And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him; intending after the passover to bring him forth to the people.
All Commentaries on Acts 12:4 Go To Acts 12
John Chrysostom
AD 407
This was done both of rage, and of fear. He slew, it says, James the brother of John with the sword. Do you mark their courage? For, that none may say that without danger or fear of danger they brave death, as being sure of God's delivering them, therefore he permits some to be put to death, and chief men too, Stephen and James, thereby convincing their slayers themselves, that not even these things make them fall away, and hinder them. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him.
