But he, beckoning to them with his hand to be silent, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. He said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 17. He went into another place. Did not think fit to stay in the city of Jerusalem. Saint John Chrysostom takes notice, that upon another occasion, when he was delivered by an Angel out of prison, he went boldly the next day, and preached in the temple. chapter 5:19 but there he was ordered by an Angel so to do; now to stay without such orders, would have been rashly to expose himself, and in a manner tempting God. Witham.—Peter retired to another place, that he might not rashly expose himself to future danger. It is not just to depend on supernatural assistance, when human means are adequate to the effect. Saint John Chrysostom hom. xxvi.—Saint Peter desires they will announce his miraculous deliverance to James, the then bishop of Jerusalem, and to the Christians, that they might see the effect of their prayers for him. Saint James had, beyond a doubt, ordered general supplications to be made by all the brethren for Saint Peter. B.