So Peter followed him out, but he was unaware that what the angel was doing was real. He thought he was only seeing a vision.
9. He knew not that it was true. He did not think that it was a vain or false visor, as Satan doth oftentimes delude men with jugglings; but true is taken in this place for that which is done naturally and after the manner of men. For we must note the contrariety [antithesis] that is between the thing itself and the vision.
Prayers and tears are the church's arms; therewith she fights for her friends. The delay of Peter's trial gave them time for prayer, and they pressed God fervently to snatch the lamb out of the lion's jaws. The death of James alarmed them to greater fervency; if the enemy breaks them thus with breach upon breach, what will become of Peter?
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 12:5-19
And he went out and followed him,.... He came out from between the two soldiers, and out of that apartment in the prison, in which he was, and followed the angel where he led him: and wist not that it was true that was done by the angel; not that he thought the angel was a mere apparition, and all this that was done was...