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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Acts 12:9–14

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
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 praying.
And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

25 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 9

  1. Psalms 126:1Rank 1 from verse 9
    Open

    1WHEN the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

  2. Hebrews 11:8Rank 2 from verse 9
    Open

    8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

  3. Acts 10:3Rank 3 from verse 9
    Open

    3He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

  4. Acts 26:19Rank 4 from verse 9
    Open

    19Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

  5. Genesis 45:26Rank 5 from verse 9
    Open

    26And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not.

From verse 10

  1. Acts 16:26Rank 1 from verse 10
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    26And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.

  2. Acts 5:19Rank 2 from verse 10
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    19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

  3. Isaiah 45:1–2Rank 3 from verse 10
    Open

    1THUS saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

    2I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

  4. Genesis 40:3Rank 4 from verse 10
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    3And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.

  5. Genesis 42:17Rank 5 from verse 10
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    17And he put them all together into ward three days.

From verse 11

  1. Daniel 6:22Rank 1 from verse 11
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    22My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

  2. Daniel 3:28Rank 2 from verse 11
    Open

    28Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

  3. 2 Peter 2:9Rank 3 from verse 11
    Open

    9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

  4. Psalms 34:7Rank 4 from verse 11
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    7The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

  5. Acts 5:19Rank 5 from verse 11
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    19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

From verse 12

  1. 1 John 5:14–15Rank 1 from verse 12
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    14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

    15And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

  2. Acts 12:5Rank 2 from verse 12
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    5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

  3. Acts 12:25Rank 3 from verse 12
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    25And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

  4. Acts 13:5Rank 4 from verse 12
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    5And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

  5. Isaiah 65:24Rank 5 from verse 12
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    24And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

From verse 13

  1. Acts 12:16Rank 1 from verse 13
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    16But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

  2. Luke 13:25Rank 2 from verse 13
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    25When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

  3. John 18:16–17Rank 3 from verse 13
    Open

    16But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

    17Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.

From verse 14

  1. Luke 24:41Rank 1 from verse 14
    Open

    41And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

  2. Matthew 28:8Rank 2 from verse 14
    Open

    8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Acts 12:9

COMBINED MEANING

out

↗

Outside, away from within, forth, absent, or no longer in a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

true

↗

Conforming to fact, reality, or a right standard; faithful, genuine, correct, or dependable.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

angel

↗

Sense 1: A messenger. Sense 2: A heavenly or spiritual messenger, whether holy or fallen as stated.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

thought

↗

Sense 1: Past tense and past participle of think: considered, supposed, intended, purposed, judged, reckoned, or called to mind. Sense 2: A thought, intention, purpose, judgment, or matter of the mind or heart. Sense 3: In the phrase ‘take thought,’ anxious care or concern.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

vision

↗

Something seen, especially a divinely given sight or revelation.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604

DEFINED WORDS

Acts 12:10

COMBINED MEANING

past

↗

Gone by, ended, or beyond a stated place, time, or limit.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

ward

↗

1. Guard, watch, duty, an assigned division, or the place or body keeping watch. 2. Joined to a direction or object, toward or in relation to it. 3. Custody or confinement.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

leadeth

↗

Third-person singular present form of lead, meaning to guide, conduct, or go before.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

which

↗

1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

opened

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of open, meaning to uncover, reveal, or explain.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

accord

↗

Sense 1: Agreement or unity of mind or action. Sense 2: In the expression of one's own accord, voluntarily or of itself.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

out

↗

Outside, away from within, forth, absent, or no longer in a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

passed

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of pass, meaning to go by, through, over, or beyond; to happen, cease, or be transferred.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

on

↗

1. At, upon, or in contact with the named place, object, side, or time. 2. Toward, against, concerning, depending upon, or directed to the named person or thing. 3. Forward or continuing; in joined expressions such as go on, put on, and lay hold on, the other words supply the particular action.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

angel

↗

Sense 1: A messenger. Sense 2: A heavenly or spiritual messenger, whether holy or fallen as stated.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

departed

↗

1. Left, went away, or moved from a place or person. 2. Ceased to remain, was removed, disappeared, or passed away. 3. Turned or separated from a way, practice, allegiance, or relationship. 4. Left earthly life or this world.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Acts 12:11

COMBINED MEANING

know

↗

To perceive, understand, recognize, experience, or be assured of something.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

surety

↗

1. A person who undertakes responsibility or gives a guarantee for another or for an obligation. 2. In the phrase ‘of a surety’: certainly or assuredly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

Lord

↗

1. A title of God or Jesus Christ acknowledging authority and rule. 2. A respectful title or address for one in authority.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

angel

↗

Sense 1: A messenger. Sense 2: A heavenly or spiritual messenger, whether holy or fallen as stated.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

delivered

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of deliver. Sense 1: To rescue, save, free, or bring safely out of danger or bondage. Sense 2: To hand over, give up, or place into another's power or possession. Sense 3: To bring forth, convey, declare, or commit something to another. Sense 4: To give birth or be delivered of a child.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

out

↗

Outside, away from within, forth, absent, or no longer in a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

hand

↗

Sense 1: The part of the body at the end of the arm. Sense 2: Figuratively, power, possession, aid, or agency.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

expectation

↗

1. A looking or waiting for something anticipated; hope. 2. That which is looked to or relied upon.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Bullokar 1616

COMBINED MEANING

people

↗

Persons collectively; a nation, community, or group considered as a body.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

surity

↗

1. A person who undertakes responsibility or gives a guarantee for another or for an obligation. 2. In the phrase ‘of a surety’: certainly or assuredly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Acts 12:12

COMBINED MEANING

considered

↗

Looked at, attended to, examined, or thought carefully about; took into account.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

house

↗

Sense 1: A building or dwelling. Sense 2: The people of a household or family. Sense 3: A lineage or family line. Sense 4: As a verb, to shelter, lodge, or provide a dwelling for.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

mother

↗

Sense 1: A female parent. Sense 2: Figuratively, a source, chief city, or maternal relation.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

surname

↗

1. To give or adopt an additional distinguishing name. 2. An additional distinguishing name.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

Mark

↗

Mark, the surname of John who travelled in the ministry with Barnabas and later was profitable to Paul.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

gathered

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of gather, meaning to collect, bring together, or assemble.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Acts 12:13

COMBINED MEANING

knocked

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of knock, meaning to strike or beat upon, especially at a door.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

hearken

↗

1. To listen attentively or give heed. 2. To give regard, consent, or act in response.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

named

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of name, meaning to call, designate, or mention by name.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Acts 12:14

COMBINED MEANING

knew

↗

Perceived, understood, recognized, or was acquainted with.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

opened

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of open, meaning to uncover, reveal, or explain.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

gladness

↗

Joy, delight, or rejoicing; the state or expression of being glad.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

told

↗

Past-tense or past-participial form of tell (to say, relate, inform, count, or make known).

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

before

↗

Earlier than in time; in front of; in the presence of; or prior in order or rank.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

READ THE PASSAGE

View in context

Suggested context · Acts 12:1–19

The selected passage is highlighted. Context is a study aid.

12:1NOW about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

12:2And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

12:3And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

12:4And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

12:5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

12:6And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

12:7And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

12:8And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

12:9And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

Selected passage

12:10When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

Selected passage

12:11And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

Selected passage

12:12And 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 praying.

Selected passage

12:13And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

Selected passage

12:14And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

Selected passage

12:15And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

12:16But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

12:17But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

12:18Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

12:19And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judæa to Cæsarea, and there abode.

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