Acts 12:10

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

διελθόντες

G1330

they were past

to traverse (literally)

δὲ

G1161

When

but, and, etc

πρώτην

G4413

the first

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

φυλακὴν

G5438

ward

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δευτέραν

G1208

the second

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

ἦλθον

G2064

they came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐπὶ

G1909

unto

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

πύλην

G4439

gate

a gate, i.e., the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively)

#11

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

σιδηρᾶν

G4603

the iron

made of iron

#13

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

φέρουσαν

G5342

that leadeth

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

#15

εἰς

G1519

unto

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#16

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

πόλιν

G4172

the city

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

#18

ἥτις

G3748

which

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

#19

αὐτομάτη

G844

of his own accord

self-moved ("automatic"), i.e., spontaneous

#20

ἠνοίχθη

G455

opened

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

#21

αὐτοῦ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#22

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#23

ἐξελθόντες

G1831

they went out

to issue (literally or figuratively)

#24

προῆλθον

G4281

and passed on through

to go onward, precede (in place or time)

#25

ῥύμην

G4505

street

an alley or avenue (as crowded)

#26

μίαν

G1520

one

#27

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#28

εὐθέως

G2112

forthwith

directly, i.e., at once or soon

#29

ἀπέστη

G868

departed

to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc

#30

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#31

ἄγγελος

G32

the angel

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

#32

ἀπ'

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#33

αὐτοῦ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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