6 On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward , Peter was sleeping between two soldiers , bound with two chains , and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison . 7 And behold , an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell ; and he struck Peter's side and woke him up, saying , "Get up quickly ." And his chains fell off his hands . 8 And the angel said to him, "Gird yourself and put on your sandals ." And he did so . And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." 9 And he went out and continued to follow , and he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real , but thought he was seeing a vision . 10 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. 11 When Peter came to himself , he said , "Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 12:6-11
Commentary on Acts 12:6-11
(Read Acts 12:6-11)
A peaceful conscience, a lively hope, and the consolations of the Holy Spirit, can keep men calm in the full prospect of death; even those very persons who have been most distracted with terrors on that account. God's time to help, is when things are brought to the last extremity. Peter was assured that the Lord would cause this trial to end in the way that should 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 knew not whither they went, but 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 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 what God has wrought in them; many have the truth of grace, that want 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 is wrought.