New International VersionIn the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.
New Living TranslationAt dawn there was a great commotion among the soldiers about what had happened to Peter.
English Standard VersionNow when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.
Berean Standard BibleAt daybreak there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.
Berean Literal BibleNow day having come, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers what then has become of Peter.
King James BibleNow as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
New King James VersionThen, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.
New American Standard BibleNow when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what could have become of Peter.
NASB 1995Now when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what could have become of Peter.
NASB 1977Now when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what could have become of Peter.
Legacy Standard BibleNow when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.
Amplified BibleNow when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.
Christian Standard BibleAt daylight, there was a great commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAt daylight, there was a great commotion among the soldiers as to what could have become of Peter.
American Standard VersionNow as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
Contemporary English VersionThe next morning the soldiers who had been on guard were terribly worried and wondered what had happened to Peter.
English Revised VersionNow as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIn the morning the soldiers were in an uproar over what had happened to Peter.
Good News TranslationWhen morning came, there was a tremendous confusion among the guards--what had happened to Peter?
International Standard VersionWhen morning came, there was a great commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.
NET BibleAt daybreak there was great consternation among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.
New Heart English BibleNow as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter.
Webster's Bible TranslationNow as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
Weymouth New TestamentWhen morning came, there was no little commotion among the soldiers, as to what could possibly have become of Peter. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAt daybreak there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.
World English BibleNow as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd day having come, there was not a little stir among the soldiers what then was become of Peter,
Berean Literal BibleNow day having come, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers what then has become of Peter.
Young's Literal Translation And day having come, there was not a little stir among the soldiers what then was become of Peter,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd it being day, not a little trouble was among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow when day was come, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThen, when daylight came, there was no small commotion among the soldiers, as to what had happened concerning Peter.
New American BibleAt daybreak there was no small commotion among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.
New Revised Standard VersionWhen morning came, there was no small commotion among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow when it was morning, there was great tumult among the soldiers as to what had become of Simon Peter.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishWhen it was morning, there was a great uproar among the Soldiers about Shimeon: “What happened to him?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd when it was day, there was no little confusion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.
Godbey New TestamentAnd it being day, there was no small commotion among the soldiers, as to where Peter then was.
Haweis New TestamentNow when the day broke, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what could possibly become of Peter.
Mace New TestamentAs soon as it was day, the soldiers were in a world of confusion to know what was become of Peter.
Weymouth New TestamentWhen morning came, there was no little commotion among the soldiers, as to what could possibly have become of Peter.
Worrell New TestamentAnd, when it became day, there was no small commotion among the soldiers, as to what, consequently, became of Peter.
Worsley New TestamentNow as soon as it was day, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Rescue of Peter… 17Peter motioned with his hand for silence, and he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place. 18Atdaybreakthere wasnosmallcommotionamongthesoldiersas to whathad become ofPeter.19After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully, he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent some time there.…
Cross References Acts 5:22-24But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they returned with the report: / “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards posted at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” / When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this account, they were perplexed as to what was happening.
Acts 16:27When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped.
Matthew 28:11-15While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. / And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money / and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ ...
Daniel 6:19-24At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the den of lions. / When he reached the den, he cried out in a voice of anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” / Then Daniel replied, “O king, may you live forever! ...
Acts 4:21After further threats they let them go. They could not find a way to punish them, because all the people were glorifying God for what had happened.
Acts 19:23-41About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. / It began with a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing much business to the craftsmen. / Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity. ...
1 Kings 20:30-34The rest of them fled into the city of Aphek, where the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the remaining men. Ben-hadad also fled to the city and hid in an inner room. / Then the servants of Ben-hadad said to him, “Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let us go out to the king of Israel with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life.” / So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” ...
Acts 21:31-34While they were trying to kill him, the commander of the Roman regiment received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. / Immediately he took some soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. / The commander came up and arrested Paul, ordering that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. ...
2 Kings 6:11-12For this reason the king of Aram became enraged and called his servants to demand of them, “Tell me, which one of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” / But one of his servants replied, “No one, my lord the king. For Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
Acts 17:5-8The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people. / But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!” ...
Acts 23:12-15When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ...
1 Samuel 14:16-20Now when Saul’s watchmen at Gibeah in Benjamin looked and saw the troops melting away and scattering in every direction, / Saul said to the troops who were with him, “Call the roll and see who has left us.” And when they had called the roll, they saw that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. / Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (For at that time it was with the Israelites.) ...
Acts 25:24-27Then Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are present with us, you see this man. The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him, both here and in Jerusalem, crying out that he ought not to live any longer. / But I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and since he has now appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him. / I have nothing definite to write to our sovereign about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this inquiry I may have something to write. ...
2 Samuel 17:20When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem.
Acts 27:42-43The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim to freedom. / But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, thwarted their plan. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.
Treasury of Scripture Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. there. Acts 5:22-25 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, … Acts 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. Acts 19:23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. Jump to Previous ArmedCommotionDisturbanceGreatlyLittleMorningPeterPossiblySmallSoldiersSoonStirTroubledJump to Next ArmedCommotionDisturbanceGreatlyLittleMorningPeterPossiblySmallSoldiersSoonStirTroubledActs 12 1.King Herod persecutes the Christians, kills James, and imprisons Peter;6.whom an angel delivers upon the prayers of the church.20.Herod in his pride taking to himself the honor due to God,23.is stricken by an angel, and dies miserably.24.After his death, the word of God prospers.25.Saul and Barnabas return to Antioch.At daybreakThe timing of events in the Bible often holds significance. Daybreak, or dawn, symbolizes new beginnings and revelation. In the context of Acts 12, it marks the moment when the miraculous escape of Peter from prison is discovered. This time of day is also significant in other biblical narratives, such as the resurrection of Jesus, which was discovered at dawn ( Matthew 28:1). there was no small commotion among the soldiers
The phrase "no small commotion" is a biblical way of indicating a significant disturbance or uproar. The soldiers were likely in a state of panic and confusion, as they were responsible for guarding Peter, who was a high-profile prisoner. In Roman culture, soldiers who failed in their duties could face severe punishment, including death, which adds to the gravity of the situation. This commotion underscores the miraculous nature of Peter's escape, as it was beyond human explanation. as to what had become of Peter
Peter's disappearance was inexplicable to the soldiers, as he was heavily guarded. This event highlights the divine intervention that allowed Peter to escape, as described earlier inActs 12, where an angel of the Lord led him out of prison. The soldiers' bewilderment serves to emphasize the power of God in protecting and delivering His servants. This incident also parallels other biblical accounts of divine deliverance, such as Daniel in the lion's den (Daniel 6) and Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16:25-26). These stories collectively illustrate God's sovereignty and ability to rescue His people from seemingly impossible situations. Persons / Places / Events 1. PeterOne of Jesus' apostles, who was imprisoned by Herod but miraculously freed by an angel of the Lord. 2. Herod Agrippa IThe king who had Peter arrested, intending to persecute him as he had done with James. 3. SoldiersThe guards responsible for keeping Peter in prison, who were bewildered by his disappearance. 4. JerusalemThe city where these events took place, a central location for early Christian activity. 5. Angel of the LordThe divine messenger who facilitated Peter's escape from prison. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over CircumstancesGod's intervention in Peter's situation demonstrates His ultimate control over human affairs, even when circumstances seem dire. The Role of AngelsAngels are active participants in God's plan, serving as protectors and deliverers for His people. Faith in God's DeliveranceBelievers can trust in God's ability to deliver them from trials, just as He did for Peter. The Power of PrayerThe church was fervently praying for Peter ( Acts 12:5), highlighting the importance and effectiveness of prayer in times of crisis. Witnessing God's MiraclesThe soldiers' confusion serves as a reminder that God's works can be a powerful testimony to unbelievers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 12:18?
2.How does Acts 12:18 illustrate God's sovereignty over human plans and actions?
3.What lessons on faith can we learn from the guards' reaction in Acts 12:18?
4.How does Acts 12:18 connect with other instances of divine intervention in Acts?
5.How can we trust God's timing when facing seemingly impossible situations like in Acts 12:18?
6.What practical steps can we take to strengthen our faith in God's deliverance?
7.What does Acts 12:18 reveal about God's intervention in human affairs?
8.How does Acts 12:18 challenge our understanding of divine justice?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Acts 12:18?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 12?
11.What insights does Day 35 offer on spiritual growth?
12.Can women teach in church? (1 Timothy 2:12 vs. Acts 18:26)
13.Why would God intervene to rescue Peter (Acts 12:7-17) but not prevent James's execution (Acts 12:2)?
14.In Galatians 1:19, Paul mentions meeting only James, yet Acts 9 suggests he encountered other apostles; which account is correct?What Does Acts 12:18 Mean At daybreak“ At daybreak…” (Acts 12:18) drops us into the very next moment after the angel has led Peter out of a locked prison (Acts 12:6-11). The literal dawn highlights several truths: • God loves to unveil deliverance with the morning light—“God will help her when morning dawns” (Psalm 46:5). • The timing mirrors earlier rescues that also broke through the darkness, like the women discovering the empty tomb “very early on the first day of the week, at dawn” (Luke 24:1). • It underlines Peter’s calm trust; he slept so soundly the angel had to strike him to wake him (Acts 12:7), yet by sunrise he is free—echoing how “His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23).
there was no small commotion among the soldiersHerod had stationed four squads of four soldiers each (Acts 12:4) and chained Peter between two of them. Now the guards face the unthinkable: the prisoner is gone while chains, doors, and sentries remain in place (Acts 12:10). • Roman honor code made an escape punishable by the guards’ own deaths (compareActs 16:27 when the Philippian jailer prepared to kill himself). • The phrase “no small commotion” is Luke’s understated way to describe panic, shouting, and frantic searching. God’s intervention turns human strength into confusion, just as in2 Chronicles 20:22-23 where the enemy armies “turned on one another.” • Their uproar contrasts with the church’s peaceful prayer vigil (Acts 12:5, 12). While soldiers scramble, believers praise.
as to what had become of PeterThe final clause shows their utter bewilderment. They know Peter didn’t bribe them, pick a lock, or scale a wall; he simply vanished. • Earlier the temple guards confessed a similar mystery: “We found the prison securely locked… but no one inside” (Acts 5:23). • Peter himself acknowledged the supernatural nature of his rescue: “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me” (Acts 12:11). • Jesus once told Nicodemus, “The wind blows wherever it pleases… So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). Peter’s disappearance embodies that truth—the Spirit-led believer can move beyond human control when God so wills.
summaryActs 12:18 captures the dawn after a night of divine intervention. The morning light exposes powerless guards in turmoil while a servant of Christ walks free. Daybreak declares God’s timely mercy; the soldiers’ commotion underscores the futility of resisting His purposes; and their question, “What became of Peter?” points to a sovereign Lord who moves His people where He pleases, confounding every earthly chain.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Atδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.daybreakἡμέρας(hēmeras)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250:A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.there wasἦν(ēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.noοὐκ(ouk)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.smallὀλίγος(oligos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3641:Puny; especially neuter somewhat.commotionτάραχος(tarachos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5017:A disturbance, commotion, trouble. Masculine from tarasso; a disturbance, i.e. tumult.amongἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.theτοῖς(tois)Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.soldiersστρατιώταις(stratiōtais)Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4757:A soldier. From a presumed derivative of the same as stratia; a camper-out, i.e. A warrior.as to whatτί(ti)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.had become [of]ἐγένετο(egeneto)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.Peter.Πέτρος(Petros)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074:Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.
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NT Apostles: Acts 12:18 Now as soon as it was day (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
