Acts 12:1
New International Version
It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them.

New Living Translation
About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church.

English Standard Version
About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.

Berean Standard Bible
About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church.

Berean Literal Bible
Now at that time, Herod the king put forth the hands to mistreat some of those of the church.

King James Bible
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

New King James Version
Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church.

New American Standard Bible
Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, to do them harm.

NASB 1995
Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to mistreat them.

NASB 1977
Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, in order to mistreat them.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to harm them.

Amplified Bible
Now at that time Herod [Agrippa I] the king [of the Jews] arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to harm them.

Christian Standard Bible
About that time King Herod violently attacked some who belonged to the church,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
About that time King Herod cruelly attacked some who belonged to the church,

American Standard Version
Now about that time Herod the king put forth his hands to afflict certain of the church.

Contemporary English Version
At that time King Herod caused terrible suffering for some members of the church.

English Revised Version
Now about that time Herod the king put forth his hands to afflict certain of the church.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
About that time King Herod devoted his attention to mistreating certain members of the church.

Good News Translation
About this time King Herod began to persecute some members of the church.

International Standard Version
About that time, Herod arrested some people who belonged to the church and mistreated them.

Majority Standard Bible
About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church.

NET Bible
About that time King Herod laid hands on some from the church to harm them.

New Heart English Bible
Now about that time, Herod the king stretched out his hands to oppress some of the church.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now about that time, Herod the king stretched forth his hands to afflict certain of the church.

Weymouth New Testament
Now, about that time, King Herod arrested certain members of the Church, in order to ill-treat them;

World English Bible
Now about that time, King Herod stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And about that time, Herod the king put forth his hands to do evil to certain of those of the Assembly,

Berean Literal Bible
Now at that time, Herod the king put forth the hands to mistreat some of those of the church.

Young's Literal Translation
And about that time, Herod the king put forth his hands, to do evil to certain of those of the assembly,

Smith's Literal Translation
And at that time Herod the king laid hands upon to injure certain of the church.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
AND at the same time, Herod the king stretched forth his hands, to afflict some of the church.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now at the same time, king Herod extended his hand, in order to afflict some from the Church.

New American Bible
About that time King Herod laid hands upon some members of the church to harm them.

New Revised Standard Version
About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
NOW at that very time Herod the king surnamed A-grip’pa seized some of the people of the church to oppress them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But at that time, King Herodus, who was surnamed Agrippa, was laying hands on the people who were in the churches, to do evil to them.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
At that time Herod the king undertook to afflict some of the church.

Godbey New Testament
But at this time king Herod reached forth his hands to persecute some of those from the church.

Haweis New Testament
NOW at that time Herod the king stretched forth his hand to treat cruelly certain persons belonging to the church.

Mace New Testament
About that time, king Herod Agrippa began to persecute some of the church.

Weymouth New Testament
Now, about that time, King Herod arrested certain members of the Church, in order to ill-treat them;

Worrell New Testament
Now about that time Herod the king put forth his bands to harm some of the assembly.

Worsley New Testament
About that time Herod the king exerted his power to distress some of the church.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
James Killed, Peter Imprisoned
1 About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church. 2He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.…

Cross References
Matthew 2:16
When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi.

Matthew 14:1-12
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus / and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” / Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, ...

Mark 6:14-29
Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” / Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” / But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!” ...

Luke 3:19-20
But when he rebuked Herod the tetrarch regarding his brother’s wife Herodias and all the evils he had done, / Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.

Luke 13:31-32
At that very hour, some Pharisees came to Jesus and told Him, “Leave this place and get away, because Herod wants to kill You.” / But Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’

John 11:47-53
Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” / But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ...

John 18:12-14
Then the band of soldiers, with its commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him. / They brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. / Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be better if one man died for the people.

John 19:12-16
From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ...

Acts 4:1-3
While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, / greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. / They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day.

Acts 5:17-18
Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They went out / and arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.

Acts 7:54-60
On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him. / But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. / “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” ...

Acts 8:1-3
And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. / God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. / But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

Acts 9:1-2
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest / and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

Acts 22:4-5
I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison, / as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way to apprehend these people and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished.

2 Corinthians 11:24-25
Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. / Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.


Treasury of Scripture

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

Cir.

Acts 4:30
By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

Acts 9:31
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Luke 22:53
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

to vex.

Matthew 10:17,18
But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; …

Matthew 24:9
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

John 15:20
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

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Afflict Arrested Assembly Attacks Belonged Christians Church Cruel Evil Forth Hands Herod Hurt Ill-Treat Intending Laid Members Mistreat Oppress Order Persecute Stretched Time Vex Violent
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Afflict Arrested Assembly Attacks Belonged Christians Church Cruel Evil Forth Hands Herod Hurt Ill-Treat Intending Laid Members Mistreat Oppress Order Persecute Stretched Time Vex Violent
Acts 12
1. King Herod persecutes the Christians, kills James, and imprisons Peter;
6. whom an angel delivers upon the prayers of the church.
20. Herod in his pride taking to himself the honor due to God,
23. is stricken by an angel, and dies miserably.
24. After his death, the word of God prospers.
25. Saul and Barnabas return to Antioch.














About that time
This phrase sets the chronological context for the events described in Acts 12. The "time" refers to a period of growing tension and persecution against the early Christian church. Historically, this was around AD 44, during the reign of Herod Agrippa I. Understanding the timing is crucial as it was a period when the church was expanding rapidly, and opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities was intensifying. The phrase reminds us that God's work often faces opposition, yet His timing is perfect, and His purposes prevail despite human resistance.

King Herod
This refers to Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great. Herod Agrippa I was known for his political acumen and his efforts to gain favor with the Jewish population by observing Jewish laws and traditions. His rule is well-documented in historical sources such as the writings of Josephus. Herod's actions against the church were likely motivated by a desire to maintain political stability and curry favor with Jewish leaders who opposed the Christian movement. This highlights the recurring theme in Scripture of earthly rulers opposing God's people, yet ultimately serving His divine purposes.

reached out to harm
The Greek word used here is "ἐπέβαλεν" (epebalen), which conveys the idea of laying hands upon or attacking. Herod's actions were deliberate and aggressive, indicating a direct assault on the church. This phrase underscores the reality of persecution faced by early Christians and serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers are engaged in. Despite such opposition, the church has historically grown and thrived, demonstrating the resilience and power of the Gospel.

some who belonged to the church
This phrase identifies the target of Herod's aggression: members of the early Christian community. The church, or "ἐκκλησία" (ekklesia) in Greek, refers to the assembly of believers who followed the teachings of Jesus Christ. The early church was characterized by its devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). Herod's targeting of the church illustrates the threat that the spread of Christianity posed to established religious and political systems. It also highlights the unity and identity of believers as part of the body of Christ, who are called to stand firm in the face of persecution.

XII.

(1) Herod the king.--The previous life of this prince had been full of strange vicissitudes. The son of Aristobulus and Bernice, grandson of Herod the Great, brother of the Herodias who appears in the Gospel history, named after the statesman who was the chief minister of Augustus, he had been sent, after his father had fallen a victim (B.C. 6) to his grandfather's suspicions, to Rome, partly, perhaps, as a hostage, partly to be out of the way of Palestine intrigues. There he had grown up on terms of intimacy with the prince afterwards known as Caligula. On the marriage of Herod Antipas with his sister, he was made the ruler of Tiberias, but soon quarrelled with the Tetrarch and went to Rome, and falling under the displeasure of Tiberius, as having rashly given utterance to a wish for the succession of Caligula, was imprisoned by him and remained in confinement till the death of that emperor. When Caligula came to the throne, he loaded his friend with honours, gave him the tetrarchies first of Philip, and then that of Lysanias (Luke 3:1), and conferred on him the title of King. Antipas, prompted by Herodias, came to Rome to claim a like honour for himself, but fell under the emperor's displeasure, and was banished to Lugdunum in Gaul, whither his wife accompanied him. His tetrarchy also was conferred on Agrippa. Coins are extant, minted at Caesarea, and bearing inscriptions in which he is styled the Great King, with the epithets sometimes of Philo-Caesar, sometimes of Philo-Claudios. At the time when Caligula's insanity took the form of a resolve to place his statue in the Temple at Jerusalem, Agrippa rendered an essential service to his people, by using all his influence to deter the emperor from carrying his purpose into execution, and, backed as he was by Petronius, the Governor of Syria, was at last successful. On the death of Caligula, Claudius, whose claims to the empire he had supported, confirmed him in his kingdom. When he came to Judaea, he presented himself to the people in the character of a devout worshipper, and gained their favour by attaching himself to the companies of Nazarites (as we find St. Paul doing in Acts 21:26) when they came to the Temple to offer sacrifices on the completion of their vows (Jos. Ant. xix. 7, ? 3). It would seem that he found a strong popular excitement against the believers in Christ, caused probably by the new step which had recently been taken in the admission of the Gentiles, and fomented by the Sadducean priesthood, and it seemed to him politic to gain the favour of both priests and people, by making himself the instrument of their jealousy.

Verse 1. - Put for stretched, A.V.; afflict for vex, A.V. The phrase, About that time, as in Acts 19:23, points to what had just before been related (Meyer). The interposition of the narrative in this chapter between Acts 11:20 and Acts 12:25 evidently implies that the bulk or rather the chief of the events narrated happened in the interval. Which of the events was the chief in the mind of the narrator with reference to his general narrative, and what are the coincidences which he wished to note, it is not easy to say with certainty. The narrative in this chapter doubtless overlaps at both ends the embassy of Paul and Barnabas, but perhaps the object was to show the harassed state of the Church from famine and persecution at the time that Paul and Barnabas were at Jerusalem. Herod the king here mentioned is Herod Agrippa I., grandson of Herod the Great, and son of Aristobulus and Bernice. During the reign of Tiberius he resided at Rome, in alternate favor and disgrace, sometimes banished, sometimes a prisoner, sometimes a guest at the imperial court. He was a great friend of Caius Caesar Caligula, and, on his succeeding to the empire on the death of Tiberius, was promoted by him to the tetrarchy of Herod Philip, with the title of king. He was further advanced three years afterwards to the tetrarchy of Herod Antipas; and, on the accession of Claudius to the throne, Judaea and Samaria were added to his dominions, which now comprised the whole kingdom of his grandfather, Herod the Great. Agrippa, in spite of his close intimacy with Drusus, Caligula, Claudius, and other Roman magnates, was "exactly careful in the observance of the laws of his country, not allowing a day to pass without its appointed sacrifice;" and he had given proof of his strong Jewish feeling by interposing his whole influence with Caligula to prevent his statue being placed in the holy of holies. This spirit accounts for his enmity against the Church. He was a man of very expensive and luxurious habits, but not without some great qualities.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
About
Κατ’ (Kat’)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

that
ἐκεῖνον (ekeinon)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1565: That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.

time,
καιρὸν (kairon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2540: Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.

King
βασιλεὺς (basileus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

Herod
Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2264: Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings.

reached out
ἐπέβαλεν (epebalen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1911: From epi and ballo; to throw upon; specially to reflect; impersonally, to belong to.

to inflict harm on
κακῶσαί (kakōsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2559: To treat badly, afflict, embitter, make angry. From kakos; to injure; figuratively, to exasperate.

some
τινας (tinas)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

who
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

belonged to
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

church.
ἐκκλησίας (ekklēsias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.


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NT Apostles: Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 11:30
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