Act 12:5-12 | JFB | STEP | 5-6. prayer was made without ceasing-- rather, "instant," "earnest," "urgent" (Margin); as in ; ; and (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 ( ). And this was kept up during all the days of unleavened bread.

‏ Acts 12:5-12

5-6. prayer was made without ceasing--rather, "instant," "earnest," "urgent" (Margin); as in Lu 22:44; Ac 26:7; and 1Pe 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 (Ac 12:12). And this was kept up during all the days of unleavened bread.

7-11. the angel of the Lord--rather, "an angel."

came upon him--so in Lu 2:9, expressive of the unexpected nature of the visit.

smote Peter on the side ... Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off ... Gird thyself ... And so he did ... Cast thy garment--tunic, which he had thrown off for the night.

12-17. he came to the house of Mary, &c.--who "must have had a house of some pretensions to receive a large number; and, accordingly, we read that her brother Barnabas (Col 4:10) was a person of substance (Ac 4:37). She must also have been distinguished for faith and courage to allow such a meeting in the face of persecution" [Webster and Wilkinson]. To such a house it was natural that Peter should come.

mother of John ... Mark--so called to distinguish him from the apostle of that name, and to distinguish her from the other Marys.

where many were gathered together praying--doubtless for Peter's deliverance, and continuing, no doubt, on this the last of the days of unleavened bread, which was their last hope, all night in prayer to God.