11This passage
v.12And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together and were praying.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 33:18
Behold, the eye of Jehovah is upon them that fear him, Upon them that hope in his lovingkindness;
- Genesis 18:13
And Jehovah said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, who am old?
- Psalms 41:2
Jehovah will preserve him, and keep him alive, And he shall be blessed upon the earth; And deliver not thou him unto the will of his enemies.
- Acts 25:3
asking a favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem; laying a plot to kill him on the way.
- 2 Peter 2:9
the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment;
- Daniel 3:25
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the aspect of the fourth is like a son of the gods.
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