Acts 12:13

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

Complete Jewish Bible:

He knocked at the outside door, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer.

Berean Standard Bible:

He knocked at the outer gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it.

American Standard Version:

And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And^{G1161} as Peter^{G4074} knocked at^{G2925} the door^{G2374} of the gate^{G4440}, a damsel^{G3814} came^{G4334} to hearken^{G5219}, named^{G3686} Rhoda^{G4498}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Acts 12:13

Acts 12:13 is a verse set within the narrative of the early Christian church's struggles and growth, as recorded in the Book of Acts. This particular verse is part of the account of Peter's miraculous escape from prison, where he was detained by King Herod Agrippa I, who had already executed James, the brother of John, and was intent on further suppressing the Christian movement.

In the verse, Peter, having been released from prison by an angel, goes to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many Christians have gathered to pray for his release. The verse captures a moment of dramatic irony; as Peter stands outside the gate, a servant girl named Rhoda hears his knock and comes to answer. The significance of this moment lies in the fact that the Christians inside, despite their fervent prayers for Peter's release, are incredulous when Rhoda reports that Peter is at the door, initially thinking she is mistaken or that it is his angel rather than Peter himself.

The themes present in this verse include the power of prayer, the unexpected ways in which God answers those prayers, and the human tendency to doubt even when faced with the fulfillment of one's requests. Historically, this event would have taken place in the mid-first century, during a period of intense persecution of the early church, highlighting the dangers faced by the early Christians and the miraculous interventions they believed God was performing on their behalf. Acts 12:13 thus encapsulates the intersection of the divine and the mundane, as a simple household moment becomes a pivotal point in the narrative of the early church's trials and triumphs.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
2. Strong's Number: G4074
   There are 157 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Πέτρος
   Transliteration: Pétros
   Pronunciation: pet'-ros
   Description: apparently a primary word; a (piece of) rock (larger than λίθος); as a name, Petrus, an apostle:--Peter, rock. Compare Κηφᾶς.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2925
   There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: κρούω
   Transliteration: kroúō
   Pronunciation: kroo'-o
   Description: apparently a primary verb; to rap:--knock.
   
4. Strong's Number: G2374
   There are 37 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: θύρα
   Transliteration: thýra
   Pronunciation: thoo'-rah
   Description: apparently a primary word (compare "door"); a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively):--door, gate.
   
5. Strong's Number: G4440
   There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πυλών
   Transliteration: pylṓn
   Pronunciation: poo-lone'
   Description: from πύλη; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule:--gate, porch.
   
6. Strong's Number: G3814
   There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: παιδίσκη
   Transliteration: paidískē
   Pronunciation: pahee-dis'-kay
   Description: feminine diminutive of παῖς; a girl, i.e. (specially), a female slave or servant:--bondmaid(-woman), damsel, maid(-en).
   
7. Strong's Number: G4334
   There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: προσέρχομαι
   Transliteration: prosérchomai
   Pronunciation: pros-er'-khom-ahee
   Description: from πρός and ἔρχομαι (including its alternate); to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to:--(as soon as he) come (unto), come thereunto, consent, draw near, go (near, to, unto).
   
8. Strong's Number: G5219
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὑπακούω
   Transliteration: hypakoúō
   Pronunciation: hoop-ak-oo'-o
   Description: from ὑπό and ἀκούω; to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority:--hearken, be obedient to, obey.
   
9. Strong's Number: G3686
   There are 214 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὄνομα
   Transliteration: ónoma
   Pronunciation: on'-om-ah
   Description: from a presumed derivative of the base of γινώσκω (compare ὀνίνημι); a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character):--called, (+ sur-)name(-d).
   
10. Strong's Number: G4498
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: Ῥόδη
    Transliteration: Rhódē
    Pronunciation: hrod'-ay
    Description: probably for rhode (a rose); Rode, a servant girl:--Rhoda.