Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 12:19

"And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and tarried there." — Acts 12:19 (ASV)

He examined the keepers. These were the soldiers who were entrusted with Peter's custody. Probably only those who had special care of him during that particular watch of the night. The word "examine" here means to inquire diligently, to make an investigation. Herod subjected them to a rigid scrutiny to ascertain the manner of Peter's escape, for it is evident that Herod did not intend to admit the possibility of a miraculous interposition.

Should be put to death. This was for having failed to keep Peter. This punishment they had a right to expect for having allowed his escape.

And he went down, and so on. How soon after Peter's escape Herod went down to Caesarea, or how long he stayed there, is not known. Caesarea was rising into magnificence, and the Roman governors often made it their residence (see Barnes on Acts 8:40).

Compare Acts 25:1, 4. This journey of Herod is related by Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book 19, Chapter 8, Section 2. Josephus says that it was after Herod had reigned over all Judea for three years.

And there abode. That is, until his death, which occurred shortly after. We do not learn that Herod made any further inquiry after Peter, or that he attempted any further persecutions of the Christians. The guard was undoubtedly put to death; and thus Herod used all his power to create the impression that Peter had escaped by their negligence, and this would undoubtedly be believed by the Jews .

Herod might himself perhaps have been convinced, however, that the escape was by a miracle, and consequently have been afraid to attempt any further persecutions; or the affairs of his government might have diverted his attention to other things. Thus, as in the case of the "persecution that arose about Stephen," political changes and dangers might have diverted attention from putting Christians to death (see Barnes on Acts 9:31).

Thus, by the Providence of God, this persecution, which had commenced not by popular tumult but by royal authority and power, and which was aimed at the very pillars of the church, ceased. The prayers of the church prevailed; and the monarch was overcome, disappointed, humbled, and by Divine judgment soon put to death.