< Acts 12 >
1 Now, about that time, Herod, the king, laid hands on some of the congregation, to afflict them.
2 And he slew James, the brother of John, with the sword.
3 And as he saw that this was acceptable to the Jews, he went on to seize Peter also: and it was in the days of unleavened bread;
4 and having seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to the custody of four quaternions of soldiers, intending, after the passover, to bring him out to the people.
5 In the meantime, therefore, Peter was kept in the prison; but earnest and continued prayer was made to God on his account, by the congregation.
6 And when Herod was ready to have brought him out, even that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.
7 And, behold, a messenger of the Lord presented himself, and a light shone in the house; giving Peter a blow on the side, he awoke him, saying, Arise quickly: and his chains fell off from his hands.
8 And the messenger said to him, Gird yourself, and bind on your sandals; and he did so. And he said to him, Throw your mantle round you, and follow me.
9 And going out he followed him; and he did not know that what was done by the messenger was real; but supposed that he had seen a vision.
10 And passing through the first and second watch, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city; which opened to them of its own accord. And going out, they went through one street, and immediately the messenger departed from him.
11 And Peter, being come to himself, said, Now I know truly, that the Lord has sent his messenger, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod, and from all the expectations of the Jewish people.
12 And recollecting, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John, who was surnamed Mark; where many were gathered together, praying.
13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the outer gate, a maiden, whose name was Rose, went to inquire who was there.
14 And knowing Peter's voice, transported with joy, she did not open the gate: but running in, told them that Peter was standing at the gate.
15 And they said to her, You are distracted: but she confidently affirmed that it was so.
16 But Peter continued knocking; and when she opened the door, they saw him, and were astonished.
17 And he made a sign to them with his hand to be silent; and related to them how the Lord had conducted him out of prison. And he aid, Inform James and the brethren of these things: and departing, he went to another place.
18 And as soon as it was day, there was no small tumult among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
19 And Herod searching for him, and not finding him, examined the keeper, and ordered them to be led away to execution. and passing from Judea to Cesarea, he abode there.
20 And he was highly incensed against the Tyrians and Sidonians; but they unanimously came before him; and gaining Blastus, the king's chamberlain, to their interest, they begged for peace; because their country was nourished by that of the king.
21 And upon a set day, Herod, being arrayed in a royal habit, and seated upon the throne, made an oration to them.
22 And the people cried out, It is the voice of a God, and not of a man!
23 But immediately a messenger of the Lord smote him, because he did not give glory to God: and being eaten with worms, he expired.
24 And the word of God grew and was multiplied.
25 And Barnabas and Saul, having fulfilled their ministry, returned from Jerusalem; bringing along with them John, whose surname was Mark.
