King James Version

What Does Acts 12:11 Mean?

Acts 12:11 in the King James Version says “And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath deliver...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Acts 12:11 · King James Version


Context

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 .

13

And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. to hearken: or, to ask who was there


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Peter's declaration 'Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath sent his angel' shows his initial confusion transformed to certain recognition. The phrase 'delivered me out of the hand of Herod' attributes salvation to divine intervention, not chance. Peter's understanding of God's rescue from 'all the expectation of the people' acknowledges popular desire for his execution.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Coming to himself after passing guards and gate (Acts 12:10), Peter realized his deliverance wasn't a dream but divine rescue. He immediately went to the prayer meeting at Mary's house (Acts 12:12), fulfilling God's purpose in delivering him—to strengthen the church.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we discern between divine intervention and natural circumstances in our experiences?
  2. What should our response be when we recognize God's clear deliverance?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ2 of 30
G3588

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

Πέτρος3 of 30

“when Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

γενόμενος4 of 30

“was come”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐν5 of 30

“to”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἑαυτῷ6 of 30

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

εἶπεν7 of 30

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Νῦν8 of 30

“Now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

οἶδα9 of 30

“I know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἀληθῶς10 of 30

“of a surety”

G230

truly

ὅτι11 of 30

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐξαπέστειλεν12 of 30

“hath sent”

G1821

to send away forth, i.e., (on a mission) to despatch, or (peremptorily) to dismiss

κύριος13 of 30

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τὸν14 of 30
G3588

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

ἄγγελον15 of 30

“angel”

G32

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

αὐτοῦ16 of 30
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

καὶ17 of 30

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξείλετο18 of 30

“hath delivered”

G1807

actively, to tear out; middle voice, to select; figuratively, to release

με19 of 30

“me”

G3165

me

ἐκ20 of 30

“out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

χειρὸς21 of 30

“the hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

Ἡρῴδου22 of 30

“of Herod”

G2264

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

καὶ23 of 30

“And”

G2532

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

πάσης24 of 30

“from all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῆς25 of 30
G3588

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

προσδοκίας26 of 30

“the expectation”

G4329

apprehension (of evil); by implication, infliction anticipated

τοῦ27 of 30
G3588

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

λαοῦ28 of 30

“of the people”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

τῶν29 of 30
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίων30 of 30

“of the Jews”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah


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 12:11 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 12:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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