Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Acts - Chapter 12 - Verse 9

12:9
And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

Meaning

When we look at this verse from the book of Acts, we see a powerful moment where the disciple Peter is called by an angel to follow him. However, Peter did not immediately recognize the truth of the situation. Instead, he believed he was experiencing a mere vision. This is a reminder of how our perception of reality can be clouded by our own preconceived notions and beliefs. In this instance, Peter's initial doubt did not stop him from ultimately following the angel's instructions. It serves as a lesson to us all to remain open-minded and receptive to the unexpected ways in which divine intervention may manifest in our lives. By staying humble and accepting that we may not always immediately understand the ways of the divine, we can learn to trust in the guidance that is being provided to us, even when it may seem like a mere vision at first.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse, "And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision," it is important to consider the context in which this event took place. This verse comes from the book of Acts, specifically describing the account of Peter being released from prison by an angel sent by God. The theological significance of this verse lies in the demonstration of God's miraculous power and intervention in the lives of His followers. Peter's initial disbelief, mistaking the angelic deliverance for a mere vision, highlights the human tendency to doubt the supernatural workings of God. Through this verse, believers are reminded of the importance of faith and trust in God's plans, even when they may seem beyond comprehension. Word studies on key terms such as "wist" and "vision" can further enrich our understanding of the depth and nuances of the biblical text, shedding light on the intricacies of language and communication in ancient times.

American Standard Version

And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision.
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