So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
The church did not leave Peter to fight alone; they fought with their prayers and aided him as they were able. When our brothers suffer for the gospel, slothfulness in prayer is treachery to the faith itself. If the cause be common and they face death for our salvation, we abandon not only them but Christ Himself unless we pray with extraordinary fervor.
AI summary
Prayers and tears are the church's arms; therewith she fights for her friends. The delay of Peter's trial gave them time for prayer, and they pressed God fervently to snatch the lamb out of the lion's jaws. The death of James alarmed them to greater fervency; if the enemy breaks them thus with breach upon breach, what will become of Peter?
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 12:5-19
Prayer was made without ceasing, not by the whole church gathered in one place, but by companies at different locations, or in rotating bands keeping up continual incessant prayer for days together through the whole week of Passover.
AI summary