Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

ACTS 12:5KJV
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Acts 12:5 (KJV)

What does Acts 12:5 mean?

Acts 12:5 describes how Peter was kept in prison, but the church continually prayed to God for him. The verse highlights the contrast between Peter’s captivity and the church’s persistent prayer on his behalf.

In this scene from the book of Acts, Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, has been arrested by King Herod and is being guarded in prison. The believers—referred to as the "church"—respond not by taking action themselves, but by turning to God in constant, ongoing prayer for Peter’s situation. This verse sets the stage for what follows in the chapter, emphasizing the church’s reliance on prayer during a crisis.

The Greek behind Acts 12:5

  • The word for "prayer" is προσευχή (proseuchē), which means prayer or petition to God. The use of this word here shows the church’s direct appeal to God, not just general concern.
  • The phrase "without ceasing" comes from ἐκτενῶς (ektenōs), which carries the sense of something done earnestly or with intense effort. This suggests the church was not just praying occasionally, but with real persistence and urgency.
  • The word for "church" is ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia), which in this context refers to the gathered community of believers, not a building or institution.

Why Acts 12:5 matters

  • Acts 12:5 clears up the idea that the early church was passive in the face of persecution; instead, it shows their active spiritual response through prayer.
  • The verse highlights the power and importance of communal prayer, especially when believers face situations beyond their control.
  • This verse connects to the rest of the chapter, where the church’s prayers are answered in a dramatic way, showing the link between faith, prayer, and God’s intervention.

Where else these words appear

“ceasing” Greek G1618 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

“prayer” Greek G4335 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
  • Acts 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
  • Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

“prison” Greek G5438 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Luke 3:20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

“kept” Greek G5083 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
  • John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
  • 2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.