1. Acts 12:7 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does the angel strike Peter?

Acts 12:7 (ESV)

7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands.

The angel does not strike Peter to harm him, but touches him firmly so as to wake him up from his sleep.