34 Bible Verses about Prisoners

And before he had done speaking, Judas one of the twelve appear'd, with a numerous retinue, arm'd with swords and staves, being sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. now he that was to betray him, gave them this signal, the person I shall kiss, is the very man, be sure to secure him. and immediately advancing to Jesus, he said, master, I salute you, and kissed him. read more.
Jesus said to him, friend, what are you come about? when the others advancing, seized upon Jesus, and secur'd him. At which, one of Jesus's company laying his hand upon his sword, drew it, and striking at a servant of the high priest's, took off his ear. but Jesus said to him, put up your sword in its place: for all that take to the sword, shall perish by the sword. do you think my father, if I should now desire it of him, would not instantly send me more than twelve legions of angels? but how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, which say, that thus it must happen? At the same time Jesus said to the company, you come to apprehend me with swords and clubs, as if in pursuit of a robber; I was every day with you teaching in the temple, and ye did not then seize upon me. but all this was to be done, in pursuance of what the prophets had predicted. then all the disciples abandon'd him, and fled. And they that had apprehended Jesus, led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the Scribes and the senators were assembled. but Peter followed him at a distance to the high priest's palace, and going in, he sat with the officers to see the event. Now the chief priests, the senators and the whole council, endeavour'd to get false evidence against Jesus, that he might be condemn'd to die. but they found none: and though many false witnesses came, it was not found sufficient. at last there came two false witnesses, who charg'd him with saying, "I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days." and the high priest arose, and said to him, have you nothing in answer to that charge they bring against you? but Jesus made no reply. and the high priest said to him, I conjure thee by the living God, to tell us, are you the Christ the son of God? Jesus reply'd, I am: moreover I declare to you, within a while ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of God, and coming on the clouds of heaven. then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, he has spoke blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? you yourselves have now heard his blasphemy. what is your opinion? they reply'd, he deserves to die. then they spit in his face, some beat him on the head, others slapt him on the cheeks, crying now Christ divine, who 't is that struck you? In the mean time Peter was sitting without in the court: and a servant maid came to him, and said, you likewise was one of Jesus the Galilean's comrades. but he denied it before them all, saying, I know nothing of the matter. and when he was going out at the porch, another maid saw him, and said to those that were by, this fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. but he denied it again, and swore I don't know the man. soon after they that stood by coming up, said to Peter, certainly you are one of them, for thy speech bewrays thee. then he fell to solemn imprecations, and swore, "I don't know the man." and immediately the cock crew: when Peter remembred what Jesus had said to him, "before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." and he went out, and wept bitterly.

All of a sudden, while he was yet speaking, appear'd Judas, one of the twelve, attended by a great number of people with swords and clubs, who were sent by the chief priests, the Scribes, and rulers. now he that betrayed him, had given them this signal, you will see me salute one with a kiss, that's he: seize him, and don't let him escape. then advancing, he went directly up to him, saying, master, master, and kissed him. read more.
and they violently laid hands on him and secured him. but one of those that stood by, drew his sword against a servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear. but Jesus addressing himself to them, said, why do you come with swords and clubs against me, as if you were to apprehend some robber? I was daily among you, teaching in the temple, and you did not then seize upon me. but the scriptures are thereby accomplished. then all his disciples abandon'd him and fled. But a certain youth, that was stript to his inmost vest, followed him, and was seized by the soldiers. but he slipt from his vest, and fled away naked. Jesus they led away to the high priest's, where all the chief priests, the rulers and Scribes, were assembled. Peter followed at a distance, even into the palace of the high priest: where he sat down among the servants to warm himself at the fire. Now the chief priests, and the whole council endeavour'd to get evidence against Jesus, to condemn him to die; but they found none. there were indeed several, who depos'd what was false against him: besides, what they deposed was insufficient. at last there appear'd some, who gave in false evidence against him, saying, we heard him say, "I will pull down this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands." but neither did this evidence appear sufficient. then the high priest rising up in the midst of the assembly, ask'd Jesus, saying, have you nothing to plead for your self? what say you to the evidence they give against you? but Jesus remain'd silent, and gave no answer. then the high priest asked him again, and said to him, art thou the Christ, the son of the most High? and Jesus answered, I AM. and ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. then the high priest rent his robes, and said to the council, what occasion is there for any more witnesses? you have heard the blasphemy, what is your opinion? and they all pronounc'd, that he deserved to die. then some began to spit on him, others cover'd his face and struck him on the head, crying out, divine, who it is. and the domestics slapt him on the cheeks. In the mean time Peter was in the entry of the hall, where one of the maids belonging to the high priest came: and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked earnestly upon him, and said, you too was with Jesus the Nazarene. but he denied it, saying, I don't know him, neither am I acquainted with any such you mention. and he went out into the porch, when the cock crow'd. the maid saw him a second time, and said to the standers-by, this is one of them: but he denied it again. a little time after, they that stood by, still urg'd Peter, saying, you are certainly one of his disciples, for your speech shows you to be a Galilean. but he fell a cursing, and swore, I don't know the man you mention, and the cock crowed for the second time. then Peter calling to mind that expression of Jesus, "before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice," he cover'd his head and wept.

Before he had done speaking, the company appears, Judas one of the twelve marching in front, who advanc'd to Jesus to give him a kiss. but Jesus said to him, Judas is it thus you betray the son of man, with a kiss? they who were about him seeing what would happen, said to him, shall we smite with the sword? read more.
and one of them struck a servant of the high priest, and slash'd off his right ear. but Jesus oppos'd, and said, forbear, stop there. and having touch'd his ear, he healed him. then said Jesus to the chief priests, the officers of the temple, and the rulers, who were come to take him, are you come here with swords and staves as in pursuit of a robber? I was daily with you in the temple, and you never offer'd to seize me: but now you have your hour, and the prince of darkness his day. Then they seized him and carried him away to the high priest's house, and Peter followed at a distance. now as they had made a fire in the middle of the hall, and people were sitting all round it, Peter too sat down among them. but one of the servants seeing him by the fire, star'd him in the face, and said, this man was with him too. but he renounc'd Jesus, saying, woman, I don't know him. a little while after another seeing him, said, you are even one of them. but Peter said to him, man, I am not. about an hour after another confidently affirm'd, saying, this fellow was certainly with him; for he too is a Galilean. Peter reply'd, man, I don't know what you would say, and immediately while he was yet speaking, the cock crew. whereupon the Lord turned about, and look'd upon Peter. then Peter remembred what the Lord had said to him, "before the cock-crowing you shall deny me thrice." and Peter went out, and wept bitterly. In the mean time, they who held Jesus, treated him with insults and buffoonry. they made him blind-fold, they slapt him on the face, and cry'd out, divine who it was that smote thee. and besides all this, they loaded him with the most impious invectives. As soon as it was day, the rulers of the people, the chief priests and the Scribes being assembled, they order'd him to be brought before their council, and said to him, if you are the Christ, say so. but he answer'd, if I should tell you so, you will not believe it. and if I should argue it with you, you will neither answer me, nor let me go. but in a little time the son of man shall be seated on the powerful right hand of God. then said they all, art thou then the son of God? you are in the right, answer'd he, for I am so. upon this they cry'd, what occasion have we for further evidence? for we ourselves have heard enough from his own mouth.

Judas then having got a company of soldiers, and officers, by order of the chief priests and Pharisees, came thither with lanterns, torches, and with arms. but Jesus who knew every thing that should happen to him, advanc'd, and said to them, who do you look for? they answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. I am he, said Jesus. and Judas who was to betray him, was also with them. read more.
upon Jesus his saying to them, I am he, they fell backward to the ground. then he asked them again, who do you look for? and they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he. "if therefore it is me you look for, let these go their way." so that what he said was accomplished, "of those which thou gavest me, have I lost none." but Simon Peter drew his sword, and struck off the right ear of Malchus, a servant belonging to the high priest. then said Jesus to Peter, sheath thy sword: the cup which my father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Then the soldiers, the captain, and the officers of the Jews seized on Jesus, and having bound him, they brought him first to Annas; for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was the high priest at that time: the same Caiaphas, who in council told the Jews, "it was expedient that one man should die for the people." Simon Peter followed Jesus, with another disciple, who being known to the high priest, was admitted into his palace at the same time with Jesus, whilst Peter stood without at the door. but that other disciple, who was known to the high priest went out, and spoke to her that kept the door, who let Peter in. then said the damsel, that kept the door, to Peter, are you also one of this man's disciples? I am not, said he. now the servants and officers that were there, had made a coal-fire, for it was cold, to warm themselves: and Peter stood warming himself among them. In the mean time, the high priest having question'd Jesus about his disciples, and his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spoke openly to the world; I was continually teaching in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither all the Jews resort, and in secret have I said nothing. why do you question me? ask those who heard me, what discourse I had with them: they know very well what I said. Upon his expressing himself thus, one of the officers there present, struck Jesus on the face, saying, answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus replied, if I have said any thing injurious, show then wherein; but if I said right, why do you smite me? now Annas had sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. as Simon Peter then stood there warming himself: they said to him, art not thou also one of his disciples? which he denied, and said, I am not. one of the servants of the high priest, kinsman to him whose ear Peter struck off, said, did not I see thee in the garden with him? but Peter denied this too, and immediately the cock crew. Then they led Jesus early in the morning from Caiaphas, to the Pretorium: but the Jews themselves did not enter into the Pretorium, lest they should be defiled: and so not be in a condition to eat the passover. Pilate therefore went out to them, and said, what crime do you object to this man? they answered him, if he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him to you. Pilate then said to them, take him your selves, and judge him according to your law. but the Jews said to him, it is not lawful for us to put any man to death. so that what Jesus had said, to signify the death he should die, was actually accomplished. Then Pilate entred into the Pretorium, and addressing himself to Jesus, said to him, are not you the king of the Jews? Jesus answered him, is it your opinion that I am, or did others give it you as theirs? Pilate answered, am I a Jew? your own nation, and the chief priests have delivered thee up to me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, my kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, I should have had my guards to prevent my falling into the hands of the Jews: whereas my kingdom is of another nature. upon this Pilate said to him, you are then a king? Jesus answered, you say right, for I am a king. to this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, to persuade mankind of the truth. every one that loves truth is observant of my directions. what is truth? said Pilate. and upon saying this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, I don't find he is guilty of any crime. but as it is customary with you to get me to discharge some prisoner at the time of the passover, would you have me release the king of the Jews? upon which they all cried out again: not him, but Barabbas. now Barabbas was a robber.

from imprisonments, from tumults, from labours, from watchings, from penury.

after they had been severely lash'd, they were thrown into prison, the jayler being charg'd to keep them safe.

at the same time of night he washed their stripes, and immediately he was baptized, he, and all that belong'd to him.

Pilate therefore willing to humour the people, released to them Barabbas, and having caused Jesus to be scourg'd, he deliver'd him to be crucified.

Then he released to them Barabbas: but he order'd Jesus to be scourged, and delivered up to be crucified.

her masters finding they had lost such a prospect of gain, seized upon Paul and Silas, and hawl'd them to the publick place before the magistrates. having presented them to the Officers, they said, these men, who are Jews, raise great disorders in our city, and preach such maxims, as it is not lawful for Romans, as we are, to admit or practise. read more.
upon this the populace rose upon them, and the Officers order'd them to be stript and scourg'd. after they had been severely lash'd, they were thrown into prison, the jayler being charg'd to keep them safe. in consequence of this order he thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. At midnight Paul and Silas went to prayers, and sang praises to God, which the other prisoners heard: when all of a sudden there was such a great earthquake, that the foundations of the prison were shaken: immediately all the doors opened, and the setters dropp'd from the prisoners. the jayler waking, and seeing the prison-doors open, drew his sword, designing to dispatch himself from the apprehension that the prisoners had escaped. but Paul call'd to him aloud, and said, do thy self no harm, for we are all here. then having called for a light, he ran in, and with trembling fell down before Paul and Silas; and bringing them out, he said, sirs, what must I do to be saved? believe, said they, on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you, and your family. then they declared the word of the Lord to him, and to all his family. at the same time of night he washed their stripes, and immediately he was baptized, he, and all that belong'd to him. then he conducted them to his house, and gave them an entertainment; and he and his family were affected with joy, for having believed in God. When it was day the officers sent their serjeants to bid the jayler let the men go. so the jayler told Paul, the magistrates had order'd them to be discharg'd. depart then, said he, and go in peace. but Paul replied, they have publickly scourg'd us, who are Romans, without any trial, they have thrown us into jayl, and now do they give us a private discharge? no, let them come themselves and release us. the serjeants having reported what he said, to their officers, they began to be apprehensive upon hearing they were Romans. so they came, and by persuasions brought them out, and desired them to leave the city. then they quitted the prison, and went to Lydia's house, where finding the brethren, they gave them an exhortation, and departed.

The seven days being almost expir'd, the Asiatic Jews seeing him in the temple, rais'd a tumult, and fell upon him, bawling out, "men of Israel, help: this is the man that every where inveighs upon all occasions against the people, against the law, and against this place, where they have brought Greeks too to profane this holy place." (for having seen Trophimus an Ephesian with him in the city, they imagin'd Paul had conducted him into the temple.) read more.
the whole city was in an uproar, the people crouded together: they seized Paul, dragg'd him out of the temple, and then shut the gates. as they were busy upon his execution, news came to the commander of the cohort, that the whole city was in an uproar. immediately he headed a detachment, with his centurions, and march'd briskly to them; who, upon seeing the officer and his men, left off beating Paul. the commander advanc'd, seiz'd him, and order'd to load him with two chains: then demanded who he was, and what he had done. in the hubbub some cry'd one thing, some another: so that not being able to get any information for the tumult, he order'd him to be carried to the castle. as he was mounting the stairs, the soldiers bore him up thro' the violence of the people, who were all pressing after, roaring out, "away with him." just as he was entring into the castle, Paul said to the officer, may I be favour'd with a word? you can speak Greek then, said he? are not you the Egyptian, who lately made an insurrection at the head of four thousand banditti in the desart? Paul replied, I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of that famous city: and I beg you would give me leave to speak to the people: which being granted, Paul then standing upon the stairs made a sign with his hand to the people, who being very silent, he rais'd his voice, and thus address'd them in the Hebrew tongue:

Now during the feast, it was customary to release a prisoner, to be nominated by the people.

now as it was customary for the governor to release one of the prisoners at the feast;

but as it is customary with you to get me to discharge some prisoner at the time of the passover, would you have me release the king of the Jews?

Now it was customary at that feast for the governor to release a prisoner, such as the people should nominate. there happen'd to be then in custody a notorious criminal, nam'd Barabbas. therefore when they were assembled, Pilate said to them, who would you have releas'd? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?

in the mean time John having heard in his confinement of the actions of Christ, he sent two of his disciples to ask him,

for Herod had given orders to seize John, and had confin'd him in prison, to gratify Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married;

for Herod having secur'd John, bound him, and put him in prison to please Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. for John had said to him, it is not lawful for thee to have her. he would have put him to death, but for fear of the people, who reckoned him a prophet. read more.
but when Herod's birth-day was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced in publick, and made such an impression upon Herod, that he promised her upon oath, to give whatever she should ask; who being before instructed by her mother, pray, said she, order John Baptist's head to be brought here in a charger. and the king relented: nevertheless out of regard to the oath, and to those who sat with him at table, he commanded it to be brought to her. and pursuant to order, John was beheaded in the prison, whence his head was brought in a charger, and given to the young lady, who carried it to her mother. upon which, his disciples came to take away the body, and having buried it, they went to tell Jesus what had happened.

to compleat all the rest, Herod confin'd John in prison.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, you are at liberty to make your defence. upon which Paul disengaging his hand from his cloak, thus made his plea.

At my first defence, I had no assistance, for every body deserted me. I wish it may never be laid to their charge.

I told them, it was not the custom of the Romans to deliver up any man, till he was accus'd and confronted by his accusers, and had an opportunity of pleading to the charge.

Then the governour sign'd to Paul to reply; who said, I enter upon my defence with the greater confidence, by considering you have govern'd this nation several years:

to this he answer'd, "I have not been guilty of any misdemeanour, either against the law, or against the temple, or against Cesar."

in consequence of this order he thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

When it was resolv'd, that we should sail for Italy, Paul and other prisoners were delivered to the custody of one Julius, a centurion of

Upon our arrival at Rome, the centurion deliver'd the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was allow'd to be at private lodgings, under the custody of a soldier.

the next day we touch'd at Sidon, where the centurion, who was very civil to Paul, gave him leave to go, and refresh himself at his friends.

After this, Paul staid two whole years in a house he had hired, and gave access to all that visited him, preaching the kingdom of God, and instructing them in all things relating to the Lord Jesus Christ, with the utmost freedom, without being molested.

Felix then order'd a centurion to take Paul into his custody, without confining him so as to hinder his friends from waiting upon him.

in the mean time John having heard in his confinement of the actions of Christ, he sent two of his disciples to ask him,

"the spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

for I was prest with hunger, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye took care of me: I was in prison, and ye visited me. then will the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see thee in hunger, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? read more.
when did we see thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? or when did we see thee sick, or in prison, and visited thee? and the king will reply, I declare unto you, your having done this for one of the least of these my brethren, is the same thing as doing it for me. then will he say to those on the left, depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. for I was prest with hunger, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. then will they answer, Lord, when did we see thee in hunger, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? to this he will reply, I declare unto you, your not doing this for one of the least of these, is the same thing as not doing it for me. and these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

As soon as it was day, the soldiers were in a world of confusion to know what was become of Peter. Herod having caus'd diligent search to be made, without being able to find him, after examining the guards, he order'd them to execution. after which he departed from Judea, and went to Cesarea, where he resided.

her masters finding they had lost such a prospect of gain, seized upon Paul and Silas, and hawl'd them to the publick place before the magistrates. having presented them to the Officers, they said, these men, who are Jews, raise great disorders in our city, and preach such maxims, as it is not lawful for Romans, as we are, to admit or practise. read more.
upon this the populace rose upon them, and the Officers order'd them to be stript and scourg'd. after they had been severely lash'd, they were thrown into prison, the jayler being charg'd to keep them safe. in consequence of this order he thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. At midnight Paul and Silas went to prayers, and sang praises to God, which the other prisoners heard: when all of a sudden there was such a great earthquake, that the foundations of the prison were shaken: immediately all the doors opened, and the setters dropp'd from the prisoners. the jayler waking, and seeing the prison-doors open, drew his sword, designing to dispatch himself from the apprehension that the prisoners had escaped. but Paul call'd to him aloud, and said, do thy self no harm, for we are all here. then having called for a light, he ran in, and with trembling fell down before Paul and Silas; and bringing them out, he said, sirs, what must I do to be saved? believe, said they, on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you, and your family. then they declared the word of the Lord to him, and to all his family. at the same time of night he washed their stripes, and immediately he was baptized, he, and all that belong'd to him. then he conducted them to his house, and gave them an entertainment; and he and his family were affected with joy, for having believed in God. When it was day the officers sent their serjeants to bid the jayler let the men go. so the jayler told Paul, the magistrates had order'd them to be discharg'd. depart then, said he, and go in peace. but Paul replied, they have publickly scourg'd us, who are Romans, without any trial, they have thrown us into jayl, and now do they give us a private discharge? no, let them come themselves and release us. the serjeants having reported what he said, to their officers, they began to be apprehensive upon hearing they were Romans. so they came, and by persuasions brought them out, and desired them to leave the city. then they quitted the prison, and went to Lydia's house, where finding the brethren, they gave them an exhortation, and departed.

Then the high priest, and all that accompanied him, who were of the sect of the Sadducees, being filled with indignation, went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them, read more.
go, stand in the temple, and declare to the people, the whole doctrine of life. when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them. but the officers who went there not finding them in the prison, returned, and made this report, the prison we found shut very secure, and the keepers posted before the doors: but when we had opened it, we found no body within. Upon hearing this, the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests wonder'd bow this could be. when somebody came and told them, the men whom ye order'd to prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people. when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, did not we strictly command you, not to teach in this name? and yet you have spread your doctrine through Jerusalem, and you endeavour to make us responsible for this man's blood. then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him. When they heard that, they were so enraged, they consulted to take away their lives. when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time. and then he said, "ye men of Israel, be cautious how you proceed with regard to these men. for some time ago one Theudas started up, pretending to be something extraordinary, who was join'd indeed by about four hundred men: but he was no sooner put to death, than his followers all dispers'd, and were reduc'd to nothing. after this man, Judas of Galilee appear'd, at the time of the registry, and seduc'd many people: he also perished, and all his followers were dispersed. my opinion therefore is, not to meddle with these men, but to let them go on: for if the design be a human project, it will fall of it self. but if it be from God, you cannot defeat it; perhaps you may be found warring against heaven." To him they agreed: and after the apostles were called in, and scourged, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then releas'd them. out they went from the council, full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. and every day either in the temple or in private houses they continued to preach and proclaim Jesus to be the Christ.

and perceiving that the Jews were pleas'd with this, he proceeded to secure Peter during the feast of unleavened bread: having apprehended Peter, he put him into prison, appointing a detachment of sixteen soldiers to guard him, intending to have him brought to publick execution, after Easter. thus Peter was kept in prison, but the Church prayed to God, without ceasing, for him, read more.
now the very night preceding the day which Herod design'd for his execution, Peter bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while the other guards secured the prison door; when an angel of the Lord suddenly appear'd and fill'd the room with light, and touching Peter on the side, awak'd him, saying, rise, be quick. and immediately his chains fell from his hands. put on your girdle, continu'd the angel, and bind on your sandals: which he did. throw your cloak over you, said the angel, and follow me. so he went out after the angel without knowing that what the angel had done, was real; but thinking it was all a vision. when they had pass'd the first and second guard, they came to the iron-gate that leads to the city, which open'd to them of itself: so they went out and pass'd together thro' one street: when all of a sudden the angel quitted Peter. Then coming to himself; now, said he, I know for certain, that the Lord has sent his angel, and has deliver'd me from the hands of Herod, and from what the Jews were in expectation of. then recollecting where he was, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, surnam'd Mark, where many were assembled at prayers. when he had knock'd at the door of the gate, a servant named Rhoda came to ask who was there. upon hearing Peter tell his name, instead of opening the gate, she ran, out of joy, to tell them, that Peter was there. are you mad? said they. but she persisting that it was even so, they reply'd, it is then his angel. as Peter still continued knocking, they let him in, and seeing it was he, they were extremely surpriz'd: but he made a sign to them with his hand, to be silent: and related to them, how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. go, said he, and acquaint James and the other brethren with this affair. after which he departed and went to another place. As soon as it was day, the soldiers were in a world of confusion to know what was become of Peter. Herod having caus'd diligent search to be made, without being able to find him, after examining the guards, he order'd them to execution. after which he departed from Judea, and went to Cesarea, where he resided.

now the very night preceding the day which Herod design'd for his execution, Peter bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while the other guards secured the prison door; when an angel of the Lord suddenly appear'd and fill'd the room with light, and touching Peter on the side, awak'd him, saying, rise, be quick. and immediately his chains fell from his hands.

at the same time of night he washed their stripes, and immediately he was baptized, he, and all that belong'd to him.

Felix then order'd a centurion to take Paul into his custody, without confining him so as to hinder his friends from waiting upon him.

when the commanding officer order'd him to be brought into the castle, and put to the question by the lash, in order to find out the reason of their exclamations against him.

now the very night preceding the day which Herod design'd for his execution, Peter bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while the other guards secured the prison door; when an angel of