Acts 12:10
New International Version
They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

New Living Translation
They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.

English Standard Version
When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him.

Berean Standard Bible
They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened for them by itself. When they had gone outside and walked the length of one block, the angel suddenly left him.

Berean Literal Bible
And having passed through a first and a second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city, which opened to them by itself. And having gone out, they went on through one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

New American Standard Bible
Now when they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

NASB 1995
When they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

NASB 1977
And when they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street; and immediately the angel departed from him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And when they had passed the first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

Amplified Bible
When they had passed the first guard and the second, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city. Of its own accord it swung open for them; and they went out and went along one street, and at once the angel left him.

Christian Standard Bible
After they passed the first and second guards, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went outside and passed one street, and suddenly the angel left him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After they passed the first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went outside and passed one street, and immediately the angel left him.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
They went past the two groups of soldiers, and when they came to the iron gate to the city, it opened by itself. They went out and were going along the street, when all at once the angel disappeared.

English Revised Version
And when they were past the first and the second ward, 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They passed the first and second guardposts and came to the iron gate that led into the city. This gate opened by itself for them, so they went outside and up the street. The angel suddenly left Peter.

Good News Translation
They passed by the first guard station and then the second, and came at last to the iron gate that opens into the city. The gate opened for them by itself, and they went out. They walked down a street, and suddenly the angel left Peter.

International Standard Version
They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate that led into the city. It opened by itself for them, and they went outside and proceeded one block when the angel suddenly left him.

Majority Standard Bible
They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened for them by itself. When they had gone outside and walked the length of one block, the angel suddenly left him.

NET Bible
After they had passed the first and second guards, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went outside and walked down one narrow street, when at once the angel left him.

New Heart English Bible
When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out, and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

Webster's Bible Translation
When they were past the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

Weymouth New Testament
And passing through the first ward and the second, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. This opened to them of itself; and, going out, they passed on through one of the streets, and then suddenly the angel left him.

World English Bible
When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and having passed through a first ward, and a second, they came to the iron gate that is leading into the city, which opened to them of its own accord, and having gone forth, they went on through one street, and immediately the messenger departed from him.

Berean Literal Bible
And having passed through a first and a second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city, which opened to them by itself. And having gone out, they went on through one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

Young's Literal Translation
and having passed through a first ward, and a second, they came unto the iron gate that is leading to the city, which of its own accord did open to them, and having gone forth, they went on through one street, and immediately the messenger departed from him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And having passed by the first and second watch, they came to the iron gate leading to the city; which of its free will was opened to them: and having come out, they advanced one street; and quickly the messenger departed from him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And passing through the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city, which of itself opened to them. And going out, they passed on through one street: and immediately the angel departed from him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And passing by the first and second guards, they came to the iron gate which leads into the city; and it opened for them by itself. And departing, they continued on along a certain side street. And suddenly the Angel withdrew from him.

New American Bible
They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him.

New Revised Standard Version
After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate and it opened to them of its own accord; and when they had gone out, and had passed one street, the angel departed from him.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And as they passed the first guard and the second they came to an iron gate, and it opened to them of its own accord, and when they went forth past one street, The Angel departed from him.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when they had passed through the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord. And they went out, and passed on through one street; and the angel immediately departed from him.

Godbey New Testament
And having come through the first guard and the second, they came to the iron gate leading into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and having come out, they came on to the first street; and the angel immediately departed from him.

Haweis New Testament
So passing through the first ward and the second, they came to the iron door which leads into the city, which opened to them spontaneously: and being come out, they walked forward through one street; and immediately the angel departed from him.

Mace New Testament
when they had pass'd the first and second guard, they came to the iron-gate that leads to the city, which open'd to them of itself: so they went out and pass'd together thro' one street: when all of a sudden the angel quitted Peter. Then coming to himself; now,

Weymouth New Testament
And passing through the first ward and the second, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. This opened to them of itself; and, going out, they passed on through one of the streets, and then suddenly the angel left him.

Worrell New Testament
And, having passed the first and second watch; they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and, going out, they passed on through one street, and straightway the angel departed from him.

Worsley New Testament
And passing through the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate, that leadeth into the city, which of its own accord opened to them: and they went out and passed on through one street; and then the angel departed from him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Rescue of Peter
9So Peter followed him out, but he was unaware that what the angel was doing was real. He thought he was only seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened for them by itself. When they had gone outside and walked the length of one block, the angel suddenly left him. 11Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.”…

Cross References
Acts 5:19
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying,

Acts 16:26
Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.

Matthew 28:2-4
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. / His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. / The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.

Daniel 6:22
My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.

Psalm 107:14
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains.

Isaiah 45:2
“I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron.

Exodus 12:42
Because the LORD kept a vigil that night to bring them out of the land of Egypt, this same night is to be a vigil to the LORD, to be observed by all the Israelites for the generations to come.

Genesis 19:16
But when Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters. And they led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them.

2 Kings 6:17
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Luke 4:10
For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard You carefully,

John 20:19
It was the first day of the week, and that very evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. “Peace be with you!” He said to them.

Revelation 3:8
I know your deeds. Behold, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. I know that you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.

2 Corinthians 1:10
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,

Hebrews 1:14
Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?


Treasury of Scripture

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

the first.

Acts 12:4
And 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.

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

Genesis 42:17
And he put them all together into ward three days.

which.

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

Acts 16:26
And 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.

Isaiah 45:1,2
Thus 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; …

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Accord Angel City Departed First Forthwith Gate Guard Immediately Iron Itself Leads Opened Passed Passing Past Second Street Streets Suddenly Ward
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Acts 12
1. King Herod persecutes the Christians, kills James, and imprisons Peter;
6. whom an angel delivers upon the prayers of the church.
20. Herod in his pride taking to himself the honor due to God,
23. is stricken by an angel, and dies miserably.
24. After his death, the word of God prospers.
25. Saul and Barnabas return to Antioch.














They passed the first and second guards
This phrase highlights the miraculous nature of Peter's escape from prison. The Greek word for "passed" (διελθόντες, dielthontes) suggests a movement through or beyond, indicating that Peter and the angel moved past the guards without detection. Historically, Roman prisons were heavily guarded, and the presence of multiple guards underscores the impossibility of escape without divine intervention. This passage reminds believers of God's sovereignty and His ability to overcome human obstacles.

and came to the iron gate leading to the city
The "iron gate" symbolizes a formidable barrier, both physically and metaphorically. Iron, in biblical times, was a symbol of strength and impenetrability. The Greek word for "gate" (πύλη, pylē) often refers to a large entrance, suggesting that this was a significant barrier. The fact that it led "to the city" indicates that Peter was being held in a secure location, away from public access. This serves as a metaphor for the barriers in our lives that seem insurmountable but can be overcome through faith.

which opened for them by itself
The phrase "by itself" (αὐτόματον, automaton) is derived from the Greek word meaning "self-acting" or "automatic." This miraculous opening of the gate signifies divine intervention, emphasizing that what is impossible for man is possible with God. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to make a way where there seems to be no way, encouraging believers to trust in His power and timing.

And they went outside and walked along the street
The act of "going outside" signifies freedom and deliverance. The Greek word for "walked" (ἐπορεύθησαν, eporeuthēsan) implies a purposeful journey, suggesting that Peter's release was not just a physical liberation but also a spiritual mission. Walking "along the street" indicates a return to normalcy and public life, symbolizing the transition from captivity to freedom. This encourages believers to walk boldly in the freedom Christ provides.

when suddenly the angel left him
The word "suddenly" (εὐθέως, eutheōs) conveys immediacy and surprise. The angel's departure signifies the completion of his divine mission. In Scripture, angels often appear to deliver messages or aid and then depart once their task is fulfilled. This highlights the transient nature of angelic intervention and the importance of recognizing God's hand in our lives, even when His presence is not overtly visible. It encourages believers to continue in faith, knowing that God's guidance is always with them, even when not immediately apparent.

(10) When they were past the first and the second ward.--It would seem from this that Peter had been placed in the innermost dungeon, and had to pass the two court-yards. Lightfoot supposes the prison to have been between the inner and outer walls of the city, the direction of Peter's movements being from the outer to the inner.

The iron gate.--The touch of topographical precision may be noticed as characteristic of St. Luke.

Passed on through one street.--The word implies one of the narrow streets or lanes of the city. (See Note on Matthew 6:2.)

Verse 10. - And when for when, A.V.; into for unto, A.V. ; its for his, A.V.; straightway for forthwith, A.V. The first and the second ward. The φυλακή, here rendered "ward," may mean either the station where the guard was posted or the guard itself. One street; ῤυμή, as in Acts 9:11, note. Departed; ἀπέστη, in contrast to ἐπέστη, rendered "stood by" in ver. 7.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
They passed
διελθόντες (dielthontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1330: To pass through, spread (as a report). From dia and erchomai; to traverse.

[the] first
πρώτην (prōtēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4413: First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

second
δευτέραν (deuteran)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1208: Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second.

guards
φυλακὴν (phylakēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5438: From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.

[and] came
ἦλθαν (ēlthan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

iron
σιδηρᾶν (sidēran)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4603: Made of iron. From sideros; made of iron.

gate
πύλην (pylēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4439: A gate. Apparently a primary word; a gate, i.e. The leaf or wing of a folding entrance.

leading
φέρουσαν (pherousan)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5342: To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

city,
πόλιν (polin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.

which
ἥτις (hētis)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3748: Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever.

opened
ἠνοίγη (ēnoigē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 455: To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.

for them
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

by itself.
αὐτομάτη (automatē)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 844: Of its own accord. From autos and the same as maten; self-moved, i.e. Spontaneous.

[When]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

they had gone outside
ἐξελθόντες (exelthontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

[and] walked the length of
προῆλθον (proēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4281: To go forward, go on, advance; I go before, precede. From pro and erchomai; to go onward, precede.

one
μίαν (mian)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

block,
ῥύμην (rhymēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4505: A narrow street or lane in a town or city. Prolongation from rhoumai in its original sense; an alley or avenue.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

angel
ἄγγελος (angelos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 32: From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.

suddenly
εὐθέως (eutheōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2112: Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.

left
ἀπέστη (apestē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 868: From apo and histemi; to remove, i.e. instigate to revolt; usually to desist, desert, etc.

him.
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Apostles: Acts 12:10 When they were past the first (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
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