12 also, having considered, he came unto the house of Mary, the mother of John, who is surnamed Mark, where there were many thronged together and praying. 13 And Peter having knocked at the door of the porch, there came a damsel to hearken, by name Rhoda, 14 and having known the voice of Peter, from the joy she did not open the porch, but having run in, told of the standing of Peter before the porch, 15 and they said unto her, 'Thou art mad;' and she was confidently affirming 'it' to be so, and they said, 'It is his messenger;' 16 and Peter was continuing knocking, and having opened, they saw him, and were astonished, 17 and having beckoned to them with the hand to be silent, he declared to them how the Lord brought him out of the prison, and he said, 'Declare to James and to the brethren these things;' and having gone forth, he went on to another place. 18 And day having come, there was not a little stir among the soldiers what then was become of Peter, 19 and Herod having sought for him, and not having found, having examined the guards, did command 'them' to be led away to punishment, and having gone down from Judea to Cesarea, he was abiding 'there'.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 12:12-19
Commentary on Acts 12:12-19
(Read Acts 12:12-19)
God's providence leaves room for the use of our prudence, though he has undertaken to perform and perfect what he has begun. These Christians continued in prayer for Peter, for they were truly in earnest. Thus men ought always to pray, and not to faint. As long as we are kept waiting for a mercy, we must continue praying for it. But sometimes that which we most earnestly wish for, we are most backward to believe. The Christian law of self-denial and of suffering for Christ, has not done away the natural law of caring for our own safety by lawful means. In times of public danger, all believers have God for their hiding-place; which is so secret, that the world cannot find them. Also, the instruments of persecution are themselves exposed to danger; the wrath of God hangs over all that engage in this hateful work. And the range of persecutors often vents itself on all in its way.