Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 12:6-11

"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.