James Killed, Peter Imprisoned

1Now about that time Herod the king put forth his bands to harm some of the assembly. 2And he slew James, the brother of John, with the sword; 3and, seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. And then were the days of unleavened bread. 4And, having seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending, after the passover, to bring him up to the people.

The Rescue of Peter

5Peter, therefore, was kept in the prison; but prayer was being earnestly made by the assembly to God in his behalf.

6And, when Herod was about to bring him forth, in that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and guards before the door were keeping the prison. 7And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell; and, smiting the side of Peter, he raised him up, saying, "Rise up quickly!" And his chains fell off from his hands. 8And the angel said to him, "Gird yourself, and bind on your sandals." And he did so. And he says to him, "Cast your garment around you, and follow me." 9And, going forth, he was following him; and he knew not that it was true, which was being done by the angel, but was thinking that he saw a vision. 10And, having passed the first and second watch; they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and, going out, they passed on through one street, and straightway the angel departed from him. 11And Peter, having come to himself, said, "Now I know truly that the Lord sent forth His angel, and delivered me out of Herod's hand, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12And, having considered it, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who is surnamed Mark; where many were gathered together and were praying. 13And, when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came near to answer, Rhoda by name. 14And, recognizing the voice of Peter, she opened not the gate for joy; but, running in, she told them that Peter was standing before the gate. 15And they said to her, "You are mad!" But she kept confidently affirming that it was so. And they said, "It is his angel" 16But Peter continued knocking; and, opening, they saw him, and were amazed. 17But, beckoning to them with his hand to be silent, he declared to them, how the Lord brought him forth out of the prison. And he Said, "Declare these things to James, and to the brethren." And, going forth, he went to another place.

18And, when it became day, there was no small commotion among the soldiers, as to what, consequently, became of Peter. 19And Herod, having sought for him, and not finding him, having examined the guards, ordered that they be led away to death. And, going down from Judaea to Caesarea, he tarried there.

The Death of Herod

20Now he was very angry with the Tyrians and Sidonians; and they came with one accord to him; and, having made Blastus, the king's chamberlain, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was being maintained by that of the king. 21And, on a set day, Herod, having put on royal apparel, and seating himself on the judgment seat, made a speech to them. 22And the people were shouting, "It is the voice of a god, and not of a man!" 23And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not give God the glory; and, having been eaten by worms, he expired.

24But the word of God was growing, and multiplying.

25And Barnabus and Saul returned from Jerusalem, having fulfilled their ministry, taking with them John who was surnamed Mark.