Atos 12
John Chrysostom · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Atos 12:1-2
Like a wild beast, he attacked all indiscriminately and without consideration. This is what Christ said: "My cup indeed ye shall drink, and with the baptism wherewith I am baptized, shall ye be baptized." And he killed James the brother of John. For there was also another James, the brother of the Lord: therefore to distinguish him, he says, "The brother of John." Do you mark that the sum of affairs rested in these three, especially Peter and James? — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:1-2
"At that time," of course meaning the time immediately following: for this is the custom of Scripture. And he well says that Herod "the king" (did this): this was not he of Christ's time. Lo, a different sort of trial - and mark what I said in the beginning, how things are blended, how rest and trouble alternate in the whole texture of the history - not now the Jews, nor the Sanhedrim, but the king. Greater the power, the warfare more severe, the more it was done to obtain favor with the Jews. And he slew James the brother of John with the sword: taking him at random and without selection. But, should any raise a question, why God permitted this, we shall say, that it was for the sake of these Jews themselves: thereby, first, convincing them, that even when slain the Apostles prevail, just as it was in the case of Stephen: secondly, giving them opportunity, after satiating their rage, to recover from their madness; thirdly, showing them that it was by His permission this was done. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:3
And when he saw that it pleased the Jews. O excessive wickedness! On whose behalf was it, that he gratified them by doing murders thus without plan or reason? "And it was the day of unleavened bread." Again, the idle preciseness of the Jews: to kill indeed they forbade not, but at such a time they did such things! — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:3
And how was it he did not kill Peter immediately? It mentions the reason: "it was the day of unleavened bread:" and he wished rather to make a display with the killing of him. "And when he saw it pleased the Jews." For their own part, they now in consequence of Gamaliel's advice, abstained from bloodshedding: and besides, did not even invent accusations; but by means of others they compassed the same results. This counsel of Gamaliel's above all was their condemnation: for the preaching was shown to be no longer a thing of men. "He proceeded further to kill Peter also." In very deed was that fulfilled, "We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." "Seeing," it says, "it was a pleasing thing to the Jews." A pleasing thing, bloodshed, and unrighteous bloodshed, wickedness, impiety! He ministered to their senseless lusts: for, whereas he ought to have done the contrary, to check their rage, he made them more eager, as if he were an executioner, and not a physician to their diseased minds. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:4
Whom having arrested, he put in ward, having delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers. This was done both of rage, and of fear. He slew James the brother of John with the sword. Do you mark their courage? For, that none may say that without danger or fear of danger they brave death, as being sure of God's delivering them, therefore he permits some to be put to death, and chief men too, Stephen and James, thereby convincing their slayers themselves, that not even these things make them fall away, and hinder them. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:4
He feared lest Peter, in consequence of the slaying of James, should withdraw; and wishing to have him in safe keeping, he put him in prison: "and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers": the stricter the custody, the more wondrous the display. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:5
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him. For the contest was now for life and death: both the slaying of the one made them fearful, and the casting of the other into prison. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:5
Peter therefore was kept in prison. But this was all the better for Peter, who was thereby made more approved, and evinced his own manly courage. And it says, "there was earnest prayer making." It was the prayer of filial affection: it was for a father they asked, a father mild. "There was," it says, "earnest prayer." Hear how they were affected to their teachers. No factions, no perturbation: but they betook them to prayer, to that alliance which is indeed invincible, to this they betook them for refuge. They did not say, "What? I, poor insignificant creature that I am, to pray for him!" for, as they acted of love, they did not give these things a thought. And observe, it was during the feast, that their enemies brought these trials upon them, that their worth might be the more approved. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:5
So Peter was kept in the prison. They, being at large, were at prayer: he, bound, was in sleep. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:6
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers. See Peter sleeping, and not in distress or fear! That same night, after which he was to be brought forth, he slept, having cast all upon God. "Between two soldiers, bound with two chains." Mark, how strict the ward! — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:6
See how Peter slept and was not in anguish or fear. In the very night when he was about to be brought before the court he slept, leaving everything to God. Indeed the multitude becomes powerful when virtue is present. And it had such a power that even though the doors were closed, chains bound the apostle and the jailers slept at both his sides, virtue delivered him and saved him from all those difficulties. So if virtue is present the multitude has great strength, but if vice is present it makes no benefit. — CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 12.6-7
Atos 12:6-7
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. 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. In that night He delivered him. "And a light shined in the prison," that he might not deem it fancy: and none saw the light, but he only. For if, notwithstanding this was done, he thought it a fancy, because of its unexpectedness; if this had not been, much more would he have thought this: so prepared was he for death. For his having waited there many days and not being saved caused this. Why then, say you, did He not suffer him to fall into the hands of Herod, and then deliver him? Because that would have brought people into astonishment, whereas this was credible: and they would not even have been thought human beings. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:6-7
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. See Peter sleeping, and not in distress or fear! That same night, after which he was to be brought forth, he slept, having cast all upon God. "Between two soldiers, bound with two chains." Mark, how strict the ward! "And says, Arise." The guards were asleep with him, and therefore perceived nothing of what was happening. "And a light shined." What was the light for? In order that Peter might see as well as hear, and not imagine it to be all fancy. And the command, "Arise quickly," that he may not be remiss. He also smote him; so deeply did he sleep. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:8
And the angel said to him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. Here again it shows, that it was not done of craft: for one that is in haste and wishes to break out of prison, is not so particular as to take his sandals, and gird himself. And he did so. And he said unto him, Put on thy cloak, and follow me. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:8
"Rise," says he, "quickly:" this is not to hurry him but to persuade him not to delay. And immediately his chains fell off from his hands. How? answer me: where are the heretics? - let them answer. And the Angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals: by this also convincing him that it is no fancy: to this end he bids him gird himself and put on his shoes, that he may shake off his sleep, and know that it is real. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:9
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. The Lord would have the pleasure come to him all at once, and that he should first be at liberty, and then be sensible of what had happened. The circumstance also of the chains having fallen off from his hands, is a strong argument of his not having fled. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:9
And he wist not that it was true that was done by the Angel, but thought he saw a vision: well he might, by reason of the excessive greatness of the things taking place. Do you mark what a thing it is for a miracle to be excessive? how it amazes the beholder? how it will not let the thing be believed? For if Peter thought he saw a vision, though he had girded himself and put on his shoes, what would have been the case with another? — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:9
And he wist not that it was true. If he thought it was true that was happening, he would have been astonished, he would not have remembered all the circumstances: but now, seeming to be in a dream, he was free from perturbation. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:10
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 its own accord. Behold, a second miracle. And they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. When the angel departed, then Peter understood. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:10
And when they had passed the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate, which opened unto them of its own accord: and yet the things that had happened within the prison were more marvellous: but this was now more after the manner of man. And having gone out, they went along one street and immediately the Angel departed from him. When there was no hindrance, then the Angel departed. For Peter would not have gone along, there being so many hindrances. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:10
When they were past the first and the second ward - see also how strong the guard was - they came unto the iron gate. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:11
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. When the angel departed, then Peter understood: "Now I perceive," says he, not then. But why is this so, and why is Peter not sensible of the things taking place, although he had already experienced a like deliverance when all were released? The Lord would have the pleasure come to him all at once, and that he should first be at liberty, and then be sensible of what had happened. The circumstance also of the chains having fallen off from his hands, is a strong argument of his not having fled. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:11
Now know I that the Lord hath sent His Angel. Why is not this effected by themselves? I answer: By this also the Lord honors them, that by the ministry of His Angels he rescues them. Then why was it not so in the case of Paul? There with good reason, because the jailer was to be converted, whereas here, it was only that the Apostle should be released. And God disposes all things in divers ways. And there too, it is beautiful, that Paul sings hymns, while here Peter was asleep. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:11
And when he came to himself: for in very truth, it was indeed an amazement. "Now," saith he, "I know" - now, not then, when I was in the prison - "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." — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:12
And when he had considered, he came to the house of Mary. Then let us not hide God's marvels, but for our own good let us study to display these abroad for the edifying of the others. For as he deserves to be admired for choosing to be put into bonds, so is he worthy of more admiration, that he withdrew not until he had reported all to his friends. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:12
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. Observe how Peter does not immediately withdraw, but first brings the good tidings to his friends. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:12
And when he had considered, it says: viz. where he was, or, that he must not without more ado depart but requite his Benefactor: he came to the house of Mary the mother of John. Who is this John? Probably he that was always with them: for this is why he adds his distinctive name, "whose surname was Mark." But observe, "praying" in the night, how much they got by it: what a good thing affliction is; how wakeful it made them! Do you see how great the gain resulting from the death of Stephen? do you see how great the benefit accruing from this imprisonment? For it is not by taking vengeance upon those who wronged them that God shows the greatness of the Gospel: but in the wrong-doers themselves, without any harm happening to those, he shows what a mighty thing the afflictions in themselves are, that we may not seek in any wise deliverance from them, nor the avenging of our wrongs. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:13-14
And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness. Mark even the servant-girls, how full of piety they are. But ran in, just as we are wont to do, she was eager to be herself the bringer of the good tidings, for good news it was indeed. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:13-14
And mark how the very servant-girls were henceforth upon an equality with them. "For joy," it says, "she opened not." This too is well done, that they likewise may not be amazed by seeing him at once, and that they may be incredulous, and their minds may be exercised. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:15
And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel. This is a truth, that each man has an Angel. It was from the time of night that they surmised this. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:15
And they said unto her, Thou art mad: but she constantly affirmed that it was even so: then said they, It is his Angel. And what would the Angel? It was from the time of night that they surmised this. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:16-17
But when he continued knocking, and when they had opened, and saw him, they were astonished. But he beckoning to them with his hand made them keep quiet, to hear all that had happened to him. He was now an object of more affectionate desire to the disciples, not only in consequence of his being saved, but by his sudden coming in upon them and straightway departing. Now, both his friends learn all clearly; and the aliens also learn, if they had a mind, but they had not. The same thing happened in the case of Christ. "Tell these things," he says, "to James, and to the brethren." How free from all vainglory! Nor did he say, Make known these things to people everywhere, but, "to the brethren. And he withdrew to another place:" for he did not tempt God, nor fling himself into temptation: since, when they were commanded to do this, then they did it. "Go," it was said, "speak in the temple to the people." But this the Angel said not here; on the contrary, by silently removing him and bringing him out by night, he gave him free permission to withdraw - and this too is done, that we may learn that many things are providentially brought about after the manner of men - so that he should not again fall into peril. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:16-17
For that they may not say, "It was his Angel," after he was gone, they say this first, and then they see himself overthrowing their notion of the matter. Had it been the Angel, he would have knocked at the door, would not have retired to another place. And what followed in the day, make them sure. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:16-17
But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 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 show these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:16-17
And he said, Tell James and the brethren. That they may rejoice: that they may not be anxious. Through these those learn, not those through him: such thought had he for the humbler part! — Homily on Acts 26
Atos 12:18-19
For if the Angel had brought out the soldiers also, along with Peter, it would have been thought a case of flight. Then why, you may ask, was it not otherwise managed? Why, where is the harm? Now, if we see that they who have suffered unjustly, take no harm, we shall not raise these questions. For why do you not say the same of James? Why did not God rescue him? "There was no small stir among the soldiers." So clearly had they perceived nothing of what had happened. Lo, I take up the plea in their defence. The chains were there, and the keepers within, and the prison shut, nowhere a wall broken through, all told the same tale: the man had been carried off: why dost thou condemn them? Had they wished to let him off, they would have done it before, or would have gone out with him. "But he gave them money?" And how should he, who had not to give even to a poor man, have the means to give to these? And then neither had the chains been broken, nor were they loosed. He ought to have seen, that the thing was of God, and no work of man. — Homily on Acts 27
Atos 12:18-19
Some persons, it is likely, are at a loss how to explain it, that God should quietly look on while His champions are put to death, and now again the soldiers on account of Peter: and yet it was possible for Him after delivering Peter to rescue them also. But it was not yet the time of judgment, so as to render to each according to his deserts. And besides, it was not Peter that put them into his hands. For the thing that most annoyed him was the being mocked; just as in the case of his grandfather when he was deceived by the wise men, that was what made him feel cut to the heart - the being eluded and made ridiculous. "And having put them to the question," it says, "he ordered them to be led away to execution." And yet he had heard from them - for he had put them to the question - both that the chains had been left, and that he had taken his sandals, and that until that night he was with them. — Homily on Acts 27
Atos 12:20-21
Why does he mention this history? Say, what has it to do with the Gospel, that Herod is incensed with the Tyrians and Sidonians? It is not a small matter, even this, how immediately justice seized him; although not because of Peter, but because of his arrogant speaking. "And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and there abode. And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon." He is now going to mention a matter of history: this is the reason why he adds the names, that it may be shown how he keeps to the truth in all things. "And," it says, "having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, they desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country." For probably there was a famine. I suppose it was also to bring those men of Tyre and Sidon to apologize, that he withdrew from Jerusalem: for with those he was incensed, while paying such court to these. See how vainglorious the man is: meaning to confer the boon upon them, he makes an harangue. But Josephus says, that he was also arrayed in a splendid robe made of silver. — Homily on Acts 27
Atos 12:22-23
And yet, it may be said, if those shouted, what is that to him? Because he accepted the acclamation, because he accounted himself to be worthy of the adoration. Through him those most receive a lesson, who so thoughtlessly flattered him. Observe again, while both parties deserve punishment, this man is punished. For this is not the time of judgment, but He punishes him that had most to answer for, leaving the others to profit by this man's fate. Observe both what flatterers those were, and what a high spirit was shown by the Apostles: the man whom the whole nation so courted, the same they held in contempt. — Homily on Acts 27
Atos 12:22-23
But if this man, because it was said to him, "It is the voice of God and not of a man" although he said nothing himself, suffered such things: much more should Christ, had He not Himself been God, have suffered for saying always as He did, "These words of mine are not Mine" and, "Angels minister to Me," and such like. But that man ended His life by a shameful and miserable death, and thenceforth no more is seen of him. And observe him also, easily talked over even by Blastus, like a poor creature, soon incensed and again pacified, and on all occasions a slave of the populace, with nothing free and independent about him. — Homily on Acts 27
Atos 12:24
"And the word of God," it says, "grew," i.e. in consequence of this, "and multiplied." Do you mark God's providential management? A great refreshing granted to them, and the numberless benefits accruing from the vengeance inflicted upon him. — Homily on Acts 27
Atos 12:25
"And the word of God," it says, "grew," i.e. in consequence of this, "and multiplied." Do you mark God's providential management? "But Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark." — Homily on Acts 27