Topical Bible: Intercessory Prayer: Peter and John

Bible > Topical > Intercessory Prayer

◄ Intercessory Prayer: Peter and John ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. It is a powerful expression of love and faith, demonstrating a believer's trust in God's ability to intervene in the lives of others. The apostles Peter and John provide a compelling example of intercessory prayer in the early Christian church, as recorded in the Book of Acts.

Biblical Context

Peter and John, two of Jesus' closest disciples, played pivotal roles in the establishment and growth of the early church. After the ascension of Jesus, they were instrumental in spreading the Gospel and performing miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit. Their ministry was marked by boldness, faith, and a deep commitment to prayer.

Acts 3:1-10 · Healing at the Temple Gate

One of the most notable instances of intercessory prayer involving Peter and John occurs in Acts 3:1-10. As they were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, they encountered a man lame from birth, who was begging for alms at the temple gate called Beautiful. Peter, filled with compassion and faith, said to him, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" (Acts 3:6). Peter's command was an act of intercession, invoking the power of Jesus' name for the man's healing. The man was immediately healed, leaping up and praising God, which led to amazement and wonder among the people.

Acts 4:23-31 · Prayer for Boldness

Following their arrest and release by the Sanhedrin, Peter and John returned to their fellow believers and reported all that had happened. In response, the early church engaged in a collective prayer, seeking God's intervention. Acts 4:29-30 records their prayer: "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus" . This prayer exemplifies intercession not only for themselves but for the entire community of believers, asking for boldness and divine empowerment to continue their mission despite opposition.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The intercessory prayers of Peter and John were deeply connected to the work of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 4:31, after they prayed, "the place where they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness" . The Holy Spirit's presence and power were evident in their ministry, enabling them to perform miracles and speak with authority.

Impact on the Early Church

The intercessory prayers of Peter and John had a profound impact on the early church. Their prayers were not only for physical healing and boldness but also for the spiritual growth and unity of the believers. Their example encouraged the early Christians to rely on prayer as a vital means of seeking God's guidance and strength.

Conclusion

The intercessory prayers of Peter and John highlight the importance of prayer in the life of a believer. Through their example, we see the power of prayer to bring about healing, boldness, and unity within the body of Christ. Their reliance on the Holy Spirit and their unwavering faith in the name of Jesus serve as a model for Christians today, emphasizing the transformative power of intercessory prayer in advancing God's kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 8:15
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ's Intercessory Prayer.
... CHRIST'S INTERCESSORY PRAYER. ... this commendation; His prayers for His mother, for
John, for Peter, for Lazarus ... But here we have a prayer which, if it does not so ...
/.../xvi christs intercessory prayer.htm

The Intercessory Prayers of Christians
... John's Epistles reveal the amazing power made available to God's people through
intercessory prayer. Peter assures us that the eyes of the Lord are over the ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 8 the intercessory prayers.htm

The Gospel of John
... 1--- 16: 33; and offers the intercessory prayer committing his ... of Tiberias, where
He restores Peter and points significantly to the career of John, the writer ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of john.htm

Under the Olive Trees.
... and so is commonly called the intercessory or high ... and He meant to spend the intervening
time in prayer. ... during these latter months, He takes Peter and James ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/under the olive trees.htm

His Life
... JESUS' ESTIMATE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. THE DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. ... THE INTERCESSORY
PRAYER. FRIDAY--THE DAY OF SUFFERING. ... THE DENIAL OF PETER. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/

The Psalmist --Setting the Lord
... To have seen and heard His intercessory prayer with His eyes lifted up to ... they know
not what they do!" It was easy for Peter and James and John to set ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/viii the psalmistsetting the lord.htm

The Moody Colportage Library
... DL Moody 13 "And Peter." JW Chapman 15 Light on Life's Duties. ... John Bunyan
96 Kept for the Master's Use. ... Evans 130 Intercessory Prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/the moody colportage library.htm

The Unrevealed Future of the Sons of God
Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John. ... John would simply say to us,
'There has never ... Himself prayed, in that great intercessory prayer, 'Father, I ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the unrevealed future of the.htm

The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St John, Vol. II
... XVI. CHRIST'S INTERCESSORY PRAYER. XVII. ... XXV. RESTORATION OF PETER. XXVI. ... [ Prev]
[Top] [Next ]. The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St John, Vol. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/

The Arrest
... have to die with Him, that Peter was pricked ... John, in narrating it, makes the curious
remark, that ... saying occurs in His great intercessory prayer, offered at ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter i the arrest.htm