In the context of the New Testament, a "Quaternion of Soldiers" refers to a group of four soldiers assigned to guard a prisoner. This term is specifically mentioned in the Book of Acts, where it describes the Roman military practice of ensuring the secure custody of prisoners, particularly those considered significant or potentially troublesome.

Biblical Reference:

The term "quaternion" is found in Acts 12:4, which details the imprisonment of the Apostle Peter by King Herod Agrippa I. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows:

"When he had seized him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover."

In this passage, the "four squads of four soldiers each" indicates that Peter was guarded by a total of sixteen soldiers, divided into four groups or quaternions. This arrangement was likely intended to ensure maximum security, with each quaternion taking turns to guard the prisoner in shifts, thus maintaining constant vigilance.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Roman military was known for its discipline and organization, and the use of quaternions was a standard practice for guarding important prisoners. Each quaternion would typically consist of four soldiers, with two soldiers chained to the prisoner and two standing guard outside the cell. This method minimized the risk of escape or rescue attempts, as the soldiers were rotated regularly to remain alert.

The use of such a substantial guard for Peter underscores the perceived threat he posed to Herod and the Jewish authorities. Peter's leadership role in the early Christian church and his miraculous escape from prison, as recounted later in Acts 12, highlight the divine intervention and protection experienced by the apostles.

Theological Significance:

The account of Peter's imprisonment and the quaternion of soldiers serves as a testament to the power of God to deliver His servants from seemingly impossible situations. Despite the formidable Roman guard, Peter's escape was facilitated by an angel of the Lord, demonstrating that no human force can thwart God's purposes.

This narrative also reflects the early church's challenges and the persecution faced by its leaders. The miraculous nature of Peter's release would have served to strengthen the faith of the early Christians and affirm the sovereignty of God over earthly authorities.

Application for Believers:

For contemporary believers, the account of the quaternion of soldiers and Peter's subsequent release is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to intervene in dire circumstances. It encourages Christians to trust in God's protection and deliverance, even when faced with overwhelming odds. The account also serves as an inspiration to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God's plans will ultimately prevail.Quaternion of Soldiers

A detachment or division consisting of four men, Acts 12:4. The Romans detached a quarternion of four men for a night guard and divided the night into four watches, so that each soldier should in his turn be on guard three hours. (See HOURS.)

When therefore Herod, who adopted the Roman customs, is said to have delivered Peter to four quaternions of soldiers, it is to be understood that he was guarded by four men at a time, namely, two in the prison with him, and two before the doors, and that they were relieved every three hours by four others; making in all sixteen men.

5069. tetradion -- a group of four, a quaternion (a guard of four ...
... Word Origin from tessares Definition a group of four, a quaternion (a guard of four
soldiers) NASB Word Usage squads (1). quaternion, squad of four soldiers. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5069.htm - 6k

On the Creation of the World
... The man Christ Jesus, the originator of these things whereof we have above spoken,
was taken prisoner by wicked hands, by a quaternion of soldiers. ...
/.../victorinus/on the creation of the world/on the creation of the.htm

The Martyrdom
... In two days Secundus and Cythegius, with their quaternion of soldiers, arrived,
and issued the surly order that next morning the journey to Pityus must be begun ...
/.../chapter lxviii the martyrdom.htm

The Delays of Love
... time to lace them. There is no fear of the quaternion of soldiers waking,
or of there not being time to do all. We can fancy the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the delays of love.htm

The Crucifixion.
... therefore, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts,
to every soldier a part [A quaternion or band of four soldiers did the work of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxiii the crucifixion 2.htm

Of the Lord's Passion, and that it was Foretold.
... reflections scarlet.]. [740] The quaternion of Roman soldiers who carried
out the execution. [741] De tunic?� et pallio. The "tunica ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xviii of the lords passion.htm

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ...
... We read [2990] that the quaternion of soldiers who crucified Christ made division
of the riches of His poverty, taking each one part of His dress, while for ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvi the healing of.htm

The Groups Round the Cross
... Though many more soldiers were probably present on this occasion, the actual details
of fixing ... and so forth, in the case of Jesus, fell to a quaternion of them ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xiii the groups round.htm

Of the Fourth Seal.
... when Gallienus was admitted into Byzantium, he killed all the soldiers, while unarmed ...
the tetarton tes ges is the tetradion, that is, the quaternion, or four ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the fourth seal.htm

Acts XII
... The four quaternions of soldiers who guarded Peter consisted of sixteen
men, each quaternion consisting of four. It was enough to ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xii.htm

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