In biblical terms, the word "quaternion" refers to a group of four soldiers. This term is specifically used in the context of the New Testament, where it describes the Roman military practice of assigning groups of four soldiers to guard prisoners. The concept of quaternions is mentioned in the Book of Acts, providing insight into the Roman military system and the measures taken to secure prisoners, particularly those considered significant threats or of high importance.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to quaternions in the Bible is found in Acts 12:4. The passage describes the Apostle Peter's imprisonment by King Herod Agrippa I, who intended to bring him to public trial after the Passover. The verse states:

"When he had seized him, he put him in prison, handing him over to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover." (Acts 12:4)

In this context, the "four squads of four soldiers each" refers to the quaternions. The use of quaternions indicates the high level of security Herod deemed necessary to prevent Peter's escape, reflecting the perceived threat Peter posed due to his leadership role in the early Christian church.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Roman military was known for its discipline and organization, and the use of quaternions was a standard practice for guarding prisoners. A quaternion consisted of four soldiers, and typically, four quaternions would be assigned to a single prisoner, especially if the prisoner was considered a high-risk detainee. This meant that at any given time, one quaternion would be actively guarding the prisoner, while the others rested or performed other duties, ensuring round-the-clock surveillance.

The assignment of sixteen soldiers to guard Peter underscores the seriousness with which Herod viewed the situation. It also highlights the miraculous nature of Peter's subsequent escape, as described later in Acts 12, where an angel of the Lord intervenes to free him, despite the heavy guard.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of quaternions in the account of Peter's imprisonment serves to emphasize the power of God over human authority and military might. Despite the formidable security measures, God's intervention demonstrates His sovereignty and ability to deliver His servants from seemingly impossible situations. This narrative reinforces the theme of divine providence and protection found throughout Scripture.

The use of quaternions also illustrates the early church's challenges and the opposition faced from political and religious authorities. It serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the faith required to persevere in the face of persecution.

Conclusion:

The concept of quaternions in the Bible, while a minor detail, provides valuable insight into the historical and cultural context of the New Testament era. It also serves as a backdrop for the demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to His people.

Peter's Deliverance from Prison
... the ghost, but the Word of God grew and multiplied.' Here you get, on the one hand,
all the pompous and elaborate preparations"'four quaternions of soldiers ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture the acts/peters deliverance from prison.htm

How the Copies were Provided.
... Footnotes: [3336] [The parchment copies were usually arranged in quaternions, ie
four leaves made up together, as the ternions consisted of three leaves. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxxvii how the copies were.htm

Acts XII
... But it was in the days of unleavened bread. (4) And having apprehended him, he put
him in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xii.htm

Acts xii. 1, 2
... "Whom having arrested, he put in ward, having delivered him to four quaternions
of soldiers." (v.4.) This was done both of rage, and of fear. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvi acts xii 1.htm

Hence Neither is it Lawful to Accuse those who have Left All...
... thee." [2332] Let them recall to their minds also how Peter, the chief of the apostles,
"was thrown into prison, and delivered to four quaternions of soldiers ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon xiii hence neither is.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... In vain four quaternions of soldiers kept guard, two of them in the prisoner's cell,
while the servant of Christ, who was loaded with chains and doomed to an ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

We Will Pass on to Clear up Another of the Charges, if Only He ...
Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. . ...
/.../we will pass on to.htm

The Avenging of the Saviour.
... it. Then they seized Pilate, and sent him to prison, to be guarded by four
quaternions of soldiers at the door of the prison. Then ...
/.../unknown/the avenging of the saviour/the avenging of the saviour.htm

The Early Welcome and the First Ministers of the King
... They were the first to hear it, and continued to hold pre-eminence among the disciples,
for they make up the first group of the three quaternions into which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the early welcome and the.htm

Rhoda
... And if, whilst she was running in with her message, Herod's quaternions of soldiers
had come down the street, there would have been 'no small stir' in the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/rhoda.htm

Quaternions (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Quaternions (1 Occurrence). Acts 12:4 And when
he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered ...
/q/quaternions.htm - 6k

Quaternion
... Peter was committed by Herod to the custody of four quaternions, ie, one quaternion
for each watch of the night (Acts 12:4). Thus every precaution was taken ...
/q/quaternion.htm - 8k

Night (3322 Occurrences)
... Acts 12:4 speaks of four parties of four Roman soldiers (quaternions), each
of whom had to keep guard during one watch of the night. ...
/n/night.htm - 15k

Guarded (27 Occurrences)
... Acts 12:4 whom also having seized, he did put in prison, having delivered 'him'
to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him, intending after the passover to ...
/g/guarded.htm - 14k

Delivering (35 Occurrences)
... Acts 12:4 whom also having seized, he did put in prison, having delivered 'him'
to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him, intending after the passover to ...
/d/delivering.htm - 16k

Purposing (21 Occurrences)
... Acts 12:4 whom having seized he put in prison, having delivered him to four quaternions
of soldiers to keep, purposing after the passover to bring him out to ...
/p/purposing.htm - 12k

Apprehended (5 Occurrences)
... Acts 12:4 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 ...
/a/apprehended.htm - 8k

Seized (118 Occurrences)
... Acts 12:4 whom having seized he put in prison, having delivered him to four quaternions
of soldiers to keep, purposing after the passover to bring him out to ...
/s/seized.htm - 34k

Easter (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 12:4 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 ...
/e/easter.htm - 12k

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