Acts 12:16

Acts 12:16 Meaning and Explanation

But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

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Peter keeps on knocking until they open the door — and the sight of him astonishes them all.

What Does Acts 12:16 Mean?

While the debate runs indoors, the answer to their prayers stands in the street, knocking and knocking. The danger is real — a hunted man cannot wait outside forever — and at last they open the door and see him: chains gone, guards eluded, alive.

There is quiet comedy and quiet glory here: the iron gate of the prison opened for Peter more readily than the door of the prayer meeting. Their astonishment is the astonishment of every praying soul who half expected nothing. God is not insulted by our surprise at his answers; he simply keeps knocking until unbelieving joy gets the door open. The persistence we praise in prayer, this verse finds in the answer.

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What does Acts 12:16 mean?

Peter keeps on knocking until they open the door — and the sight of him astonishes them all.

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