King James Version

What Does Acts 12:10 Mean?

Acts 12:10 in the King James Version says “When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened... — study this verse from Acts chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

Acts 12:10 · KJV


Context

8

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

9

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.

10

When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

11

And 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.

12

And 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 praying .


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. The progressive obstacles—two wards, iron gate—each supernaturally overcome, demonstrate complete divine control while gate opening 'of its own accord' emphasizes miracle's nature.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First and second ward were prison security checkpoints. Iron gate provided final barrier to city street. Each opening 'of its own accord' showed divine, not human, agency—no lockpicking, no bribery, pure miracle. One street distance ensured Peter's safety before angel departed. This deliverance around 44 CE paralleled Israel's Exodus—divine power liberating enslaved people from powerful oppressor.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does progressive obstacle removal demonstrate divine power's completeness?
  2. What does 'of its own accord' reveal about miracle's supernatural nature?
  3. In what ways does God ensure complete deliverance rather than partial?
  4. Why does angel depart once Peter reaches safety?
  5. What parallels exist between this deliverance and Israel's Exodus?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
διελθόντες1 of 33

they were past

G1330

to traverse (literally)

δὲ2 of 33

When

G1161

but, and, etc

πρώτην3 of 33

the first

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

φυλακὴν4 of 33

ward

G5438

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

καὶ5 of 33

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δευτέραν6 of 33

the second

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

ἦλθον7 of 33

they came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐπὶ8 of 33

unto

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν9 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πύλην10 of 33

gate

G4439

a gate, i.e., the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively)

τὴν11 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σιδηρᾶν12 of 33

the iron

G4603

made of iron

τὴν13 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φέρουσαν14 of 33

that leadeth

G5342

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

εἰς15 of 33

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν16 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόλιν17 of 33

the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

ἥτις18 of 33

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

αὐτομάτη19 of 33

of his own accord

G844

self-moved ("automatic"), i.e., spontaneous

ἠνοίχθη20 of 33

opened

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

αὐτοῦ21 of 33

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ22 of 33

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξελθόντες23 of 33

they went out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

προῆλθον24 of 33

and passed on through

G4281

to go onward, precede (in place or time)

ῥύμην25 of 33

street

G4505

an alley or avenue (as crowded)

μίαν26 of 33
G1520

one

καὶ27 of 33

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὐθέως28 of 33

forthwith

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

ἀπέστη29 of 33

departed

G868

to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc

30 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄγγελος31 of 33

the angel

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ἀπ'32 of 33

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτοῦ33 of 33

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 12:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 12:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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