Acts 12:5

Modern

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him.

Traditional

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Literal

Therefore indeed Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer was fervently being made to God by the church concerning him.

Latin

Et Petrus quidem servabatur in carcere. Oratio autem fiebat sine intermissione ab ecclesia ad Deum pro eo.

Greek

English

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him.

the church was fervently praying: God answers the earnest prayers of his people (12:6–17; see Luke 11:1–13; 18:1–8; compare Matthew 7:7–11; John 15:7; Philippians 4:6–7; James 5:16; 1 John 3:22).

Jesus had prophesied that his followers would experience persecution and difficulty (Luke 11:49–51). For the first time since his death, Roman authorities acted violently against the church. James, the brother of John, was among the first disciples Jesus called (Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11). He was one of the first Christians killed because of his faith.
King Herod Agrippa took action to intentionally harm the church (Acts 12:20–23). It is possible that doing this was meant to strengthen his political alignment with the Jewish people. The letter of James, the brother of Jesus, was probably written after this persecution effort to the Christians who were scattered (see 8:1–4; James Book Introduction, “Date of Writing”).

Theme notes and profiles

1 Corinthians 12:26
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.
Ephesians 6:18–20
Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.
2 Corinthians 1:11
…as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers.
Matthew 18:19
Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven.
Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart:
Acts 12:12
And when he had realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered together and were praying.
Isaiah 62:6–7
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves,
Hebrews 13:3
Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.

Peter: Apostle of Jesus, leader in the early church