Acts 12:5 kjv
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
Acts 12:5 nkjv
Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
Acts 12:5 niv
So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
Acts 12:5 esv
So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
Acts 12:5 nlt
But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
Acts 12 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 4:24 | The believers united their voices to God in prayer. | United prayer |
| Romans 8:26 | The Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep. | Holy Spirit's intercession |
| Ephesians 6:18 | Praying in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers. | Persistent prayer |
| 1 John 5:14 | If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. | Prayer according to God's will |
| James 5:16 | The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. | Efficacy of prayer |
| Matthew 18:20 | Where two or three gather in my name, I am there with them. | Corporate prayer promise |
| Philippians 4:6 | Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation... | Prayer and anxiety |
| Colossians 4:3 | And pray for us too, that God may open a door for our message. | Prayer for ministry |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:17 | Pray continually. | Continuous prayer |
| Jeremiah 29:7 | Pray for the peace of the city where you are held captive. | Praying for adversaries |
| Psalm 34:15 | The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. | God hears the righteous |
| Psalm 121:4 | Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. | God's vigilance |
| Acts 12:11 | Peter realized it was true that the angel had gone. | Divine intervention |
| Luke 1:37 | For no word from God will ever fail to be accomplished. | God's faithfulness |
| Genesis 19:29 | God remembered Abraham and brought Lot out of the destruction. | God remembering |
| 1 Samuel 12:23 | As for me, far be it from me to sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you. | Not ceasing to pray |
| Isaiah 41:10 | So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. | God's presence and strength |
| Psalm 145:18 | The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. | God is near |
| Matthew 7:7 | "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. | Persistence in asking |
| Acts 16:25 | About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. | Praying and singing in distress |
| Romans 15:30 | I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. | Struggle in prayer |
Acts 12 verses
Acts 12 5 Meaning
The verse signifies the persistent and earnest intercession of the early Christian community for Peter's deliverance from prison. It highlights their deep faith and the power of united prayer in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The community's unwavering support for each other, particularly during times of persecution, is a central theme.
Acts 12 5 Context
This verse is found in Acts chapter 12, a pivotal moment in the early church's history. King Herod Agrippa I, seeking to appease the Jewish populace and curb the growth of Christianity, had arrested Peter. He had already executed James, the brother of John. The church, facing intense persecution and the apparent loss of one of its key leaders, turned to fervent prayer. The context is one of significant threat to the apostles and the nascent church, underscoring the perilous situation Peter was in. This prayer is a demonstration of the community's dependence on God amidst adversity and their understanding of the power of united petition.
Acts 12 5 Word Analysis
but (Greek: ἀλλὰ, allā): Conjunction introducing a strong contrast or exception. It emphasizes the response of the church to the dire circumstances.
prayer (Greek: δέησις, deēsis): Specifically denotes a petition or supplication, often earnest and intense. This was not casual prayer, but a focused appeal to God.
was made (Greek: ἐγίνετο, egineto): Imperfect tense, indicating a continuous or repeated action. The prayer was ongoing, not a one-time event.
earnestly (Greek: ἐκτενῶς, ektenōs): From the root meaning "to stretch out," signifying intense, fervent, and diligent effort. It implies an unflagging zeal in their prayers.
unto God (Greek: τῷ θεῷ, tō theō): Directing their prayers specifically to God, recognizing His sovereignty and power.
for him (Greek: ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ, hyper autou): "For his benefit" or "on his behalf." Their prayers were specifically aimed at securing Peter's release and safety.
The community’s united prayer: The use of "prayer was made earnestly" implies a corporate and sustained effort, a collective cry unto God.
The nature of the prayer: The term "deēsis" signifies an importunate plea, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of their prayer.
God as the sole recourse: Directing their prayers "unto God" points to the belief in God's ultimate power to intervene in human affairs, even against royal decrees and imprisonment.
Acts 12 5 Bonus Section
The intensity of the church's prayer for Peter mirrors the intensity of God's own watchfulness and concern for His people, as depicted throughout Scripture. The community's prayer is not a manipulation of God, but a participation in His purposes, as they earnestly pleaded for a result aligned with His kingdom's advance, which Peter's ministry represented. The imperfect tense of "was made" suggests a continuous and sustained prayer meeting, indicating a unified commitment rather than a fleeting supplication. This sustained prayerful engagement is crucial for sustained faith and endurance during periods of hardship and opposition for the church.
Acts 12 5 Commentary
The early church's response to Peter's imprisonment exemplifies the power and necessity of persistent, united prayer in the face of persecution. Faced with a mortal threat, they did not resort to political maneuvering or physical resistance, but to fervent intercession directed solely towards God. This unwavering trust and diligent appeal highlight the spiritual warfare being waged, where divine intervention is sought to overcome earthly opposition. Their prayers were not a mere expression of hope but an act of faith in God’s power to deliver, reflecting the belief that His will and intervention could overturn even the strongest human power. This practice demonstrates a fundamental principle for believers: when faced with insurmountable challenges, the spiritual discipline of earnest prayer is the most potent weapon.