Acts 12:18
Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγένετο
as soon as it was
G1096
ἐγένετο
as soon as it was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἡμέρας
day
G2250
ἡμέρας
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
3 of 15
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ὀλίγος
small
G3641
ὀλίγος
small
Strong's:
G3641
Word #:
7 of 15
puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στρατιώταις
the soldiers
G4757
στρατιώταις
the soldiers
Strong's:
G4757
Word #:
10 of 15
a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
11 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἄρα
G686
ἄρα
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
12 of 15
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Forty years (Numbers 14:33-34) represents judgment generation dying off. Suffered their manners translates Greek: etropophore sen—meaning endured/tolerated their character or behavior. Alternate reading (tropophoreō) means carried/sustained like nurse. Both capture truth—God sustained while enduring rebellion. Paul's historical survey around 48 CE reminded hearers of their ancestors' persistent unfaithfulness, preparing contrast with God's faithfulness despite human rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's patience with rebellion demonstrate His character?
- What does wilderness period teach about grace amid judgment?
- In what ways does Israel's history warn against presuming on covenant privileges?
- Why emphasize ancestor's failures when preaching gospel?
- What does divine forbearance reveal about God's redemptive purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. The forty years' wilderness wandering, described as God suffering Israel's manners, emphasizes divine patience with rebellious people.