AICNT ACTs chapter 12

12 At that time, Herod the king laid hands on some of the church to mistreat them. 2 He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. 3 When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter as well - it was during the days of Unleavened Bread - 4 and when he had seized him, he put him in prison, handing him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover.

5 So Peter was kept in prison, but fervent prayer was being made to God by the church on his behalf.

6 On the very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell; and striking Peter's side, he woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 The angel said to him, “Tie your sandals and put them on.” And he did so. Then he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And going out, he followed him, not knowing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 Passing the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city, which opened for them by itself; and going out, they went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 And Peter, coming to himself, said, “Now I truly know that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” 12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 When he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she insisted that it was so. They said, “It is his angel.” 16 But Peter continued knocking; and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he explained [to them][fn] how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell James and the brothers these things.” And he went out and went to another place.

18 When day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. 19 Herod, after searching for him and not finding him, examined the guards and ordered them to be led away. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.

20 Now {he}[fn] was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and they came to him with one accord, and having won over Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country was fed by the king's country.

21 On an appointed day, Herod, dressed in royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people shouted, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give the glory to God; and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

24 But the word of {God}[fn] grew and multiplied. 25 Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, having completed their ministry, and they took with them John, who was called Mark.

12:17, to them: Absent from some manuscripts.

12:20, he: Some manuscripts read “Herod.”

12:24, God: Some manuscripts read “Lord.”

Demonstration version—prototype quality only—still in development

AICNT ACTs Chapter 12