9 And he went out and followed him. He didn't know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
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. Furthermore, though he think that it is a vision, yet doth he willingly obey; whereby his obedience is proved, whilst that being content with the commandment of the angel alone, he doth not inquire nor reason what he must de, but doth that which he is commanded to do.
And wist not - Knew not.
That it was true - That it was real.
But thought he saw a vision - He supposed that it was a representation made to his mind similar to what he had seen before. Compare Acts 10:11-12. It was so astonishing, so unexpected, so wonderful, that he could not realize that it was true.
He - wist not - He knew not; from the Anglo-Saxon, to know. He supposed himself to be in a dream.
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 a delusion; but he did not know whether this was matter of fact, or whether it was, not represented to him in a visionary way, as what could be, or would be done:
but thought he saw a vision; imagined he was in a dream or a trance, and only saw these things in a vision, and that they were not really done, the whole was so amazing and astonishing.
wist not that it was true; but thought he saw a vision--So little did the apostle look for deliverance!
Thought he saw a vision. All seemed so strange that, just aroused from sleep, he was uncertain whether it was real.
The first and second ward. Watches. The soldiers on watch seem to have been stationed apart, one near Peter's door, the other near the gate.
The iron gate. The outer gate of the prison. It was after it was passed, and the angel had left him in the street, that Peter was first sure that it was no vision, but that the Lord had delivered him.
*More commentary available at chapter level.