Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 12:7

7 And behold the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

Whose office it is to minister for the heirs of Salvation, Hebr. 1 14. and who willingly fulfil this will of the Lord,

as Luke 2.9. Suddenly and unexpectedly.

Whether this light was from the bright body the Angel assumed, or from some, other cause we are not told; and therefore it is not necessary for us to know; but it was a light onely to Peter, but darkness to his keepers; as the pillar of fire inlightned onely the Israelites, which made them both the more strange and miraculous.

The Angel smote Peter, (as one jogs, or gently strikes another) to awaken him; Thus God was waking, tho Peter slept; and by his providence watches over all his people for their preservation: Chains could not hold any whom God will have free; every thing looses its face, when God suspends or withdraws his concurrence,

Marginal references: Chap. 5.1[illegible: 1 letter] ▪