Acts 12:5
What does Acts 12:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 12:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 12:5 means
While Peter remains in prison, the church turns to its chief weapon: prayer, offered earnestly to God on his behalf. The word “earnestly” suggests sustained, heartfelt pleading. This is not passivity; it is confidence that the Lord hears and acts. The verse draws a crucial line: Peter is guarded by soldiers, but he is also guarded by the petitions of God’s people. God often ordains both the need and the means—here, the prayers that precede deliverance. The focus is communal; many are involved. The contrast is sharp: chains versus intercession. The next verses will show whose strength prevails, encouraging believers that prayer is not wasted breath but real participation in God’s work.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So Peter was kept in prison: but the church made strong prayer to God for him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Peter, therefore, indeed, was kept in the prison, and fervent prayer was being made by the assembly unto God for him,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Peter therefore was kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Peter therefore was kept in the prison; but unceasing prayer was made by the assembly toGod concerning him.
Context
Following Herod’s tight security measures, this verse shifts the scene to the church’s spiritual response. The narrative juxtaposes earthly force with heavenly appeal, setting the interpretive key for the miracle to come. The church prays while Peter is still in danger, emphasizing faith under pressure. Verse 6 will bring readers into the very cell on the critical night. Understanding the earnest prayer in this verse prepares the reader to recognize Peter’s release not as luck or cleverness, but as God’s direct answer to a pleading community.
v.4And when he had taken him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people.
v.5This passage
v.6And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint;
- Matthew 18:19
Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven.
- Hebrews 13:3
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are ill-treated, as being yourselves also in the body.
- James 5:16
Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.
- 2 Corinthians 1:11
ye also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many, thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf.
- Acts 12:12
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 and were praying.
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