Book of Acts - Chapter 12 - Verse 4

This verse from the book of Acts describes the imprisonment of Peter by King Herod. After apprehending Peter, Herod placed him in prison and assigned four groups of soldiers to guard him, with four soldiers in each group. The term "quaternion" refers to a group of four individuals. This strict security measure was taken to prevent Peter's escape, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. It is mentioned that Herod planned to bring Peter forth to the people after the Passover, which is referred to as Easter in this translation. This event highlights the political climate of the time, where rulers like Herod wielded power over individuals like Peter, who were seen as threats to the status quo. Ultimately, this verse emphasizes the persecution faced by early Christians and the importance of faith in facing such challenges.

The theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Acts involves the consideration of the significance of certain keywords, such as "apprehended," "put him in prison," "Easter," and "quaternions of soldiers." The word "apprehended" refers to the arrest of Peter by King Herod. This event reflects the challenges faced by followers of Jesus in spreading the gospel message during a time of persecution. The phrase "put him in prison" underscores the imprisonment of Peter as a test of his faith and commitment to God. The mention of "Easter" in this verse has led to some debate among scholars, as the term used here is actually a mistranslation of the Greek word "pascha," which refers to the Passover. This highlights the importance of careful study and understanding of the original meaning of biblical texts. Additionally, the reference to "four quaternions of soldiers" emphasizes the extreme measures taken by Herod to ensure Peter's confinement. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early Christians and the need for faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.