Acts 12:12

Considered. Or, “understood,” “comprehended.” At first Peter had been “like them that dream” (Ps. 126:1) in regard to his deliverance from prison, but at last his mind could grasp the wonderful truth and he could act upon it. The verb indicates that he also perceived the circumstances surrounding the deliverance; he took in at a glance the whole situation and realized what he should do.

Mary. This Mary was related to Barnabas (see Col. 4:10, where Mark is designated “sister’s son to Barnabas,” though the expression in Greek means rather “cousin to Barnabas”). As Mark’s father is not mentioned, Mary may have been a widow. Like Barnabas (see Acts 4:36, 37), she apparently possessed means, for she was able to have a house which was large enough to serve the church as a meeting place for prayer.

John. Since Peter speaks of Mark as his “son” (1 Peter 5:13), it may be that the young man was converted by him. The Latin name Marcus suggests some point of contact with Romans or Roman Jews.

Gathered together praying. Literally, “gathered together and praying.” Probably such gatherings were usual in Mary’s house. At the time Peter was being delivered from prison the group were earnestly praying (see v. 5) for his deliverance, for they realized that the church was in an hour of crisis.