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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/12-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/44_Act_12_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 12:5 - The Rescue of Peter" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/12-4.htm" title="Acts 12:4">◄</a> Acts 12:5 <a href="/acts/12-6.htm" title="Acts 12:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/12.htm">New International Version</a> So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. <a href="/nlt/acts/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. <a href="/esv/acts/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. <a href="/bsb/acts/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him. <a href="/blb/acts/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> So indeed Peter was kept in the prison, but fervent prayer was being made to God by the church concerning him. <a href="/kjv/acts/12.htm">King James Bible</a> Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. <a href="/nkjv/acts/12.htm">New King James Version</a> Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. <a href="/nasb_/acts/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made to God intensely by the church. <a href="/nasb/acts/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God. <a href="/nasb77/acts/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God. <a href="/lsb/acts/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God. <a href="/amp/acts/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So Peter was kept in prison, but fervent and persistent prayer for him was being made to God by the church. <a href="/csb/acts/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was praying fervently to God for him. <a href="/hcsb/acts/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So Peter was kept in prison, but prayer was being made earnestly to God for him by the church. <a href="/asv/acts/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him. <a href="/cev/acts/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> While Peter was being kept in jail, the church never stopped praying to God for him. <a href="/erv/acts/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him. <a href="/gwt/acts/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was praying very hard to God for him. <a href="/gnt/acts/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> So Peter was kept in jail, but the people of the church were praying earnestly to God for him. <a href="/isv/acts/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer to God for him was being offered by the assembly. <a href="/msb/acts/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. <a href="/net/acts/12.htm">NET Bible</a> So Peter was kept in prison, but those in the church were earnestly praying to God for him. <a href="/nheb/acts/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the church to God for him. <a href="/wbt/acts/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing by the church to God for him. <a href="/wey/acts/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So Peter was kept in prison; but long and fervent prayer was offered to God by the Church on his behalf. <a href="/web/acts/12.htm">World English Bible</a> Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Peter, therefore, indeed, was kept in the prison, and fervent prayer was being made by the Assembly to God for him, <a href="/blb/acts/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> So indeed Peter was kept in the prison, but fervent prayer was being made to God by the church concerning him. <a href="/ylt/acts/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Peter, therefore, indeed, was kept in the prison, and fervent prayer was being made by the assembly unto God for him, <a href="/slt/acts/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Truly therefore was Peter kept in prison: and prayer was made continually by the church to God for him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Peter therefore was kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him. <a href="/cpdv/acts/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so Peter was detained in prison. But prayers were being made without ceasing, by the Church, to God on his behalf. <a href="/nabre/acts/12.htm">New American Bible</a> Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the church was fervently being made to God on his behalf. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And while Simon Peter was kept in the prison, continual prayer was offered for him to God by the church. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And while Shimeon was guarded in prison, continual prayer was offered by the church for him to God,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Therefore, Peter was kept in prison; but fervent prayer to God was made for him by the church.<CM> <a href="/godbey/acts/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then indeed Peter was kept in prison: but prayer to God in his behalf was incessantly made by the church. <a href="/haweis/acts/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> So then Peter was kept in prison: but fervent prayer was offered up by the church to God for him. <a href="/mace/acts/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> thus Peter was kept in prison, but the Church prayed to God, without ceasing, for him, <a href="/wey/acts/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So Peter was kept in prison; but long and fervent prayer was offered to God by the Church on his behalf. <a href="/worrell/acts/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Peter, therefore, was kept in the prison; but prayer was being earnestly made by the assembly to God in his behalf. <a href="/worsley/acts/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Peter was therefore kept in custody: but incessant prayer was made to God for him by the church. <a href="/parallel/acts/12-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=3820" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/12.htm">The Rescue of Peter</a> 4He arrested him and put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover. 5<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">So</a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4074.htm" title="4074: Petros (N-NMS) -- Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.">Peter</a> <a href="/greek/5083.htm" title="5083: etēreito (V-IIM/P-3S) -- From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold.">was kept</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5438.htm" title="5438: phylakē (N-DFS) -- From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively.">prison,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when)."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsias (N-GFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">was</a> <a href="/greek/1619.htm" title="1619: ektenōs (Adv) -- Earnestly, strenuously, fervently. Adverb from ektenes; intently.">fervently</a> <a href="/greek/4335.htm" title="4335: proseuchē (N-NFS) -- From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.">praying</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: ginomenē (V-PPM/P-NFS) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude."></a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theon (N-AMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">for</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him.</a> 6On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a> 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. <a href="/philippians/1-19.htm">Philippians 1:19</a> because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance. <a href="/romans/15-30.htm">Romans 15:30</a> Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-11.htm">2 Corinthians 1:11</a> 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. <a href="/colossians/4-3.htm">Colossians 4:3</a> as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Ephesians 6:18-19</a> 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. / Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-25.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:25</a> Brothers, pray for us as well. <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-1.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:1</a> Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you. <a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Hebrews 13:18</a> Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. <a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Matthew 18:19-20</a> 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. / For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” <a href="/luke/22-32.htm">Luke 22:32</a> But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” <a href="/1_timothy/2-1.htm">1 Timothy 2:1</a> First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— <a href="/1_peter/4-7.htm">1 Peter 4:7</a> The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and sober, so that you can pray. <a href="/1_samuel/7-5.htm">1 Samuel 7:5</a> Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD on your behalf.” <a href="/2_chronicles/33-13.htm">2 Chronicles 33:13</a> And when he prayed to Him, the LORD received his plea and heard his petition. So He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church to God for him.<a href="/acts/12-12.htm">Acts 12:12</a> And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.<a href="/isaiah/62-6.htm">Isaiah 62:6,7</a> I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, … <a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Matthew 18:19</a> Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/acts/5-41.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/acts/5-42.htm">Ceasing</a> <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Church</a> <a href="/acts/10-7.htm">Constant</a> <a href="/acts/1-14.htm">Earnest</a> <a href="/acts/10-19.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/luke/10-21.htm">Fervent</a> <a href="/luke/22-44.htm">Fervently</a> <a href="/acts/11-18.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/acts/11-2.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/10-2.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/acts/12-3.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/acts/10-31.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/acts/11-5.htm">Praying</a> <a href="/acts/12-4.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/nahum/3-19.htm">Unceasing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/acts/24-2.htm">Behalf</a> <a href="/acts/20-1.htm">Ceasing</a> <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Church</a> <a href="/acts/27-33.htm">Constant</a> <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Earnest</a> <a href="/acts/13-42.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Fervent</a> <a href="/acts/18-5.htm">Fervently</a> <a href="/acts/13-4.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/13-38.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/acts/12-12.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/acts/12-12.htm">Praying</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/acts/13-17.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/romans/9-2.htm">Unceasing</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 12</div>1. <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">King Herod persecutes the Christians, kills James, and imprisons Peter; </a> 6. <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">whom an angel delivers upon the prayers of the church.</a> 20. <a href="/acts/12-20.htm">Herod in his pride taking to himself the honor due to God, </a> 23. <a href="/acts/12-23.htm">is stricken by an angel, and dies miserably.</a> 24. <a href="/acts/12-24.htm">After his death, the word of God prospers.</a> 25. <a href="/acts/12-25.htm">Saul and Barnabas return to Antioch.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>So Peter was kept in prison Peter's imprisonment occurs during a time of intense persecution of the early church, initiated by King Herod Agrippa I. This Herod, a grandson of Herod the Great, sought to gain favor with the Jewish leaders by targeting key figures in the Christian movement. The imprisonment of Peter follows the execution of James, the brother of John, indicating the severity of the threat against the apostles. The Roman prison system was harsh, and Peter was likely held in a high-security cell, possibly chained between guards, as was customary for high-profile prisoners. This setting underscores the miraculous nature of his eventual escape, highlighting God's intervention.but the church was fervently praying to God for him The early church's response to Peter's imprisonment was to engage in fervent prayer, demonstrating their reliance on God in times of crisis. The Greek word translated as "fervently" implies intense, earnest prayer, suggesting a community deeply committed to intercession. This reflects the early Christian understanding of prayer as a powerful tool for divine intervention. The communal aspect of their prayer also emphasizes the unity and solidarity among believers, a recurring theme in Acts. This event parallels other instances in Scripture where collective prayer leads to miraculous outcomes, such as the deliverance of Paul and Silas in <a href="/acts/16.htm">Acts 16</a>. The church's prayerful response serves as a model for believers facing persecution or trials, illustrating the importance of faith and perseverance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> One of Jesus' original twelve apostles, a key leader in the early church, and known for his boldness in preaching the Gospel. At this point, he is imprisoned by King Herod Agrippa I. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a> The early Christian community, which was united in prayer for Peter's release. This reflects the communal and intercessory nature of the early church. 3. <a href="/topical/p/prison.htm">Prison</a> The place where Peter was held captive. His imprisonment was part of Herod's attempt to suppress the growing Christian movement. 4. <a href="/topical/h/herod_agrippa_i.htm">Herod Agrippa I</a> The king who imprisoned Peter, seeking to gain favor with the Jewish leaders by persecuting Christians. 5. <a href="/topical/p/prayer.htm">Prayer</a> The fervent and continuous prayer of the church, which played a crucial role in the unfolding events of Peter's miraculous release.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_intercessory_prayer.htm">The Power of Intercessory Prayer</a> The church's fervent prayer for Peter demonstrates the power and importance of interceding for others. Believers are encouraged to pray earnestly for those in need, trusting in God's ability to intervene. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_body_of_christ.htm">Unity in the Body of Christ</a> The early church's unified prayer effort highlights the strength found in communal faith and action. Christians today should strive for unity, especially in times of crisis. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Faith in God's Sovereignty</a> Despite Peter's dire circumstances, the church's response was not despair but prayer, showing their faith in God's control over all situations. Believers are reminded to trust God's sovereignty, even when facing trials. <a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_prayer.htm">Perseverance in Prayer</a> The church's continuous prayer underscores the need for perseverance in prayer. Christians are encouraged to remain steadfast in prayer, even when answers are not immediate. <a href="/topical/g/god's_response_to_prayer.htm">God's Response to Prayer</a> The miraculous release of Peter serves as a testament to God's responsiveness to prayer. While outcomes may vary, believers can be assured that God hears and responds to their prayers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 12</a> <a href="/q/evidence_outside_bible_for_peter's_escape.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence outside the Bible to confirm Peter’s miraculous prison escape in Acts 12? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_redshift_mean.htm">What actions do angels perform?</a> <a href="/q/can_divine_intervention_end_imprisonment.htm">Psalm 107:10–16 – Could a literal imprisonment in darkness suddenly end through divine intervention, and if so, where is the historical documentation? </a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_fervent_prayer.htm">What defines a fervent prayer?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) Prayer was made without ceasing.--The adjective is rendered by "fervent" in <a href="/1_peter/4-8.htm" title="And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.">1Peter 4:8</a>, and implies, as in the marginal reading, intensity as well as continuity. The words imply that the members of the Church continued, in spite of the persecution, to meet as usual, probably, as in <a href="/acts/12-12.htm" title="And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.">Acts 12:12</a>, in the house of Mary, the mother of Mark.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - The prison for prison, A.V.; earnestly for without ceasing, A.V. (ἐκτενὴς, or as in the R.T. ἐκτενῶς, has the sense of intensity rather than duration; see <a href="/luke/22-14.htm">Luke 22:14</a>, T.R.; <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22</a>; <a href="/1_peter/4-8.htm">1 Peter 4:8</a>). As the last of the days of unleavened bread approached, the prayers of the Church would be more and more intense in their earnestness. We have but to read the preceding chapters to judge how precious to the Church the life of Peter must have been. <a href="/commentaries/acts/12-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>So οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. Peter Πέτρος (Petros) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4074.htm">Strong's 4074: </a> Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle. was kept ἐτηρεῖτο (etēreito) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5083.htm">Strong's 5083: </a> From teros; to guard, i.e. To note; by implication, to detain; by extension, to withhold; by extension, to withhold. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. prison, φυλακῇ (phylakē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5438.htm">Strong's 5438: </a> From phulasso; a guarding or, the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or, the time, literally or figuratively. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. church ἐκκλησίας (ekklēsias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. was ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. fervently ἐκτενῶς (ektenōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1619.htm">Strong's 1619: </a> Earnestly, strenuously, fervently. Adverb from ektenes; intently. praying προσευχὴ (proseuchē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4335.htm">Strong's 4335: </a> From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. God Θεὸν (Theon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. for περὶ (peri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. him. αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/12-5.htm">Acts 12:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/12-5.htm">Acts 12:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/12-5.htm">Acts 12:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/12-5.htm">Acts 12:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/12-5.htm">Acts 12:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/12-5.htm">Acts 12:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/12-5.htm">Acts 12:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/12-5.htm">Acts 12:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/12-5.htm">Acts 12:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/12-5.htm">Acts 12:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/12-5.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in the prison (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/12-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 12:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 12:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/12-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 12:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 12:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>