James Killed, Peter Imprisoned

1About that time Herod the king exerted his power to distress some of the church. 2And he cut off James, the brother of John, with the sword. 3And seeing that it was pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded to apprehend Peter also, (in the days of unleavened bread:) 4whom he seized and put into prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending, after the passover, to bring him out to the people.

The Rescue of Peter

5Peter was therefore kept in custody: but incessant prayer was made to God for him by the church.

6And when Herod was about to bring him forth, that very night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the guards at the door watched the prison. 7And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the room; and smiting Peter on the side, he waked him, and said, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself and tie on thy sandals: and he did so. And he saith unto him, Throw thy garment round thee, and follow me. 9So he went out and followed him; and he did not know, that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision. 10And 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. 11And Peter being come to himself said, Now I know truly, that the Lord hath sent his angel and hath delivered me from the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12And considering with himself, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, who was sirnamed Mark, where many were gathered together and praying. 13And when Peter knocked at the door of the porch, a servant named Rhoda came to ask who was there. 14And knowing Peter's voice, through excess of joy she did not open the door, but ran in and told them, that Peter was standing at the door. 15And they said to her, Thou art mad: but she confidently affirmed that it was so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16But Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door, they saw him, and were astonished. 17But he made a sign to them with his hand to be silent, and related to them, how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go, tell these things to James and to the other brethren. And he departed and went to another place.

18Now as soon as it was day, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 19And Herod searching for him, and not finding him, brought the keepers to a trial, and ordered them to be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Cesarea, and abode there.

The Death of Herod

20And Herod was going to make war upon the Tyrians and Sidonians: but they came to him with one consent, and making interest with Blastus the king's chamberlain, they sued for peace; because their territory was supplied with provision by the king's country. 21And upon a set day, Herod arrayed in his royal robes, and sitting upon his throne, made an oration to them. 22And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man: 23but immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and being devoured by worms he died.

24But the word of God grew and was multiplied.

25And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their charge, taking along with them John who was sirnamed Mark.