Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. New Living Translation When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration.) English Standard Version and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. Berean Standard Bible And seeing that this pleased the Jews, Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Berean Literal Bible And having seen that it is pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also—now these were the days of the Unleavened— King James Bible And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) New King James Version And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. New American Standard Bible When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter as well. (Now these were the days of Unleavened Bread.) NASB 1995 When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was during the days of Unleavened Bread. NASB 1977 And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was during the days of Unleavened Bread. Legacy Standard Bible And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was during the days of Unleavened Bread. Amplified Bible and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to have Peter arrested as well. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread [the Passover week]. Berean Annotated Bible And seeing that this pleased the Jews (people of praise), Herod proceeded to seize Peter (rock) during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Christian Standard Bible When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter too, during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. Holman Christian Standard Bible When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter too, during the days of Unleavened Bread. American Standard Version And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. And those were the days of unleavened bread. Contemporary English Version When Herod saw that this pleased the Jewish people, he had Peter arrested during the Festival of Thin Bread. English Revised Version And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. And those were the days of unleavened bread. GOD'S WORD® Translation When he saw how this pleased the Jews, he arrested Peter too. This happened during the days of Unleavened Bread. Good News Translation When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he went ahead and had Peter arrested. (This happened during the time of the Festival of Unleavened Bread.) International Standard Version When he saw how this was agreeable to the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter, too. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. NET Bible When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter too. (This took place during the feast of Unleavened Bread.) New Heart English Bible When he saw that it pleased the Jewish people, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This was during the days of unleavened bread. Webster's Bible Translation And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. Then were the days of unleavened bread. Weymouth New Testament Finding that this gratified the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also; these being the days of Unleavened Bread. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd seeing that this pleased the Jews, Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. World English Bible When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This was during the days of unleavened bread. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand having seen that it is pleasing to the Jews, he added to lay hold of Peter also—and they were the days of the Unleavened [Bread]— Berean Literal Bible And having seen that it is pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also—now these were the days of the Unleavened— Young's Literal Translation and having seen that it is pleasing to the Jews, he added to lay hold of Peter also -- and they were the days of the unleavened food -- Smith's Literal Translation And having seen that it is pleasing to the Jews, he added also to take Peter. (They were the days of unleavened bread.) Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take up Peter also. Now it was in the days of the Azymes. Catholic Public Domain Version And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he set out next to apprehend Peter also. Now it was the days of Unleavened Bread. New American Bible and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (It was [the] feast of Unleavened Bread.) New Revised Standard Version After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.) Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Simon Peter also. This happened during the days of unleavened bread. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And when he saw this pleased the Judeans, he proceeded to seize also Shimeon Kaypha, and they were the days of Unleavened Bread. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he apprehended Peter also. Those were the days of unleavened bread. Godbey New Testament And seeing that it is pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also: and those were the days of the unleavened bread: Haweis New Testament And seeing how agreeable this was to the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) Mace New Testament and perceiving that the Jews were pleas'd with this, he proceeded to secure Peter during the feast of unleavened bread: Weymouth New Testament Finding that this gratified the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also; these being the days of Unleavened Bread. Worrell New Testament and, seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. And then were the days of unleavened bread. Worsley New Testament And seeing that it was pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded to apprehend Peter also, (in the days of unleavened bread:) Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context James Killed, Peter Imprisoned…2He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3And seeing that this pleased the Jews, Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4He arrested him and put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover.… Cross References And seeing that this pleased the Jews, Acts 24:27 After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. Mark 15:15 And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. Luke 23:24 So Pilate sentenced that their demand be met. Herod proceeded to seize Peter Matthew 14:3 Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married. Acts 5:18 and arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. during the Feast of Unleavened Bread Mark 14:1 Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him. Luke 22:1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, Exodus 12:17 So you are to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your divisions out of the land of Egypt. You must keep this day as a permanent statute for the generations to come. Acts 4:1-3 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, / greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. / They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day. Acts 5:17-18 Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They went out / and arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. Acts 9:1-2 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest / and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. Acts 16:19-24 When the girl’s owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities in the marketplace. / They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil / by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” … Acts 21:27-30 When the seven days were almost over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, / crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” / For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple. … Acts 23:12-15 When 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. … Acts 25:9-12 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to stand trial before me on these charges?” / Paul replied, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. / If, however, I am guilty of anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is no truth to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” … Treasury of Scripture And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) he saw. Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound. Acts 25:9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. he proceeded. Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. Psalm 76:10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. Then. Exodus 12:14-20 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever… Exodus 13:3-7 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten… Exodus 23:15 Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) Jump to Previous Added Addition Arrest Bread Feast Finding Food Further Gratified Hold Jews Lay Peter Pleased Pleasing Proceeded Seize Time UnleavenedJump to Next Added Addition Arrest Bread Feast Finding Food Further Gratified Hold Jews Lay Peter Pleased Pleasing Proceeded Seize Time UnleavenedActs 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. And seeing that this pleased the Jews Herod Agrippa I, the ruler of Judea, was keenly aware of the political and social dynamics of his time. The Jewish population held significant influence, and Herod sought to maintain their favor to stabilize his rule. The execution of James, the brother of John, had garnered approval from the Jewish leaders, who were opposed to the burgeoning Christian movement. This approval was likely rooted in the belief that the Christians were a threat to Jewish religious traditions and authority. The Jewish leaders' satisfaction with James's death reflects the tension between early Christians and the Jewish establishment, a theme that recurs throughout the Acts of the Apostles. Herod proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread Persons / Places / Events 1. Herod Agrippa IThe king who sought to gain favor with the Jewish people by persecuting the early church. He is the grandson of Herod the Great and known for his political maneuvering. 2. Peter One of Jesus' closest disciples and a leading figure in the early Christian church. He was seized by Herod as part of the persecution. 3. The Jews Refers to the Jewish leaders and people who were pleased with Herod's actions against the Christians, reflecting the tension between the early church and Jewish authorities. 4. Feast of Unleavened Bread A significant Jewish festival that follows Passover, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. It was a time when Jerusalem was filled with Jewish pilgrims. 5. Jerusalem The central city of Jewish worship and the location where these events took place. It was a hub of early Christian activity and persecution. Teaching Points Persecution as a Reality for BelieversThe early church faced significant persecution, and this remains a reality for many Christians today. Believers should be prepared for opposition when standing for their faith. The Influence of Political Power Herod's actions were politically motivated, showing how leaders may use religious tensions for personal gain. Christians should be discerning about the motives behind political actions. The Importance of Timing in God's Plan Peter's arrest during the Feast of Unleavened Bread highlights God's sovereignty over timing. Believers can trust that God is in control, even in difficult circumstances. Community Support in Times of Trial The early church's response to Peter's arrest was to pray fervently. This underscores the importance of community support and prayer during trials. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 12:3?2. Why did Herod arrest Peter after seeing it "pleased the Jews" in Acts 12:3? 3. How can we discern actions that please God versus pleasing people? 4. What other biblical examples show leaders acting to please the crowd? 5. How should Christians respond when pressured to conform to societal expectations? 6. How can Acts 12:3 inspire us to prioritize God's approval over human approval? 7. Why did Herod arrest Peter after seeing it pleased the Jews in Acts 12:3? 8. How does Acts 12:3 reflect the relationship between political power and religious influence? 9. What does Acts 12:3 reveal about the early church's challenges with persecution? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 12? 11. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence outside the Bible to confirm Peter's miraculous prison escape in Acts 12? 12. What was Solomon's Porch? 13. Who was Herod Agrippa I? 14. How did Peter's life experiences shape his character? What Does Acts 12:3 Mean And seeing that this pleased the Jews• Herod Agrippa I had just “killed James the brother of John with the sword” (Acts 12:2). When he noticed the public approval, he leaned further into persecution, valuing popularity over righteousness—much like Pilate, who “wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas” (Mark 15:15). • Seeking human applause above God’s favor shows the dark side of people-pleasing (John 12:43; Galatians 1:10). God’s Word records this motive so we recognize how easily rulers can be swayed by the crowd and how the early church faced political hostility. Herod proceeded to seize Peter • Peter, the most visible leader of the Jerusalem believers, becomes the next target. Herod’s calculation: remove key shepherds, scatter the flock (compare John 10:12). • This was not Peter’s first arrest (Acts 4:3; 5:18), but the stakes are higher now that James has been executed. • Satanic opposition stands behind the political move, yet God’s sovereignty remains: Jesus had foretold Peter’s future (John 21:18-19), and Christ had already promised, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Herod thought chains could silence the gospel; heaven had other plans. During the Feast of Unleavened Bread • The timing is deliberate. The Feast of Unleavened Bread begins the day after Passover (Exodus 12:17). Jerusalem is packed with pilgrims—an arrest during a major feast maximizes public impact. • Herod postpones a swift execution because Jewish custom forbade such actions during the holy days (compare John 18:28). God uses that delay to give the church time to pray (Acts 12:5) and to stage Peter’s miraculous rescue. • Scripture often sets pivotal redemptive moments against festival backdrops: Jesus was crucified at Passover (Luke 22:1-2) and the Spirit was poured out at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Here again, God moves in the midst of Israel’s sacred calendar, underscoring His ongoing work with His covenant people. summary Acts 12:3 spotlights Herod’s people-pleasing cruelty, the strategic arrest of the church’s leading apostle, and the providential timing during a national feast. The verse reminds us that rulers may oppose Christ, but their schemes unfold under God’s sovereign hand, setting the stage for divine intervention and the unstoppable advance of the gospel. (3) Because he saw it pleased the Jews.--This was throughout the ruling policy of the Herodian house. The persecution did not spring from any fanatic zeal against the new faith, but simply from motives of political expediency. A somewhat touching incident is recorded, illustrating the king's sensitiveness to popular praise or blame. It was at the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Law was read, and he heard the words of Deuteronomy 17:15 : "Thou shalt not set a stranger over thee," and he burst into tears at the thought of his own Idumaean descent. The people saw him weeping, and cried out: "Trouble not thyself, Agrippa; thou also art our brother," and the king's heart was comforted (Jost, Gesch. des Judenthums, I., p. 420).Then were the days of unleavened bread.--The crowds of Hellenistic and other Jews who were gathered to keep the feast at Jerusalem naturally made this a favourable opportunity for courting the favour of the people. A tradition recorded by St. Jerome states that St. James was beheaded on the 15th of Nisan, i.e., on the same day as that of the Crucifixion. Peter was arrested probably at the same time; but the trial and execution were deferred till the seven days of the feast were over. Verse 3. - When for because, A.V.; that it pleased for it pleased, A.V.; proceeded for proceeded further, A.V.; seize for take, A.V. ; and those for then, A.V. He proceeded to seize (προσέθετο συλλαβεῖν) is a Hebraism. This trait of his pleasing the Jews is in exact accordance with Josephus's description of him, as τῷ βιοῦν ἐν αὐφημίᾳ χαίρων, loving popularity, and as being very kind and sympathizing with the Jewish people, and liking to live much at Jerusalem ('Ant. Jud.' 19.7.3). The days of unleavened bread; i.e. as expressed by Luke 22:1, "The Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover." It lasted seven days (Exodus 12:15-18), from the 14th to the 21st of Nisan, or Abib (Exodus 12:18-20; Leviticus 23:5, 6; Deuteronomy 16:1-4), the Passover being eaten on the night of the 14th.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Seeingἰδὼν (idōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. [this] ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present 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. pleased ἀρεστόν (areston) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 701: Pleasing, satisfactory, acceptable. From aresko; agreeable; by implication, fit. the τοῖς (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. Jews, Ἰουδαίοις (Ioudaiois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. he proceeded προσέθετο (prosetheto) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 4369: To place (put) to, add; I do again. From pros and tithemi; to place additionally, i.e. Lay beside, annex, repeat. to seize συλλαβεῖν (syllabein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 4815: From sun and lambano; to clasp, i.e. Seize; specially, to conceive; by implication, to aid. Peter Πέτρον (Petron) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle. during ἦσαν (ēsan) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the αἱ (hai) Article - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Feast of Unleavened [Bread]. ἀζύμων (azymōn) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural Strong's 106: (in the neutral plural) specially (by implication) the Passover week. Links Acts 12:3 NIVActs 12:3 NLT Acts 12:3 ESV Acts 12:3 NASB Acts 12:3 KJV Acts 12:3 BibleApps.com Acts 12:3 Biblia Paralela Acts 12:3 Chinese Bible Acts 12:3 French Bible Acts 12:3 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 12:3 When he saw that it pleased (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
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