Acts 12:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 30
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
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειρὶ
with the hand
G5495
χειρὶ
with the hand
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
5 of 30
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
σιγᾶν
to hold their peace
G4601
σιγᾶν
to hold their peace
Strong's:
G4601
Word #:
6 of 30
to keep silent (transitively or intransitively)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 30
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
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
9 of 30
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
11 of 30
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 30
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
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
14 of 30
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φυλακῆς
the prison
G5438
φυλακῆς
the prison
Strong's:
G5438
Word #:
16 of 30
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
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοῖς
to the brethren
G80
ἀδελφοῖς
to the brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
23 of 30
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπορεύθη
and went
G4198
ἐπορεύθη
and went
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
27 of 30
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
Cross References
Acts 21:40And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,Acts 19:33And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.Acts 13:16Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.Acts 21:18And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.Acts 15:13And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:Galatians 2:12For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.Galatians 1:19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.Galatians 2:9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.1 Corinthians 15:7After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.Matthew 10:23But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Historical Context
This opening around 48 CE echoes Stephen's Acts 7 sermon—rehearsing redemptive history. Chose our fathers emphasizes election. Exalted the people during Egyptian sojourn recalls Joseph's story. High arm metaphor depicts powerful deliverance. Paul grounded gospel in Israel's known history, showing Jesus as culmination of God's long redemptive plan. This approach resonated with synagogue audiences steeped in Torah.
Questions for Reflection
- Why begin gospel presentation with redemptive history rather than jumping to Jesus?
- What does emphasizing God's choosing teach about salvation's nature?
- How does Exodus typology illuminate Christ's greater deliverance?
- In what ways does historical foundation strengthen gospel proclamation?
- What role does election theology play in understanding salvation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it. Paul's sermon beginning with Exodus establishes God's initiative, sovereign choice, and redemptive pattern foundational for explaining Jesus.