Acts 12:3
And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἰδὼν
because he saw
G1492
ἰδὼν
because he saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 16
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
it
G3754
ὅτι
it
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσέθετο
he proceeded further
G4369
προσέθετο
he proceeded further
Strong's:
G4369
Word #:
8 of 16
to place additionally, i.e., lay beside, annex, repeat
συλλαβεῖν
to take
G4815
συλλαβεῖν
to take
Strong's:
G4815
Word #:
9 of 16
to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Πέτρον
Peter
G4074
Πέτρον
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
11 of 16
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
ἡμέραι
the days
G2250
ἡμέραι
the days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
14 of 16
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
Cross References
Exodus 23:15Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)John 12:43For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.Acts 24:27But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.Acts 25:9But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?Acts 20:6And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.Galatians 1:10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Historical Context
This occurred circa AD 42-43 during Passover season. Herod's delay until after Passover may reflect reluctance to execute during the feast (avoiding defilement or riot) or desire to execute publicly after the feast for maximum effect.
Questions for Reflection
- How do political leaders sometimes use religious persecution to gain popular support?
- What irony exists in persecuting God's servants while observing religious festivals?
- Why do religious and political powers often unite against genuine Christianity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Seeing his persecution 'pleased the Jews,' Herod proceeded to arrest Peter during Passover. Political calculation drove his actions - currying favor through religious persecution. That this occurred during 'the days of unleavened bread' shows the irony: while celebrating deliverance from Egypt, Jews endorsed persecution of God's messengers. Herod intended to execute Peter after Passover (v.4). Reformed theology sees the world's alliance against Christ and His church (Psalm 2) - religious and political powers unite against the gospel despite claiming to serve God.