Act 12:12, 25 | JFB | STEP | 12-17. he came to the house of Mary, &c.-- who "must have had a house of some pretensions to receive a large number; and, accordingly, we read that her brother Barnabas ( ) was a person of substance ( ). She must also have been distinguished for faith and courage to allow such a meeting in the face of persecution" [Webster and Wilkinson]. To such a house it was natural that Peter should come. mother of John ... Mark-- so called to distinguish him from the apostle of that name, and to distinguish her from the other Marys. where many were gathered together praying-- doubtless for Peter's deliverance, and continuing, no doubt, on this the last of the days of unleavened bread, which was their last hope, all night in prayer to God.

‏ Acts 12:12

12-17. he came to the house of Mary, &c.--who "must have had a house of some pretensions to receive a large number; and, accordingly, we read that her brother Barnabas (Col 4:10) was a person of substance (Ac 4:37). She must also have been distinguished for faith and courage to allow such a meeting in the face of persecution" [Webster and Wilkinson]. To such a house it was natural that Peter should come.

mother of John ... Mark--so called to distinguish him from the apostle of that name, and to distinguish her from the other Marys.

where many were gathered together praying--doubtless for Peter's deliverance, and continuing, no doubt, on this the last of the days of unleavened bread, which was their last hope, all night in prayer to God.

‏ Acts 12:25

25. Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem--where, it thus appears, they had remained during all this persecution.

when they had fulfilled their ministry--or service; that mentioned on Ac 11:29, 30.

took with them John ... Mark--(See on Ac 12:12), not to be confounded with the second Evangelist, as is often done. As his uncle was Barnabas, so his spiritual father was Peter (1Pe 5:13).