The .xij. Chapter.
In that time Herod the king layed hands on certain of the congregation, to vex them. And he killed Iames the brother of Ihon with a sword: and because he saw that it pleased the jews, he proceeded further, to take Peter also. Then were the days of unleavened bread, and when he had caught him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to iiij. quaternions of soldiers to be kept, intending after ester to bring him forth to the people. Then was Peter kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing of the congregation unto God for him. When Herod would have brought him out unto the people, the same night slept Peter between ij. soldiers, bound with two chains, And the keepers before the door kept the prison.
And behold the angel of the lord was there present, and a light shined in the lodge. And he smote Peter on the side, and stirred him up saying: arise up quickly. And the chains fell off from his hands. And the Angel said unto him: gird thyself and bind on thy sandals, And so he did. And he said unto him: cast on thy mantle about thee, and follow me. And he came out and followed him, and wist not, that it was truth which was done by the angel, but thought he had seen a vision. When they were past the first and the second watch, they came unto the iron gate, that leadeth unto the city, which opened to them by his own accord. And they went out and passed thorow one street, and by and by the angel departed from him.
And when Peter was come to himself, he said: now I know of a surety, that the lord hath sent his Angel, and hath delivered me from the hand of Herod, and from all the waiting for of the people of the jewes. And as he considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of one Ihon, which was called Mark also, where many were gathered together in prayer. As Peter knocked at the entry door, a damsel came forth to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the entry for gladness, but ran in and told how Peter stood before the entry. And they said unto her: thou art mad. And she bare them down that it was even so. Then said they: it is his angel. Peter continued knocking: When they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonied. He beckoned unto them with his hand to hold their peace, and told them by what means the lord had brought him out of the prison. And said: go shew this unto Iames and to the brethren. And he departed and went into another place.
As soon as it was day there was no little ado among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. When Herod had called for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded to depart. And he descended from Iewry to Cesarea, and there abode. Herod was displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon. And they came all at once, and made intercession unto Blastus the king's chamberlain, and desired peace, because their country was nourished by the king's land. Upon a day appointed, the king arrayed him in royal apparel, and set him in his seat, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying: It is the voice of a God and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the lord smote him, because he gave not God the honour, and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
And the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned to Ierusalem, and fulfilled their office, and took with them Ihon, which was also called Marcus.
The .xiij. Chapter.