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Selected Verse: Acts 12:5 - King James

Verse	Translation	Text
Ac 12:5	King James	Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
prayer was made without ceasing--rather, "instant," "earnest," "urgent" (Margin); as in Luk 22:44; Act 26:7; and Pe1 4:8 (see Greek). of the church unto God for him--not in public assembly, for it was evidently not safe to meet thus; but in little groups in private houses, one of which was Mary's (Act 12:12). And this was kept up during all the days of unleavened bread.

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

prayer was made without ceasing--rather, "instant," "earnest," "urgent" (Margin); as in Luk 22:44; Act 26:7; and Pe1 4:8 (see Greek).

of the church unto God for him--not in public assembly, for it was evidently not safe to meet thus; but in little groups in private houses, one of which was Mary's (Act 12:12). And this was kept up during all the days of unleavened bread.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
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, Pe1 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.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

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, Pe1 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.

The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917]
prayer Or, instant and earnest prayer was made. (Co2 1:11); (Eph 6:18).

The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917]

prayer

Or, instant and earnest prayer was made. (Co2 1:11); (Eph 6:18).

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
Without ceasing (ἐκτενὴς) Wrong. The word means earnest. See on fervently, Pe1 1:22; and compare instantly, Act 26:7; more earnestly, Luk 22:44; fervent, Pe1 4:8. The idea of continuance is, however, expressed here by the finite verb with the participle. Very literally, prayer was arising earnest.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]

Without ceasing (ἐκτενὴς)

Wrong. The word means earnest. See on fervently, Pe1 1:22; and compare instantly, Act 26:7; more earnestly, Luk 22:44; fervent, Pe1 4:8. The idea of continuance is, however, expressed here by the finite verb with the participle. Very literally, prayer was arising earnest.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
Continual prayer was made for him - Yet when their prayer was answered, they could scarce believe it, Act 12:15. But why had they not prayed for St. James also? Because he was put to death as soon as apprehended.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]

Continual prayer was made for him - Yet when their prayer was answered, they could scarce believe it, Act 12:15. But why had they not prayed for St. James also? Because he was put to death as soon as apprehended.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
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.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826

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.

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