Acts 5:19
But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
Original Language Analysis
ἄγγελος
the angel
G32
ἄγγελος
the angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
1 of 15
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
3 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
4 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἤνοιξεν
opened
G455
ἤνοιξεν
opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
7 of 15
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θύρας
doors
G2374
θύρας
doors
Strong's:
G2374
Word #:
9 of 15
a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φυλακῆς
the prison
G5438
φυλακῆς
the prison
Strong's:
G5438
Word #:
11 of 15
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
Cross References
Acts 16:26And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.Psalms 34:7The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.Acts 8:26And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.Acts 27:23For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;Psalms 146:7Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners:
Historical Context
Angelic prison rescue parallels Peter's later deliverance (Acts 12:6-10) and Paul's (Acts 16:26). These interventions demonstrated God's control over imprisonment. The angel's command to return to temple teaching showed boldness - immediate return to the site of arrest. 'Words of this life' (Greek 'rhēmata tēs zōēs tautēs') emphasized gospel's life-giving power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does miraculous deliverance serve gospel proclamation rather than personal comfort?
- What does the command to return immediately to temple teaching reveal about kingdom priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The miraculous deliverance - 'the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth' - demonstrates God's sovereign control. The Greek 'angelos kyriou' (angel of the Lord) may indicate Christ's pre-incarnate appearances or angelic messenger. The timing 'by night' avoided detection while the opened doors (Greek 'anoixas') showed supernatural power. The command 'Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life' turned deliverance toward mission - freedom served proclamation, not escape.