Acts 5:19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying,

◄ Acts 5:19 ►

New International Version
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.

New Living Translation
But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them,

English Standard Version
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,

Berean Standard Bible
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying,

Berean Literal Bible
But during the night an angel of the Lord, having opened the doors of the jail, having brought them out, also said,

King James Bible
But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

New King James Version
But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,

New American Standard Bible
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and leading them out, he said,

NASB 1995
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said,

NASB 1977
But an angel of the Lord during the night opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said,

Legacy Standard Bible
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, and taking them out, he said,

Amplified Bible
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, and leading them out, he said,

Christian Standard Bible
But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night, brought them out, and said,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night, brought them out, and said,”

American Standard Version
But an angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said,

Contemporary English Version
But that night an angel from the Lord opened the doors of the jail and led the apostles out. The angel said,

English Revised Version
But an angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But at night an angel from the Lord opened the doors to their cell and led them out of the prison.

Good News Translation
But that night an angel of the Lord opened the prison gates, led the apostles out, and said to them,

International Standard Version
But at night the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and led them out. The angel told them,

Majority Standard Bible
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying,

NET Bible
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said,

New Heart English Bible
But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out, and said,

Webster's Bible Translation
But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison-doors, and brought them forth, and said,

Weymouth New Testament
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,

World English Bible
But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out and said,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
but through the night a messenger of the LORD opened the doors of the prison, having also brought them forth, he said,

Berean Literal Bible
But during the night an angel of the Lord, having opened the doors of the jail, having brought them out, also said,

Young's Literal Translation
and a messenger of the Lord through the night opened the doors of the prison, having also brought them forth, he said,

Smith's Literal Translation
And a messenger of the Lord by night opened the doors of the prison, and having brought them forth, said,

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But an angel of the Lord by night opening the doors of the prison, and leading them out, said:

Catholic Public Domain Version
But in the night, an Angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison and led them out, saying,

New American Bible
But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said,

New Revised Standard Version
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, brought them out, and said,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But during the night, the angel of the LORD opened the door of the prison and brought them forth and said to them,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Then in the night The Angel of THE LORD JEHOVAH opened the door of the prison and brought them out, and he said to them:

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison by night, and brought them out, and said:

Godbey New Testament
And the angel of the Lord, having opened the doors of the prison during the night, and leading them out said,

Haweis New Testament
But the angel of the Lord by night opened the doors of the prison, and conducting them forth, said,

Mace New Testament
but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them,

Weymouth New Testament
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,

Worrell New Testament
But an angel of the Lord, by night, opened the prison doors; and, having led them out, said,

Worsley New Testament
But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison by night, and having brought them out said,

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Apostles Arrested and Freed
…18and arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, 20“Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Acts 12:7-10
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists. / “Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel. Peter did so, and the angel told him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” / So Peter followed him out, but he was unaware that what the angel was doing was real. He thought he was only seeing a vision. ...

Acts 16:25-26
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. / Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.

Daniel 6:22
My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.

Matthew 28:2-4
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it. / His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. / The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.

Acts 12:11
Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.”

Acts 4:31
After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Luke 4:10
For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard You carefully,

Hebrews 1:14
Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Genesis 19:15-16
At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.” / But when Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters. And they led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them.

Exodus 14:19
And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them,

2 Kings 6:17
Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Psalm 91:11
For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

Matthew 1:20
But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:11-13
Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. / When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear. / But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.

Treasury of Scripture

But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

Acts 12:7-11
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands…

Acts 16:26
And 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.

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

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Acts 5

1. After that Ananias and Sapphira his wife,
3. at Peter's rebuke had fallen down dead;
12. and that the rest of the apostles had wrought many miracles;
14. to the increase of the faith;
17. the apostles are again imprisoned;
19. but delivered by an angel bidding them preach openly to all;
21. when, after their teaching accordingly in the temple,
29. and before the council,
33. they are in danger to be killed;
34. but through the advice of Gamaliel, they are kept alive, and are only beaten;
41. for which they glorify God, and cease no day from preaching.

Berean Study Bible

But during the night
The phrase "But during the night" sets the stage for a divine intervention that occurs under the cover of darkness. In biblical literature, night often symbolizes a time of trial or testing, yet it is also a time when God’s power is most vividly displayed. The Greek word for "night" (νύξ, nux) can imply a period of spiritual darkness or ignorance, but here it is transformed into a moment of divine revelation and action. This highlights the sovereignty of God, who works beyond human constraints and expectations, often choosing the most unexpected times to manifest His will.

an angel of the Lord
The term "an angel of the Lord" signifies a messenger sent directly from God. In the Greek, "angel" (ἄγγελος, angelos) means "messenger." Throughout Scripture, angels are depicted as divine agents who execute God’s commands, protect His people, and deliver His messages. The presence of an angel underscores the importance of the apostles' mission and the divine endorsement of their ministry. This intervention is a reminder of the spiritual realm's active involvement in earthly affairs, affirming that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted by human opposition.

opened the doors of the jail
"Opened the doors of the jail" is a powerful image of liberation and divine authority. The Greek word for "opened" (ἤνοιξεν, ēnoixen) suggests an action that is both physical and symbolic. In a historical context, jails were secure and formidable, representing the power of human authority and control. However, the angel’s ability to open these doors without resistance illustrates God’s supreme power over earthly institutions. This act of opening is not just a physical release but also a metaphor for spiritual freedom, emphasizing that no earthly power can imprison the truth of the Gospel.

and brought them out
The phrase "and brought them out" completes the miraculous deliverance. The Greek verb "brought" (ἐξήγαγεν, exēgagen) implies guidance and leadership, suggesting that the apostles were not merely set free but were led with purpose. This act of bringing out is reminiscent of God leading the Israelites out of Egypt, symbolizing a new exodus and a call to continue their mission. It serves as an encouragement to believers that God not only liberates but also directs and empowers His people to fulfill His divine purposes. This divine guidance reassures Christians that God is actively involved in their lives, leading them through trials and into His plans for them.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(19) But the angel of the Lord.--Better, an angel. The fact is obviously recorded by St. Luke as supernatural. Those who do not accept that view of it, and yet wish to maintain the general historical character of the narrative, are driven to the hypothesis that the "angel" was some jealous and courageous disciple; and that the Apostle, in the darkness of the night and the excitement of his liberation, ascribed his rescue to the intervention of an angel. Acts 12:7 may be noted as another instance of a like interposition. It has sometimes been urged, with something of a sneer, what was the use of such a deliverance as this, when the Apostles were again arrested on the very next day. The answer to such a question is not far to seek. (1) The marvellous deliverance was a sign, not without its influence on the subsequent decision of the Council, and on the courage of the two Apostles. (2) It was no small boon for them to be delivered even for a few hours from the vile companionship to which they had been condemned.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 19. - An angel for the angel, A.V.; out for forth, A.V. An angel, etc. The phrase is a translation of the Old Testament phrase מַלְאַך יְהוָה. But in Hebrew it is impossible to insert the definite article before יְהוָה, and therefore the phrase is properly rendered, "the angel of the Lord." In the passage before us and other similar passages, Κύριος seems to stand for יְוָה, and therefore the rendering of the A.V. would seem to be right, in spite of what is said by eminent grammarians to the contrary. Compare, too, the phrases ὁδὸν εἰρήνηνς (Luke 1:19); ῤῆμα Θεοῦ (Luke 3:2); φωνὴ βοῶντος (Luke 3:4); and see especially Luke 2:9, where, ἄγγελος Κυρίου ("the angel of the Lord,) and δόξα Κυρίου ("the glory of the Lord") stand in parallel clauses. The R.V. inconsistently renders the first "an angel," and the second" the glory." In like manner φωνὴ Κυρίου (Acts 7:31) is "the voice of the Lord;" and in Psalm 29. (28, Septuagint) 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, the LXX. have uniformly φωνὴ Κυρίου for קול יְהוָה (see Acts 8:26, note). Out (comp. Acts 12:7, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

during
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the night
νυκτὸς (nyktos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3571: The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'.

an angel
Ἄγγελος (Angelos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 32: From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.

of [the] Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

opened
ἤνοιξε (ēnoixe)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 455: To open. From ana and oigo; to open up.

the
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

doors
θύρας (thyras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2374: (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance.

of 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.

jail
φυλακῆς (phylakēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5438: From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.

[and] brought them out,
ἐξαγαγών (exagagōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1806: To lead out, sometimes to death, execution. From ek and ago; to lead forth.

saying,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

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NT Apostles: Acts 5:19 But an angel of the Lord opened (Acts of the Apostles Ac)