“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”
So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.—the contrast (Peter imprisoned, church praying) establishes the power-axis: human constraint vs. divine intercession. 'Earnestly praying' (deēsis ektenēs, 'intense supplication') shows the church's urgent, concentrated prayer. Intercessory prayer becomes the church's weapon against secular power.
Church Fathers on Acts 12:5
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him. Acts 12:5 For the contest was now for life and death: both the slaying of the one made them fearful, and the casting of the other into prison. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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