Acts 12:1-9

1About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church.

2He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword.

3When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration.)

4Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover.

5But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

6The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate.

7Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists.

8Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.

9So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening.