Acts 12:1-25 in the King James and AWPR Versions

Acts 12

King James Version (KJV)

Alternate with Word Pictures (AWPR)

My Comments in Green 

1   Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.    (KJV)

1)    Then down upon / at  that one there
       (appointed) time - season - opportunity,
       Herod the king cast and threw upon the hands to do   
       some of those from the Church       
       (intentional) evil with injury.
       (AWPR)   

2  And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.   (KJV)

2)   Then he took James, the brother of John,
       up and away to slay with an executioner's sword.
       (AWPR)

3  And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)    (KJV)

3)    And beholding and perceiving that it is 
       pleasant and pleasing with contentment to the Jews,
       he set - placed - lay down  up alongside 
       to take up - seize - and lead away Peter.

       Were then (the) days of Unleavened (Bread).
       (AWPR)

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 him forth to the people.    (KJV)

4)    [Peter] Whom also, taking by the hand to 
        press - squeeze - hold fast - arrest,
        he [Herod]  set - put - placed  into guarded custody / prison,
        giving of his own good will and accord
        to the side of  [Peter]
        4 quaternians of / 16
        army soldiers to watch and keep watch - to guard    him,
        willing and desiring / intending after the Passover
        to bring up and lead him away again to the people.
        (AWPR)

5  Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.   (KJV)

5)   Indeed, thereupon Peter was attentively guarded and kept
       in the prison / guarded custody.

       Then prayer (to GOD) was 
       stretched out - continual - fervent - earnest and intense,
       being made under the Church up alongside with
       GOD    over / about / in behalf of    him.
       (AWPR) 

6  And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.    (KJV)

6)    Then when Herod was at the point of and about 
        to bring and lead him forth,
        in that one (certain) night
        Peter was outstretched - lying down sleeping 
        in the midst of - between   2 army soldiers ,
        having been fastened and bound with 2 chains

 [the right hand chained to one soldier, the left hand to the other]
        and sentinels - guards - keepers   before the door
        were attentively   watching - keeping - guarding
        the guarded custody / prison.
        (AWPR) 

7  And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.   (KJV)

7)    And behold, look and see:
        an angel of (the) LORD  stood over (nearby)
        as (though) set in place,
        and a shining light shone forth in the dwelling - building.

        Then striking 

[without inflicting injury - gently tapping]        
        the side of Peter, he raised him up from sleep, 
        setting him upright,
        laying down definite words, saying,
           'Rise up in quickness - Rise up in hasty speed.'

        And fell away and off from him the chains out of the hands.
        (AWPR)   

8  And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.   (KJV)

8)    And said the angel up alongside to him,
            'Enwrap - gird  yourself   with cloth (and a belt),
             and bind under / put on 
             the sandals of you.'
        
        Then he did thus.

         And laying down definite words, he says to him,
            'Cast round about the garment - large cloth   of you,
             and follow and accompany together with me.'
            (AWPR)             

9  And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.   (KJV)

9)   And coming and going out,
       he followed and accompanied together with him,
       and certainly not knew or perceived that 
       (which was) happening - occurring through the angel
       was truly real - was truly reality.
          
       Then he thought - supposed - imagined (it was)
       a supernatural spectacle / a vision that he was 
       able to see and discern (with the mind).
       (AWPR)

10  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.    (KJV)

10)   Then going and passing through 
         First and Second Guard -  First and Second Watch,
         they came forth upon the (entrance) gate of iron,
         that bearing and bringing (one) into the city,
         whatsoever of itself / whichsoever automatically
         was opened again to them.

         And coming forth out they went further,
         and continued forward along on a single drag-along, 

 [a one person wide back-alley or like constricted passageway]

         and straightway - immediately - instantly 
         the angel dismissed away - let go and left / withdrew
         [vanished]
         from him.
         (AWPR)

11  And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.    (KJV)

11)   And Peter,  having come [to his senses], 
        within himself said,
            'Now at this present time I know and perceive
             truly and really that (the) LORD / that YHVeH
             sent away forth out 
             [of that place where He is]
             the angel of Him,
             and took (for Himself) out / plucked 
             me out of Herod's hand,
             and of all the looked and hoped for 
             anticipations and expectations
             of the people of the Jews.'
             (AWPR)

[Note: It must be remembered that Peter is also Hebrew, but of a northern tribe of Israel settled in Galilee, and that there was a long-standing rivalry within the Hebrew tribes stretching back over 1,000 years by this time, in which 10 tribes of the north in loyalty and custom divided with that of 3 tribes of the south, represented by the tribe of Judah in the province of Judea and called the Jews.   Even Hebrews to this day confuse a like internal prejudice and name designation, equivalently recognized in our day as a distinction between the "Yankee" and the "Confederate", as something other than what it really was.  In the modern day, Peter would simply be designated Jewish, even though his home territory was in Galilee and the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee.  He was in no way anti-Semitic, he was simply one who had no love for the leaders of a southern authority who were abusers of their religious authority to the point of great bias and corruption against the northern tribes, even in the First Century A.D.   That is the historical context of the use of the word by the Apostles, as a geographical and plagued by a powerful cluster of corrupt members within it religio-political group designation.  -- Brianroy]
          

12  And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.   (KJV)

12)   And consciously being aware and considering,
        he [Peter]  came forth (so as to make a public appearance)
        upon the house of Mary, the mother of John,
        the (one) called upon as - surnamed     Mark,
        where were abundant / sufficient many
        hoarded - gathered together
        and praying (to GOD).
        (AWPR)

13  And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.   (KJV)

13)   Peter then, knocking at the door 
        of the gate portal - [arched] gateway,
        a young girl who was both a child and a bond-servant,
        by name, Rhoda, came and drew near up alongside
        to attentively listen under - beneath - through
        [the door of the gate portal -gateway].  
        (AWPR)
                
       
        [Note: The gate portal - (arched) gateway 
          is that of the city home's fortified wall,
          sometimes several feet or more deep, 
          often with a draft space an inch or more off the ground
          such as that listened through by Rhoda in the above verse,         
          the wall and gate being part of the private 
          and quite small property, 
          because it is within such a condensed and restricted city.
          
          Again, this gate portal - (arched) gateway door rests in the 
           high wall that surrounds the small home and court 
           of the outer property, and usually opens directly onto 
           a primary pedestrian city passageway.  -- Brianroy]


        

14  And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.   (KJV)

14)   And knowing and perceiving upon / And recognizing
        the voice of Peter,
        from joy with elation and (excited) exultation
        running (away) inside,  she --
        certainly did not open the gate portal - gateway [door]  --
        then announced - made known that Peter (was) standing
        before the gate portal - gateway [door].
        (AWPR)

15  And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.    (KJV)

15)   Then they up alongside with her said,
         "You're raving mad / You're a maniac!"

        Then she asserted herself strongly and vehemently
        thus in this manner,
        having - holding - possessing it.

[Note: the child slave, Rhoda, continued to vehemently affirm her announcement that Peter was at the gate, sticking to it without the slightest quarter knowing the punishment of being whipped or beat to a pulp if she was lying, and not giving the slightest quarter even though having been called a raving (and by implication 'lying') maniac.  -- Brianroy]


[Hearing the knocking]
        Then they laid down definite words saying, 
            'It is the messenger of him!'
             (AWPR)

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

16)   Then Peter remained and stayed upon (his) knocking.

        Then, having opened again  [the gateway door],
        they saw and perceived him,
        and were (as though) standing out beside themselves
        in amazement.
        (AWPR) 

17  But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.   (KJV)

17)   Then with the hand
        violently shaking down / signaling
        to them to be silent,  
        he led and recounted (a full narration to the end)
        in what manner or way the LORD / YHVeH
        brought and led him out,
        out from - out of   the guarded custody / prison.

        Then he said, 
           'Announce - Make known - Report   to James
            and the other brothers these things.'

        And going forth out, he passed through 
        and went into another different place.
        (AWPR)

18  Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.   (KJV)

18)   Then (it) becoming day,
         there was certainly not a small - little - brief 
         agitated and stirred up trouble - disturbance
         (with fear - anger - doubt - perplexity)
         in / among   the army soldiers;
             'What then - therefore became of Peter?!"
         (AWPR)

19  And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.    (KJV)


19)   Then Herod  [arriving and ]  
         seeking upon - inquiring upon   for him  [Peter],
         and not finding by search or inquiry;
         judicially examining  and judging 
         the keepers - guards - sentinels,
         urged in motion / commanded 
         (that they) be led and/or carried away.

         And coming down from Judea into Caesarea, 
         (he) wore or spent through / (he) stayed.
         (AWPR)

20  And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.    (KJV)

20)   Then was Herod in fighting wrath and indignation 
         with (the) Tyrians and Sidonians.

         Then with one and the same mind - consent - accord,
         they came to be near  up alongside next to him;
         and confiding in and persuading - convincing  Blastus,
         the (one) upon / over the marriage bedroom of the king,
         they asked - begged (as inferiors to a superior)
         peace through their nourishing - feeding
         the region - province - territory   of them
         away and apart from the kingly apportionments -
         away and apart from that specifically belonging to the king.
         
 [That is, a feeding of all Judea away and apart from those Herod's direct houses, estates, personal servants and soldiers, his family, etc.]
         (AWPR)  

21  And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.    (KJV)

21)   Then on a pre-arranged and set in order day,
         Herod, immersing and going down under / putting on 
         a kingly garment, and sitting down upon the elevated 
         (by steps) Bema (seat) - judgment seat - judgment throne,
         made a marketplace pitch / (sales) speech  
         to the people up alongside with them.
         (AWPR)

22  And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.   (KJV)

22)   Then the people bound together as a society 
         intensely shouted - intensely cried aloud (in acclamation),
             'A voice of a god and certainly not of a man!!!'
             (AWPR)
         

23  And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.    (KJV)

23)   Then,  at that very moment - immediately - on the spot,
         an angel of (the) LORD - an angel of YHVeH
         smote and wounded him in exchange,
         because he certainly did not of his own good will and accord
         give the thoughtful recognition - the glory    to GOD.

         And becoming eaten by  worms - maggot parasites,
         he breathed out (and died).
         (AWPR)

24  But the word of God grew and multiplied.   (KJV)

24)   Then the intelligent word of GOD 
         (naturally) grew and increased,
         and was made full and multitudinous.
         (AWPR) 
       

25  And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.    (KJV)



25)   Then Barnabas and Saul turned under - returned
         out of Jerusalem,
         having made full - having fulfilled 
         the ministry - the ministration of service,
         taking and receiving along to themselves also John,
         (being) called upon as - surnamed Mark.
         (AWPR)




Disclaimer:  The Alternate Word Pictures with Reiterations (AWPR) translation, translation mine, should be used as a Bible Study Aid only, and it is recommended that a direct literal translation or the King James Bible be used for regular and ecclesiastical purposes, and that the AWPR be used in association only as a Bible study aid so as to help the reader / user in their Bible Studying to clarify context and Scriptural Intent, and to get the full context and understanding into the English from out of the ancient Greek in which this New Testament passage was first written.    Thanks.  -- Brianroy 


On the death of Herod Agrippa: 

Josephus, Antiquites of the Jews, Book 19, Chapter 8, Section 2.

Whiston Translation

2. "Now when Agrippa had reigned three years over all Judea, he came to the city Cesarea, which was formerly called Strato's Tower; and there he exhibited shows in honor of Caesar, upon his being informed that there was a certain festival celebrated to make vows for his safety. At which festival a great multitude was gotten together of the principal persons, and such as were of dignity through his province. 

On the second day of which shows he put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of a contexture truly wonderful, and came into the theater early in the morning; at which time the silver of his garment being illuminated by the fresh reflection of the sun's rays upon it, shone out after a surprising manner, and was so resplendent as to spread a horror over those that looked intently upon him; and presently his flatterers cried out, one from one place, and another from another, (though not for his good,) that he was a god; and they added, "Be thou merciful to us; for although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a man, yet shall we henceforth own thee as superior to mortal nature." 

Upon this the king did neither rebuke them, nor reject their impious flattery. But as he presently afterward looked up, he saw an owl sitting on a certain rope over his head, and immediately understood that this bird was the messenger of ill tidings, as it had once been the messenger of good tidings to him; and fell into the deepest sorrow. 

A severe pain also arose in his belly, and began in a most violent manner. He therefore looked upon his friends, and said, "I, whom you call a god, am commanded presently to depart this life; while Providence thus reproves the lying words you just now said to me; and I, who was by you called immortal, am immediately to be hurried away by death. But I am bound to accept of what Providence allots, as it pleases God; for we have by no means lived ill, but in a splendid and happy manner." 

When he said this, his pain was become violent. Accordingly he was carried into the palace, and the rumor went abroad every where, that he would certainly die in a little time. But the multitude presently sat in sackcloth, with their wives and children, after the law of their country, and besought God for the king's recovery. All places were also full of mourning and lamentation. Now the king rested in a high chamber, and as he saw them below lying prostrate on the ground, he could not himself forbear weeping.

 And when he had been quite worn out by the pain in his belly for five days, he departed this life, being in the fifty-fourth year of his age, and in the seventh year of his reign; for he reigned four years under Caius Caesar, three of them were over Philip's tetrarchy only, and on the fourth he had that of Herod added to it; and he reigned, besides those, three years under the reign of Claudius Caesar; in which time he reigned over the forementioned countries, and also had Judea added to them, as well as Samaria and Cesarea. The revenues that he received out of them were very great, no less than twelve millions of drachme.  Yet did he borrow great sums from others; for he was so very liberal that his expenses exceeded his incomes, and his generosity was boundless. "

Thus is the account left us by the Jewish historian Josephus, who wrote his work decades after that of the firsthand eyewitness accounts left us by Luke. -- Brianroy

We are all called to give thoughtful recognition and glory to the One True GOD, who made the heavens, the earth, the seas, and all that therein is.   We are also called to recognize that Jesus Christ is the only means of salvation of mankind (John 14:6 and other passages), and there is none other before or after him, because He is YHVeH who in His pre-incarnate state blew into the nostrils of Adam and gave him his intelligent reason, and who spoke to Abraham and Moses faces to faces, and at the appointed time came and manifested through a virgin's womb as He said He would under the rigid and impossible odds conditions He placed upon Himself.  To He - -  Jesus Christ / Yeshua HaMesshiach --  who takes away the sins of the world for whosoever will believe and receive, may we together all sing "Hallelujah to the LORD."  Amen.