Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church to God for him.
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church to God for him.
Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him.
So Peter was kept in prison: but the church made strong prayer to God for him.
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing by the church to God for him.
Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him.
Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him.
Prayer was made without ceasing - The Greek word εκτενης signifies both fervor and earnestness, as well as perseverance. These prayers of the Church produced that miraculous interference mentioned below, and without which Peter could not have thus escaped from the hands of this ruthless king.
But prayer was made - The church was apprised of his imprisonment and danger, and had no resource but to apply to God by prayer. In scenes of danger there is no other refuge; and the result shows that even in most discouraging circumstances God can hear prayer. Nothing scarcely could appear more hopeless than the idea of rescuing Peter out of the hands of Herod, and out of the prison, and out of the custody of sixteen men, by prayer. But the prayer of faith Was prevalent with God.
Without ceasing - Intense, steady, ardent prayer. The word used here ἐκτενής ektenēs is found in only one other place in the New Testament, 1 Peter 4:8, "Have fervent charity among yourselves." The word has rather the idea that their prayer was earnest and fervent than that it was constant.
Of the church - By the church.
12:5 Continual prayer was made for him - Yet when their prayer was answered, they could scarce believe it, Acts 12:15 . But why had they not prayed for St. James also? Because he was put to death as soon as apprehended.