Acts 12:10 Meaning and Explanation
“When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Past two guard posts, the iron gate into the city opens by itself; one street later, the angel is gone.
What Does Acts 12:10 Mean?
Luke counts the barriers as they fall: the first watch, the second watch, and then the iron gate — the heaviest obstacle of all — swinging open with no hand upon it. The angel walks Peter a single street into the city, far enough for safety, and departs as suddenly as he came.
The angel does not escort Peter to a friendly door; he leaves the moment Peter can manage on his own. God's extraordinary help lasts exactly as long as it is needed, and then he entrusts us again to faith and ordinary means — feet, judgment, friends, the night streets. Iron gates make impressive enemies and poor arguments against God. No way he commands us to walk stays shut.
Acts 12:10 in the Original Language
automatos (αὐτόματος), 'of his own accord' -- by itself, with no hand upon it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 12:10
What does Acts 12:10 mean?
Past two guard posts, the iron gate into the city opens by itself; one street later, the angel is gone.