Topical Bible: Prayer in Behalf of Peter

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Prayer in behalf of Peter is a significant theme in the New Testament, illustrating the early Christian community's reliance on prayer as a means of divine intervention and support. This theme is most prominently featured in the Book of Acts, where the power of collective prayer is demonstrated in the life of the Apostle Peter.

Acts 12:1-17: Peter's Imprisonment and Deliverance

The most notable instance of prayer in behalf of Peter occurs in Acts 12. King Herod Agrippa I, seeking to persecute the church, arrests Peter with the intention of executing him after Passover. The church responds with fervent prayer for Peter's safety and release. Acts 12:5 states, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him."

The narrative continues with a miraculous intervention. An angel of the Lord appears in Peter's cell, freeing him from his chains and leading him out of the prison. This divine deliverance is attributed to the earnest prayers of the believers. Upon his release, Peter goes to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many had gathered and were praying. Their astonishment at seeing Peter underscores the power and effectiveness of their prayers.

Theological Implications

The account of Peter's deliverance highlights several theological themes. First, it underscores the sovereignty of God in responding to the prayers of His people. The early church's reliance on prayer reflects their belief in God's active involvement in their lives and His ability to intervene in seemingly hopeless situations.

Second, the passage illustrates the communal aspect of prayer. The collective prayers of the church demonstrate the unity and solidarity of the early Christian community. This communal prayer is not only a source of comfort but also a powerful tool for enacting God's will on earth.

Peter's Role and the Church's Response

Peter, as a leading figure among the apostles, was a central target for persecution. The church's response to his imprisonment reflects their recognition of his importance to the early Christian mission. Their prayers in his behalf signify their dependence on God to sustain and protect their leaders.

The narrative also serves as an encouragement to believers facing persecution. It reassures them of God's ability to deliver and protect His servants, reinforcing the importance of prayer as a means of seeking divine assistance.

Other Instances of Prayer for Peter

While Acts 12 is the most detailed account, other instances in the New Testament suggest that prayer for Peter and other leaders was a common practice. In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus Himself prays for Peter, saying, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." This passage highlights the importance of intercessory prayer and the role of Jesus as an intercessor for His followers.

Conclusion

The theme of prayer in behalf of Peter serves as a powerful testament to the early church's faith and reliance on God. It emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of the believer and the church, encouraging Christians to seek God's intervention in times of trial and persecution.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 22:31,32
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Further Replies to those who Object to Rebuke.
... And as we are not to cease from prayer on behalf of those whom we desire to be
corrected,"even although without any man's prayer on behalf of Peter, the Lord ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 8 further replies to those.htm

A Prayer to be Said for the Sick by them who visit Him.
... suitors unto thy divine Majesty, in the behalf of this ... eternal grace and mercy, in
that prayer, which Christ ... the Hebrews; the first epistle of Peter; the three ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a prayer to be said.htm

An Exposition of the Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles.
... the indulgence [1354] of every one who reads this writing in prayer on our behalf. ...
B. Peter's discourse to those who were made disciples, on the subject of ...
/.../pamphilus/the writings of pamphilus/an exposition of the chapters.htm

The Ministration of the Spirit and Prayer
... for him." That prayer availed much; Peter was delivered. ... work at their request and
on their behalf. The Pentecostal Church believed in prayer, and practised it ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ii the ministration of.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... When Peter was imprisoned by Herod, the church set apart the night before
his expected execution, for special prayer in his behalf. ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Epistle vii. To the Clergy, Concerning Prayer to God.
... mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God ... prayed for, He prayed
for on our behalf, since He ... we read, "And the Lord said to Peter, Behold, Satan ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle vii to the clergy.htm

Acts XII
... 256] a number of disciples were at that very hour engaged in prayer in his behalf. ...
Although the condition of Peter was the burden of the prayers of these ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xii.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... for such prayer and exhortation in behalf of Christians if ... are the Word of God, and
prayer against the devil ... Further, Christ said to Peter and the other apostles ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

Jesus and the Disciples
... No one asserted his right to answer on behalf of all. Peter, who was so willingly
their spokesman at other times ... Would that we too by prayer and self-examination ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 9 28-37 jesus and the.htm

The Privilege of Prayer
... an argument and pleads most eloquently in our behalf. ... be "instant in prayer," to
"continue in prayer, and watch ... 12:12; Colossians 4:2. Peter exhorts believers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 11 the privilege of.htm