James Killed and Peter Imprisoned

121 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

Other Translations of Acts 12:1

New International Version

James Killed and Peter Imprisoned

121 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them.

English Standard Version

James Killed and Peter Imprisoned

121 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.

The Message

James Killed and Peter Imprisoned

121 That's when King Herod got it into his head to go after some of the church members.

New King James Version

James Killed and Peter Imprisoned

121 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church.

New Living Translation

James Killed and Peter Imprisoned

121 About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 12:1

Commentary on Acts 12:1-5

(Read Acts 12:1-5)

James was one of the sons of Zebedee, whom Christ told that they should drink of the cup that he was to drink of, and be baptized with the baptism that he was to be baptized with, Matthew 20:23. Now the words of Christ were made good in him; and if we suffer with Christ, we shall reign with him. Herod imprisoned Peter: the way of persecution, as of other sins, is downhill; when men are in it, they cannot easily stop. Those make themselves an easy prey to Satan, who make it their business to please men. Thus James finished his course. But Peter, being designed for further services, was safe; though he seemed now marked out for a speedy sacrifice. We that 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 on the church an awful persecution like this of Herod, the faithful in Christ would learn what soul-felt prayer is.