Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 12:17

17 But he beckening unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

It was usual by the motion of the hand, both to desire silence, and to crave audience.

Peter gives God the glory, tho an Angel had been the means of his delivery.

This Iames was the Son of Alpheus, Matth. 10.3. Mark 3.18. and succeeded the other Iames, (the brother of Iohn, of whom ver. 2.) in governing the Church at Ierusalem.

Peter could not but know he should be sought after, and therefore durst not abide in one place, lest he should ruine himself, and endanger his friends that should harbour him. Thus the great Apostle, as David formerly, was hunted, as one hunteth a partridge in the mountains, 1 Sam. 26.20.

Marginal references: Chap. 13.16. and 19.33. and 21.40.