King James Version

What Does Acts 12:17 Mean?

Acts 12:17 in the King James Version says “But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of th... — study this verse from Acts chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

Acts 12:17 · KJV


Context

15

And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

16

But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

17

But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

18

Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

19

And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it. Paul's sermon beginning with Exodus establishes God's initiative, sovereign choice, and redemptive pattern foundational for explaining Jesus.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This opening around 48 CE echoes Stephen's Acts 7 sermon—rehearsing redemptive history. Chose our fathers emphasizes election. Exalted the people during Egyptian sojourn recalls Joseph's story. High arm metaphor depicts powerful deliverance. Paul grounded gospel in Israel's known history, showing Jesus as culmination of God's long redemptive plan. This approach resonated with synagogue audiences steeped in Torah.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why begin gospel presentation with redemptive history rather than jumping to Jesus?
  2. What does emphasizing God's choosing teach about salvation's nature?
  3. How does Exodus typology illuminate Christ's greater deliverance?
  4. In what ways does historical foundation strengthen gospel proclamation?
  5. What role does election theology play in understanding salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
κατασείσας1 of 30

he beckoning

G2678

to sway downward, i.e., make a signal

δὲ2 of 30

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτὸν3 of 30

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

τῇ4 of 30
G3588

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

χειρὶ5 of 30

with the hand

G5495

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

σιγᾶν6 of 30

to hold their peace

G4601

to keep silent (transitively or intransitively)

διηγήσατο7 of 30

declared

G1334

to relate fully

αὐτὸν8 of 30

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

πῶς9 of 30

how

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

10 of 30
G3588

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

κύριος11 of 30

the Lord

G2962

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

αὐτὸν12 of 30

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

ἐξήγαγεν13 of 30

had brought

G1806

to lead forth

ἐκ14 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

τῆς15 of 30
G3588

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

φυλακῆς16 of 30

the prison

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

εἶπέν17 of 30

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ18 of 30

And

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἀπαγγείλατε19 of 30

Go shew

G518

to announce

Ἰακώβῳ20 of 30

unto James

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

καὶ21 of 30

And

G2532

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

τοῖς22 of 30
G3588

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

ἀδελφοῖς23 of 30

to the brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ταῦτα24 of 30

these things

G5023

these things

καὶ25 of 30

And

G2532

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

ἐξελθὼν26 of 30

he departed

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐπορεύθη27 of 30

and went

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

εἰς28 of 30

into

G1519

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

ἕτερον29 of 30

another

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

τόπον30 of 30

place

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc


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 12:17 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 12:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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