“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.”
After arresting him, he put him in prison, guarding him with four squads of soldiers. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.'—the security (four squads, each of four soldiers, suggesting 16 guards total for one prisoner) emphasizes Peter's perceived danger. The postponement of trial 'after the Passover' (meta to Pascha) keeps Peter imprisoned through the entire feast. The excessive security suggests Herod fears escape or prisoner rescue.
Church Fathers on Acts 12:4
Whom having arrested, he put in ward, having delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers. Acts 12:4 This was done both of rage, and of fear. He slew, it says, James the brother of John with the sword. Do you mark their courage? For, that none may say that without danger or fear of danger they brave death, as being sure of God's delivering them, therefore he permits some to be put to death, and chief men too, Stephen and James, thereby convincing their slayers themselves,…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!