Devine Scripture

Acts 12:9

What does Acts 12:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 12:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 12:9 means

Peter follows the angel out, yet he cannot grasp that this is truly happening; he assumes it is a vision. Deliverance can be so surprising that it seems unreal while it unfolds. The Lord often answers prayers in ways that exceed our expectations and understanding. Peter’s confusion does not hinder God’s work; it highlights grace. Faith, at times, is simply moving forward when clarity is lacking, trusting the One who leads. The passage also gently shows Peter’s humanity—he is not the architect of his escape, merely a follower of God’s initiative. Reality will soon dawn, and with it, praise.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he went out after him; and he was not certain if what was done by the angel was a fact, for it seemed to him that he was seeing a vision.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having gone forth, he was following him, and he knew not that it is true that which is done through the messenger, and was thinking he saw a vision,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And going out, he followed him. And he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel: but thought he saw a vision.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And going forth he followed [him] and did not know that what was happening by means of the angel was real, but supposed he saw a vision.

Context

Having dressed and followed the angel, Peter now steps beyond his cell. The narrative pauses to note his subjective experience—he thinks it is a vision—inviting readers to see the rescue from his perspective. This sets up the striking external confirmations in verse 10: the passing of guards and the opening of the iron gate. The flow moves from internal uncertainty to objective, public signs that God is at work, culminating in full awareness in verse 11.

v.8And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

v.9This passage

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.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 10:3

    He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius.

  • Acts 9:10

    Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

  • John 2:5

    His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:1

    I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

  • Acts 26:19

    Wherefore, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

  • Acts 11:5

    I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even unto me:

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