A.T. Robertson Commentary Acts 12:6

"And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison." — Acts 12:6 (ASV)

Was about to bring him forth (ημελλεν προσαγαγειν or προαγαγειν). The MSS. vary, but not αναγαγειν of verse 4.

The same night (τη νυκτ εκεινη). Locative case,

on that (very) night .

Was sleeping (ην κοιμωμενος). Periphrastic middle imperfect.

Bound with two chains (δεδεμενος αλυσεσιν δυσιν). Perfect passive participle of δεω, to bind, followed by instrumental case. One chain was fastened to each soldier (one on each side of Peter).

Kept (ετηρουν). Imperfect active, were keeping. Two guards outside before the door and two inside, according to Roman rule. Did Peter recall the prophecy of Jesus that he should be put to death in his old age (John 21:18)? Jesus had not said, as Furneaux does, that he would die by crucifixion.