Tag Archives: Acts 12:5

Acts 12:5

ὁ μὲν οὖν Πέτρος ἐτηρεῖτο ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ· προσευχὴ δὲ ἦν ἐκτενῶς γινομένη ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ.

Focus Topic: Correlative Contrast (μὲν… δὲ) and Periphrastic Imperfect

This verse contrasts Peter’s physical imprisonment with the Church’s spiritual intercession using the μὲν… δὲ construction. The grammar involves a periphrastic imperfect, a present middle participle, and a series of prepositional phrases showing direction and purpose in prayer.

Contrast Structure: ὁ μὲν οὖν… προσευχὴ δὲ

The phrase μὲν… δὲ creates a correlative contrast — “on the one hand… but on the other.”

ὁ μὲν οὖν Πέτρος ἐτηρεῖτο ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ — “Peter, then, was being kept in prison” προσευχὴ δὲ ἦν… γινομένη — “but prayer was being made…”

The contrast heightens the tension between external confinement and internal spiritual response.… Learn Koine Greek