Peter Released from Prison by an Angel
An angel of the Lord wakes Peter in prison, opens chains and gates, and leads him to freedom.
Herod had killed James and arrested Peter, intending to bring him forth after Passover. The church prayed without ceasing. The night before his trial, an angel of the Lord struck Peter, his chains fell off, and the iron gate of the prison opened of its own accord.
The angel of the Lord
What Happened
Key KJV Scriptures
"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."
Spiritual Significance
Peter's deliverance shows that no chain, gate, or king can hold back God's purposes. The church's united prayer brings heaven down into impossible situations.
Lesson for Today
Pray earnestly and expectantly. The God who opened Peter's prison still answers His praying people.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did James die but Peter live?
Scripture does not say. Both were honored servants. God's sovereign timing for each life is wise, even when mysterious.
What happened to Herod?
Acts 12 ends with Herod struck by the angel of the Lord for accepting worship as a god, and he died of worms — judgment on his pride.
Where in the Bible is the miracle of Peter Released from Prison by an Angel?
The miracle of Peter Released from Prison by an Angel is recorded in Acts 12:7 (KJV), with additional references in Acts 12:11.
Related Bible Miracles
Daniel in the Lions' Den
God shut the mouths of lions to preserve Daniel for his faithful prayer.
The Fiery Furnace
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked unharmed through fire, joined by a fourth like the Son of God.
The Assyrian Army Destroyed by an Angel
The angel of the Lord smites 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, delivering Jerusalem.
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
The Angel of the LORD
The Angel of the LORD speaks as God, receives worship, and is widely understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.
Read moreBeelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreSatan, the Adversary
Satan is a created, fallen angel who accuses, tempts, and deceives — already defeated by Christ at the cross.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
Free KJV quizzes on Jesus' miracles and the supernatural acts of God in Scripture.
- Medium · 10 Qs
Peter the Apostle Quiz
The fisherman who became a fisher of men.
Start quiz - Medium · 10 Qs
1 Peter Quiz
A study of the first epistle of Peter, focusing on hope, suffering, and holiness.
Start quiz - Medium · 10 Qs
2 Peter Quiz
A scriptural journey through the warnings and promises of 2 Peter (KJV).
Start quiz
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Peter Released from Prison by an Angel
An angel of the Lord wakes Peter in prison, opens chains and gates, and leads hi
Daniel in the Lions' Den
God shut the mouths of lions to preserve Daniel for his faithful prayer.
Fallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now o
Angels of the Harvest — Reapers at the End of the World
At the end of the age, angels are God's reapers — gathering the righteous and se
Paul's Miracles & Deliverances Bible Quiz
Blinding light, prison doors, and survival at sea.
2 Peter 3:10 Commentary
In-depth study • End Times & Eternity