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⇱ Acts 12:19 After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully, he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent some time there.

Bible > Acts > Chapter 12 > Verse 19
◄ Acts 12:19 ►
New International Version
After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.

New Living Translation
Herod Agrippa ordered a thorough search for him. When he couldn’t be found, Herod interrogated the guards and sentenced them to death. Afterward Herod left Judea to stay in Caesarea for a while.

English Standard Version
And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

Berean Standard Bible
After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully, he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent some time there.

Berean Literal Bible
And Herod having sought after him and not having found him, having examined the guards, commanded them to be led away to death. And having gone down from Judea to Caesarea, he stayed there.

King James Bible
And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

New King James Version
But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.

New American Standard Bible
When Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and was spending time there.

NASB 1995
When Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and was spending time there.

NASB 1977
And when Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea and was spending time there.

Legacy Standard Bible
And when Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and was spending time there.

Amplified Bible
When Herod had searched for him and could not find him, he interrogated the guards and commanded that they be led away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea [Maritima] and spent some time there.

Christian Standard Bible
After Herod had searched and did not find him, he interrogated the guards and ordered their execution. Then Herod went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After Herod had searched and did not find him, he interrogated the guards and ordered their execution. Then Herod went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.

American Standard Version
And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judæa to Cæsarea, and tarried there.

Contemporary English Version
Herod ordered his own soldiers to search for him, but they could not find him. Then he questioned the guards and had them put to death. After this, Herod left Judea to stay in Caesarea for a while.

English Revised Version
And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and tarried there.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Herod searched for Peter but couldn't find him. So he questioned the guards and gave orders to have them executed. Then Herod left Judea and went to Caesarea, where he stayed for a while.

Good News Translation
Herod gave orders to search for him, but they could not find him. So he had the guards questioned and ordered them put to death. After this, Herod left Judea and spent some time in Caesarea.

International Standard Version
Herod searched for him but didn't find him, so he questioned the guards and ordered them to be executed. Then he left Judea, went down to Caesarea, and stayed there for a while.

NET Bible
When Herod had searched for him and did not find him, he questioned the guards and commanded that they be led away to execution. Then Herod went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.

New Heart English Bible
When Herod had sought for him, and did not find him, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. He went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Cesarea, and there abode.

Weymouth New Testament
And when Herod had had him searched for and could not find him, after sharply questioning the guards he ordered them away to execution. He then went down from Judaea to Caesarea and remained there.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully, he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent some time there.

World English Bible
When Herod had sought for him and didn’t find him, he examined the guards, then commanded that they should be put to death. He went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Herod having sought for him, and having not found, having examined the guards, commanded [them] to be led away to punishment, and having gone down from Judea to Caesarea, he was abiding [there].

Berean Literal Bible
And Herod having sought after him and not having found him, having examined the guards, commanded them to be led away to death. And having gone down from Judea to Caesarea, he stayed there.

Young's Literal Translation
and Herod having sought for him, and not having found, having examined the guards, did command them to be led away to punishment, and having gone down from Judea to Caesarea, he was abiding there.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Herod having sought him, and not found, having examined the watch, commanded them to be removed. And having come down from Judea to Cesarea, he tarried.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not; having examined the keepers, he commanded they should be put to death; and going down from Judea to Caesarea, he abode there.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when Herod had requested him and did not obtain him, having had the guards interrogated, he ordered them led away. And descending from Judea into Caesarea, he lodged there.

New American Bible
Herod, after instituting a search but not finding him, ordered the guards tried and executed. Then he left Judea to spend some time in Caesarea.

New Revised Standard Version
When Herod had searched for him and could not find him, he examined the guards and ordered them to be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When Herod had sought him and could not find him, he sentenced the guards and commanded that they should be put to death. And Simon Peter left Ju-dæ’a and stayed at Cæs-a-re’a.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when Herodus had searched for him and did not find him, he condemned the guards and ordered to execute them, and he went out from Judea and was staying in Qesarea.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But Herod, when he had sought for him, and found him not, examined the keepers, and commanded them to be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Cesarean, and there he remained.
Audio Bible



Context
The Rescue of Peter
…18At daybreak there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. 19After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully, he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent some time there. 20Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they convened before him. Having secured the support of Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king’s country for food.…

Cross References
Matthew 27:65-66
“You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” / So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.

Daniel 6:24
At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

Acts 5:18-23
and arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. / But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, / “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.” ...

1 Kings 20:39-42
As the king passed by, he cried out to the king: “Your servant had marched out into the middle of the battle, when suddenly a man came over with a captive and told me, ‘Guard this man! If he goes missing for any reason, your life will be exchanged for his life, or you will weigh out a talent of silver.’ / But while your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared.” And the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you have pronounced it on yourself.” / Then the prophet quickly removed the bandage from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets. ...

Acts 16:27
When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped.

2 Kings 10:24
And they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had stationed eighty men outside and warned them, “If anyone allows one of the men I am delivering into your hands to escape, he will forfeit his life for theirs.”

Matthew 28:11-15
While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. / And after the chief priests had met with the elders and formed a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money / and instructed them: “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ ...

Acts 4:3
They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day.

Genesis 40:22
But Pharaoh hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had described to them in his interpretation.

Acts 5:26
At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them.

1 Samuel 22:17-19
Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. / So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. / He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep.

Acts 16:23-24
And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. / On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

2 Samuel 1:15-16
Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’”

Acts 9:24
but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him.

Esther 7:9-10
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. / So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.


1 Samuel 23:14
And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

Psalm 37:32,33
The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him…

Jeremiah 36:26
But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the LORD hid them.

he examined.

Acts 12:4,6
And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people…

Matthew 28:11-15
Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done…

commanded.

Daniel 2:11-13
And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh…

Matthew 2:16
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

John 12:10,11
But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; …

he went.

Acts 21:8
And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

Acts 25:13
And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.

1 Kings 20:43
And the king of Israel went to his house heavy and displeased, and came to Samaria.

Jump to Previous
Abode Caesarea Caesare'a Cesarea Commanded Death Examined Execution Find Found Guards Herod Judaea Judea Keepers Led Ordered Questioning Search Searched Sharply Sought Tarried Thorough Watchmen
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Abode Caesarea Caesare'a Cesarea Commanded Death Examined Execution Find Found Guards Herod Judaea Judea Keepers Led Ordered Questioning Search Searched Sharply Sought Tarried Thorough Watchmen
Acts 12
1. King Herod persecutes the Christians, kills James, and imprisons Peter;
6. whom an angel delivers upon the prayers of the church.
20. Herod in his pride taking to himself the honor due to God,
23. is stricken by an angel, and dies miserably.
24. After his death, the word of God prospers.
25. Saul and Barnabas return to Antioch.














After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully
Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, was a ruler known for his persecution of the early church. This search refers to his attempt to find Peter, who had been miraculously freed from prison by an angel (Acts 12:7-10). Herod's failure to locate Peter highlights the divine intervention and protection over the apostles, emphasizing God's sovereignty over human authority.

he examined the guards and ordered that they be executed
In Roman law, if a prisoner escaped, the guards responsible could face the same penalty intended for the prisoner. This reflects the severity of Roman military discipline and the high stakes for those tasked with guarding prisoners. Herod's decision to execute the guards underscores his frustration and desire to maintain control and authority, as well as to deter any further insubordination or perceived incompetence.

Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea
Caesarea was a significant city in the Roman province of Judea, serving as the administrative center and a hub of Roman culture and power. Herod's movement from Judea to Caesarea indicates a shift from a Jewish context to a more Roman one, reflecting his dual role as a ruler trying to appease both Jewish and Roman interests. This geographical transition also sets the stage for subsequent events in Herod's life, as recorded later in Acts 12.

and spent some time there
Herod's stay in Caesarea is historically significant, as it was during this time that he would later face his own demise (Acts 12:20-23). The phrase suggests a period of political activity and engagement with Roman officials, as Caesarea was a center of governance. This time spent in Caesarea also highlights the transient nature of human power compared to the eternal kingdom of God, a recurring theme in the book of Acts.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Herod Agrippa I
The ruler of Judea, known for his persecution of the early church. He is the grandson of Herod the Great and is depicted as a tyrant who sought to please the Jewish leaders by persecuting Christians.

2. Peter
One of Jesus' apostles who was miraculously freed from prison by an angel, leading to Herod's frustration and subsequent actions against the guards.

3. The Guards
Roman soldiers responsible for keeping Peter imprisoned. Their failure to secure Peter led to their execution by Herod's orders.

4. Judea
The region where Herod was ruling and where the events of Peter's imprisonment and escape took place.

5. Caesarea
A significant city in the Roman Empire where Herod went after the incident, indicating a shift in his focus or a retreat from the embarrassment of Peter's escape.
Teaching Points
Divine Intervention
God's sovereignty is evident in Peter's miraculous escape, reminding believers that God can intervene in seemingly impossible situations.

Human Authority vs. Divine Authority
Herod's actions demonstrate the limits of human authority when it opposes God's will. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's ultimate power over earthly rulers.

Consequences of Unbelief
The guards' execution serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of failing to recognize and align with God's work.

The Futility of Opposing God
Herod's failure to capture Peter and his subsequent retreat to Caesarea illustrate the futility of opposing God's plans. Believers should find encouragement in the assurance that God's purposes will prevail.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Acts 12:19?

2. How does Herod's reaction in Acts 12:19 reflect his leadership and character?

3. What can we learn about accountability from Herod's actions in Acts 12:19?

4. How does Acts 12:19 connect to God's justice seen throughout Scripture?

5. How should believers respond when leaders act unjustly, as seen in Acts 12:19?

6. What steps can we take to ensure accountability in our own leadership roles?

7. Why did Herod execute the guards in Acts 12:19?

8. How does Acts 12:19 reflect on God's justice?

9. What historical evidence supports the events in Acts 12:19?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 12?

11. What are the key events in the Book of Acts?

12. Who was Judas Iscariot in biblical history?

13. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence outside the Bible to confirm Peter's miraculous prison escape in Acts 12?

14. What is Caesarea's significance in the Bible?
What Does Acts 12:19 Mean
Herod Searches in Vain

“After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully”

• Herod Agrippa I, furious that Peter is missing, orders a frantic manhunt.

• The human king discovers what the sovereign King has already done—Peter is free by angelic intervention (Acts 12:6-11; cf. Acts 5:19).

• This scene echoes Psalm 2:1-4, where earthly rulers rage in vain against the Lord’s anointed.

• God’s deliverance of His servant reminds us of Daniel 6:22, where another ruler’s search also ended in frustration because the Lord shut the lions’ mouths.

Scrutinizing the Guards

“he examined the guards”

• Roman protocol held jailers fully responsible for prisoners (Acts 16:27).

• Herod interrogates them, likely under threat, hoping to uncover negligence or conspiracy.

• Yet no earthly interrogation can overturn God’s miraculous act; Peter’s escape remains unexplained (Acts 4:21).

• The episode highlights the futility of opposing God’s purposes (Job 42:2).

A Deadly Verdict

“and ordered that they be executed”

• Roman law demanded a guard suffer the penalty intended for the escaped prisoner (Acts 27:42).

• Herod’s swift judgment shows his cruelty and desire to save face rather than seek truth (Luke 23:24-25).

• While Herod slays innocent men, Scripture reminds us that each person is accountable for personal sin (Deuteronomy 24:16).

• The contrast is stark: the guards die, but Peter lives because God’s mission for him continues (John 21:18-19).

Journey to Caesarea

“Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea”

• Caesarea, Herod’s political headquarters (Acts 10:1), offers distance from the embarrassing failure in Jerusalem.

• The move mirrors other leaders retreating after divine defeats—Pharaoh after the plagues (Exodus 10:24-29).

• Geography underscores spiritual descent: leaving the city of God’s presence for a Gentile seaport known for Roman power (Isaiah 31:1).

An Extended Stay

“and spent some time there”

• Herod lingers, likely strategizing and seeking public favor—setting the stage for his pride-filled speech and sudden death (Acts 12:20-23).

• The period reflects God’s patience before judgment falls (2 Peter 3:9).

• Pride precedes the fall; Herod’s days are numbered (Proverbs 16:18).

summary

Herod’s fruitless search, harsh punishment of the guards, and retreat to Caesarea reveal a ruler fighting against God and losing at every turn. Peter’s miraculous escape showcases the Lord’s unstoppable purpose for His church, while Herod’s actions foreshadow his own doom. Acts 12:19 reminds us that no earthly power can thwart God’s plans, and prideful opposition to His work leads inevitably to judgment.

(19) Commanded that they should be put to death.--Literally, that they should be led away--i.e., to execution. The phrase was half-technical, half-euphemistic. Capital punishment was, according to Roman usage, the almost inevitable penalty for allowing a prisoner to escape. So at Philippi, the gaoler, when he thought the prisoners had escaped, was on the point of anticipating the sentence by suicide (Acts 16:28). See Note on Acts 27:42.Verse 19. - Guards for keepers, A.V.; tarried there for there abode, A.V.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[After]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

Herod
Ἡρῴδης (Hērōdēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2264: Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings.

had searched
ἐπιζητήσας (epizētēsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1934: To seek after, desire, search for, make inquiries about. From epi and zeteo; to search for; intensively, to demand, to crave.

for him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

[unsuccessfully],
εὑρὼν (heurōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2147: A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.

he examined
ἀνακρίνας (anakrinas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 350: From ana and krino; properly, to scrutinize, i.e. investigate, interrogate, determine.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

guards
φύλακας (phylakas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5441: A guard, keeper, sentinel. From phulasso; a watcher or sentry.

[and] ordered that
ἐκέλευσεν (ekeleusen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2753: To command, order, direct, bid. From a primary kello; 'hail'; to incite by word, i.e. Order.

they be executed.
ἀπαχθῆναι (apachthēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 520: To lead, carry, take away; met: To be led astray, seduced. From apo and ago; to take off.

Then
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he went down
κατελθὼν (katelthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2718: From kata and erchomai; to come down.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

Judea
Ἰουδαίας (Ioudaias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2449: Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Caesarea
Καισάρειαν (Kaisareian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2542: From Kaisar; Caesaria, the name of two places in Palestine.

[and] spent some time [there].
διέτριβεν (dietriben)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1304: To tarry, continue, stay in a place. From dia and the base of tribos; to wear through, i.e. Remain.


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NT Apostles: Acts 12:19 When Herod had sought for him (Acts of the Apostles Ac)