Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 12
Matthew Henry Commentary
Acts 12
Matthew Henry Commentary
Acts 12
"Now about that time Herod the king put forth his hands to afflict certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. And [those] were the days of unleavened bread. And when he had taken him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him." — Acts 12:1-5 (ASV)
James was one of the sons of Zebedee, whom Christ told they should drink of the cup that He was to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that He was to be baptized with (Matthew 20:23). Now the words of Christ were fulfilled in him. Thus James finished his course.
Herod imprisoned Peter. The way of persecution, as with other sins, is downhill; when people are in it, they cannot easily stop. Those make themselves an easy prey to Satan who make it their business to please men. But Peter, being destined for further service, was safe, though he seemed then marked out for a speedy sacrifice.
We who live in a cold, prayerless generation can hardly form an idea of the earnestness of these holy men of old. But if the Lord should bring upon the church a severe persecution like this of Herod, the faithful in Christ would learn what soul-felt prayer is.
"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. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision. And when they were past the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and straightway the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a truth, that the Lord hath sent forth his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews." — Acts 12:6-11 (ASV)
A peaceful conscience, a lively hope, and the consolations of the Holy Spirit can keep people calm in the full prospect of death, even those very individuals who have been most distracted with terrors for that reason. God's time to help is when things are brought to the utmost extremity. Peter was assured that the Lord would cause this trial to end in the way that would be most for His glory.
Those who are delivered out of spiritual imprisonment must follow their Deliverer, like the Israelites when they went out of the house of bondage. They did not know where they were going, but they knew whom they followed. When God will work salvation for His people, all difficulties in their way will be overcome; even gates of iron are made to open of their own accord.
This deliverance of Peter represents our redemption by Christ, which not only proclaims liberty to the captives but also brings them out of the prison-house. Peter, when he recollected himself, perceived what great things God had done for him. Thus, souls delivered out of spiritual bondage are not at first aware of what God has worked in them; many have the truth of grace yet lack evidence of it.
But when the Comforter comes, whom the Father will send, sooner or later, He will let them know what a blessed change has been worked.
"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 and were praying. And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter`s voice, she opened not the gate for joy, but ran in, and told that Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed. 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. Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 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 12:12-19 (ASV)
God's providence leaves room for the use of our prudence, though he has undertaken to perform and perfect what he has begun. These Christians continued in prayer for Peter, for they were truly in earnest. Thus, men ought always to pray, and not to faint. As long as we are kept waiting for a mercy, we must continue praying for it. But sometimes, that which we most earnestly wish for, we are most reluctant to believe.
The Christian law of self-denial and of suffering for Christ, has not abolished the natural law of caring for our own safety by lawful means. In times of public danger, all believers have God as their hiding-place, which is so secret that the world cannot find them.
Also, the instruments of persecution are themselves exposed to danger; the wrath of God hangs over all who engage in this hateful work. And the range of persecutors often vents itself on all in its way.
"Now he was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: and they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king`s chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king`s country. And upon a set day Herod arrayed himself in royal apparel, and sat on the throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people shouted, [saying], The voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. But the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministration, taking with them John whose surname was Mark." — Acts 12:20-25 (ASV)
Many pagan princes claimed and received divine honors, but it was far more horrible impiety in Herod, who knew the word and worship of the living God, to accept such idolatrous honors without rebuking the blasphemy. And men like Herod, when puffed with pride and vanity, are rapidly ripening for notable vengeance.
God is very jealous for His own honor, and His glory will be made manifest upon those by whom He is not glorified. See what vile bodies we carry about with us; they have in them the seeds of their own dissolution, by which they will soon be destroyed whenever God merely speaks the word. We may learn wisdom from the people of Tyre and Sidon, for we have offended the Lord with our sins.
We depend on Him for life, breath, and all things; it surely then is fitting for us to humble ourselves before Him, so that through the appointed Mediator, who is always ready to befriend us, we may be reconciled to Him, lest wrath come upon us to the utmost.
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