Devine Scripture

Acts 12:16

What does Acts 12:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 12:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 12:16 means

Peter keeps knocking. When they finally open the door, they see him and are amazed. The persistence at the gate meets the persistence in prayer, and the result astonishes everyone. Their amazement is not rebuked here; it is recorded as the natural outcome of seeing God’s hand so plainly. The verse completes the arc from doubt to sight, from report to proof. It also reminds us that answered prayer sometimes waits at the threshold until we open. Peter’s presence is the tangible evidence that the Lord heard and delivered, despite human hesitation and confusion.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Peter went on giving blows on the door: and when it was open and they saw him, they were full of wonder.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Peter was continuing knocking, and having opened, they saw him, and were astonished,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Peter continued knocking. And when they had opened, they saw him and were astonished.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Peter continued knocking: and having opened, they saw him and were astonished.

Context

Following the group’s dismissal of Rhoda’s report, the narrative resolves the tension by bringing Peter before their eyes. This prepares for Peter’s instruction in verse 17, where he will quiet them, recount the deliverance, and give directions for sharing the news. The move from amazement to testimony transitions the scene from private wonder to responsible stewardship of what God has done, before Peter departs to ensure his safety.

v.15And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel.

v.16This passage

v.17But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him forth out of the prison. And he said, Tell these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went to another place.

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