Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 12:1-5

"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.