Acts 12:19

Verse 19. He examined the keepers. The soldiers who were entrusted with his custody. Probably only those who had the special care of him at that watch of the night. The word examine here means to inquire diligently, to make investigation. He subjected them to a rigid scrutiny to ascertain the manner of his escape; for it is evident that Herod did not mean to admit the possibility of a miraculous interposition. Should be put to death. For having failed to keep Peter. This punishment they had a right to expect for having suffered his escape. And he went down, etc. How soon after the escape of Peter he went down to Caesarea, or how long he abode there, is not known.