Acts 12:5

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison, but prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him.

Acts 12:5 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 12:5

Peter therefore was kept in prison
Till the feast of the passover was at an end:

but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him;
this was not done by them as a body together, but either by them in several bands at different places, or by some of the principal of the church at some one certain place, and where they might frequently change companies, and keep on a continual incessant prayer for days together; and whereas it is very likely it might be at the beginning of the passover, when Peter was taken up, and it was now at the close of it, when he was delivered, the church might be engaged by companies alternately, a whole week together, in prayer, on this occasion.

Acts 12:5 In-Context

3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (This was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.)

4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him, intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison, but prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him.

6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, that same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers were guarding the door of the prison.

7 And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise up quickly." And his chains fell off from his hands.