[Greek] ἐκτενής (ektenēs), [Latin] fervens, [Latin] vehemens: stretched, extended, earnest, fervently, without ceasing, continuously, strained, deeply, vehement, resolute, zealous; Acts 12:5, 1Pet.4:8
St. Peter Released from Prison: painting by Gerard van Honthorst (1616)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means tension, desire (of the will), resolute, strained, friendly (willing to reach out), capable of extending, and abundant. Polybius’ Histories 8.19.1 states “At the first opportunity Cambylus laid the proposal before the king. In the first flush of his exultation, he promised everything he asked. Being eventually satisfied on these points, he repeatedly begged and prayed Cambylus to bring it to a conclusion.” Aeschylus’ Suppliant Woman 983 states “They heard from my lips the conduct of your cousins toward their own kinfolk, and were moved to bitterness against them.” Polybius’ Histories 21.22.4 states “The senate received both the king himself and the speech with every mark of favor, and were enthusiastic for doing everything in their power to gratify him.” Aeschylus’ Suppliant Women 983 states “They heard from my lips the conduct of your cousins toward their own kinfolk, and were moved to bitterness against them.”
Old Testament: This term is used to measure the fervor of prayers. So their entreaty ascended fervently to heaven (3Macc.5:9). Man and beast shall be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God (Jon.3:8). Gather the elders into the house of the Lord and cry to the Lord (Joel.1:14). They cried out fervently to the God of Israel not to allow their children to be seized, the wives to be taken captive, the cities to be ruined, or the sanctuary to be profaned or mocked (Jdt.4:12). Their neighbors and friends were pledging to protect them and to exert more earnest efforts for their assistance (3Macc.3:10).
New Testament: This term means without ceasing, continuously, eagerly, and earnestly. Christians must have fervent and continuous love for one another. Only this love can and will cover the sins which rend the community. Christians are called to a pure will of heart. Peter’s imprisonment was made known throughout the Church. Unceasing prayer is made for Peter’s release from prison. The Church knows what it is praying for.
Scripture:
“Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1Pet.4:8
Christians are called show a fervent and enduring love for one another. These prayers are needed in response to the community’s sins.
“Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the church was being fervently being made to God on his behalf.” Acts 12:5
The Church community was praying fervent for Peter’s release from prison.
Early Church: In the early Church, this term makes reference to the Christian’s attitude rather than an action (fervent request for prayers). Prayer itself is thus changed into an attitude. The Christians begin to have a future-looking view in reaching heaven. Clement’s 1st epistle 34.7 states “And let us therefore, conscientiously gathering together in harmony, cry to Him earnestly, as with one mouth, that we may be partakers of His great and glorious promises”.
Conclusion:
Extend, extension, extent, extensive, vehement, fervent
At first glance, it may not seem clear how this Greek term can mean extending. In a sense, one needs to “extend” their understanding of this term in a more nuanced manner. Those, who are enthusiastic and eager, often times extend or heighten their feelings and desires. Those, who are are compassionate and friendly, extend themselves in reaching out in helping others.
In the Old Testament, although not insignificant, this term is narrowly focused on the fervor of prayer. The primary focus is on one’s relationship with God.
In the New Testament, this term, used only twice, is used both in a general and narrow sense. Christians are called to fervently and constantly pray for others. It is interesting to discover this new attitude in focusing on getting into heaven. Not surprisingly, we all hear many instances (anecdotes) of ordinary people, in their respective vocations, trying to help get their loved ones into heaven. (Spouses praying for each other to get into heaven. Parents praying for the children to get into heaven).
In recent times, many have prayed fervently for justice for the victims and perpetrators in the sexual abuse crisis in the Church. Many also pray fervently that they see authenticity in Church leaders. Still many fervently seek the truth (and tradition) in faith, doctrine, and morals.
I would like to extend my prayers, hopes, and wishes for new vocations. From what I see so far of this new generation of priests and religious, I am very hopeful and encouraged.
Update: corona-virus pandemic: First of all, we must all extend our prayers to all those folks who have lost loved ones and to all the medical professionals (and support staff) who have been on the front lines in fighting this virus. Moving forward, it will be prudent to continue our social distancing and to extend this practice for the future. Yet, in many places (like our own), there exists tension regarding the exercise of rights (movement, work (livelihood), releasing of prisoners, assembly, worship, etc.). Meanwhile, oftentimes our patience is getting strained or stretched thin. We all want to get back to work to support our ourselves and families! We all must fervently pray so we can get through this and be released from this isolation (prison) in our own homes.