Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 12:17

"But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him forth out of the prison. And he said, Tell these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went to another place." — Acts 12:17 (ASV)

But he beckoning, etc. This was to prevent the noise, and tumult, and overwhelming emotion that was likely to be produced. His wish was not that there should be clamorous joy, but that they should listen in silence to what God had done. It was sufficient to awe the soul and produce deep, grateful feeling.

A noise might excite the neighbouring Jews and produce danger. But religion is calm and peaceful; and its great scenes and surprising deliverances are rather fitted to awe the soul, to produce calm, sober, and grateful contemplation, rather than the noise of rejoicing and the shouts of exultation. The consciousness of the presence of God, and of his mighty power, does not produce rapturous disorder and tumult, but holy, solemn, calm, grateful emotion.

Go, shew these things, etc. Inform them that their prayer is heard, and that they may also rejoice at the mercy of God.

Unto James. This is James the son of Alpheus, commonly called the Less. Note, Acts 12:2; Acts 1:13; Matthew 10:2.