Acts 12:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 12:13 marks the pivotal moment of Peter's arrival at the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, immediately following his miraculous liberation from prison by an angel. This verse introduces Rhoda, a young servant girl, whose simple act of answering the door sets in motion a remarkable scene of disbelief and eventual joyous recognition among the praying believers, powerfully illustrating God's unexpected and dramatic answers to fervent prayer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the immediate continuation of a dramatic narrative of divine intervention. The preceding verses (Acts 12:6-11) vividly recount Peter's miraculous escape from a heavily guarded prison, where he was chained between two soldiers, with sentries at the door, awaiting execution by King Herod Agrippa I. The angel of the Lord strikes Peter, his chains fall off, and he is led out past the guards, through the iron gate, and into the city. Peter's initial disorientation gives way to the realization that his escape is a divine act. Having been commanded by the angel to "follow me" and then left alone, Peter then comes to his senses and declares, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were expecting" [Acts 12:11](/acts/12-11 "Acts 12:11 - Peter's Realization of Divine Deliverance"). The very next verse (Acts 12:12) states that Peter, "having considered the matter," went to the house of Mary, where many believers were gathered, "praying earnestly." Acts 12:13 thus describes his arrival at the very place where intercession was being made on his behalf, setting the stage for the church's astonished reaction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the early first century, Jewish Christians in Jerusalem faced increasing persecution, particularly under Herod Agrippa I, who sought to gain favor with the Jewish populace. This persecution had already led to the martyrdom of James, the brother of John (Acts 12:2), and Peter's arrest was a direct continuation of this oppressive policy. Houses in ancient Jerusalem, especially those belonging to more affluent families like Mary's (who had a servant and a large enough house for "many" to gather), often had an outer gate or courtyard door before the main house entrance. Servants, often referred to as "damsels" or "maidservants," commonly performed duties such as answering the door, particularly at night. The gathering of believers for prayer, especially for someone in prison, was a common and vital practice in the early church, reflecting their deep reliance on God in times of adversity, as seen in their persistent prayers for Peter in [Acts 12:5](/acts/12-5 "Acts 12:5 - The Church's Earnest Prayer for Peter").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's sovereign power to intervene miraculously in human affairs, even against the might of earthly rulers, to protect His servants and advance His kingdom. This is a recurring motif, echoing the Lord's deliverance of His people throughout salvation history, as seen in the [Exodus narrative](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"). Secondly, it highlights the **Power of Corporate Prayer**, demonstrating that God truly hears and responds to the earnest petitions of His people, even if their faith is initially weak when the answer arrives. The believers were praying for Peter's release, and God answered in a way that surpassed their immediate comprehension, much like the unexpected provision described in [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Peace Through Prayer"). Thirdly, the introduction of Rhoda emphasizes the theme of **God Using Ordinary People**. Rhoda, a humble servant girl, becomes a central figure in this dramatic event, illustrating that God often employs the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His grand purposes, a principle articulated in [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knocked (Greek, _kroúō'_):** This verb means "to rap" or "to strike gently." It vividly portrays Peter's action at the gate, indicating a deliberate but perhaps cautious attempt to gain entry without drawing undue attention, especially given his recent escape from prison. The word suggests a persistent, repeated action rather than a single, loud bang, fitting the context of someone seeking discreet entry.
* **damsel (Greek, _paidískē'_):** This feminine diminutive of _país_ (child) refers specifically to a "young girl" or, more commonly in this context, a "female slave or servant." Rhoda's designation as a _paidískē_ immediately establishes her social status within Mary's household. Her role as a servant would typically include duties like answering the door, particularly at night, making her the natural first point of contact for Peter.
* **hearken (Greek, _hypakoúō'_):** Derived from _hypó_ (under) and _akoúō_ (to hear), this verb means "to hear under" or "to listen attentively." In this context, it signifies Rhoda's duty to listen for and respond to knocks at the door. The nuance of "listening attentively" foreshadows her quick recognition of Peter's voice, which becomes a crucial element in the subsequent verses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate":** This clause sets the scene for Peter's arrival. Having just been miraculously freed from prison, Peter makes his way to the house where he knows believers are gathered. The "door of the gate" (Greek: _thýra_ of the _pylṓn_) suggests an outer gate or entrance to a courtyard or property, rather than the main house door itself, typical of larger ancient homes. Peter's action of knocking signifies his desire to enter and reunite with the community.
* **"a damsel came to hearken":** This introduces Rhoda, a young servant girl, as the one who responded to Peter's knock. Her role was to "hearken," meaning to listen for and answer the door. This detail highlights the ordinary, domestic setting into which the extraordinary divine intervention of Peter's release now intrudes. Her readiness to answer the door at what was likely a late hour underscores her diligence as a servant.
* **"named Rhoda":** The specific naming of Rhoda, a seemingly minor character, is significant. It lends a touch of realism and intimacy to the narrative, suggesting that Luke, the author of Acts, either knew her personally or heard the account directly from someone who did. Her name, meaning "rose," adds a gentle touch to her character before her dramatic and somewhat humorous reaction unfolds in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its narrative impact. **Foreshadowing** is present as Rhoda's immediate response and her being named hint at her more significant role in the unfolding drama of the next verses, where her recognition of Peter's voice leads to the comical disbelief of the praying community. There is an element of subtle **Irony** as the very people praying for Peter's release are about to be confronted with the answer to their prayers in such an immediate and unexpected way that they will struggle to believe it. The simple, direct language used to describe Peter's knocking and Rhoda's coming to the door creates a sense of **Verisimilitude**, grounding the miraculous events in a relatable, everyday setting, making the subsequent astonishment of the believers all the more striking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 12:13 serves as the bridge between Peter's miraculous deliverance and the church's reaction, powerfully illustrating God's responsiveness to prayer and His sovereign control over seemingly impossible circumstances. It underscores the truth that God often works in ways that surprise us, even when we are the ones praying for His intervention. The humility of Rhoda's role also reminds us that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways, weaving their simple acts of service into His grand redemptive narrative. This moment sets the stage for the profound lesson that faith is not merely asking, but also recognizing and receiving God's answers, however unexpected they may be.

* [Psalm 126:1-3](/psalms/126-1-3 "Psalm 126:1-3 - When the Lord Restored the Fortunes of Zion")
* [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Power to Do More Than We Ask")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 12:13, though brief, is rich with practical lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to cultivate a robust expectation of God's answers to prayer, even when those answers defy our logical understanding or come in the most surprising forms. The scene at Mary's house, with Peter knocking at the door while the church prays inside, is a powerful metaphor for the intersection of divine action and human intercession. We are called to pray earnestly and persistently, yet also to be prepared for God to respond in ways that may initially seem unbelievable. Furthermore, Rhoda's role reminds us that every act of service, no matter how seemingly mundane, can be a vital part of God's unfolding plan. Our faithfulness in small things can open the door to monumental divine interventions, demonstrating that God often uses the humble and overlooked to accomplish His greatest works. This verse encourages us to remain vigilant in prayer, open to the unexpected, and faithful in our daily duties, knowing that God can use us in profound ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the church's initial disbelief at Peter's arrival challenge your own expectations about how God answers prayer?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly "ordinary" or "insignificant" actions in your life to bring about His purposes?**
* **What does Rhoda's quick response to the door teach us about being attentive and ready to serve, even in unexpected moments?**

### FAQ

**Why is Rhoda's name specifically mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Rhoda's name is specifically mentioned to lend authenticity and vividness to the narrative. Luke, the author of Acts, often includes specific names and details that suggest eyewitness accounts. Naming her, despite her seemingly minor role, highlights her pivotal function in the unfolding drama. Her quick recognition of Peter's voice, which is described in the subsequent verse [Acts 12:14](/acts/12-14 "Acts 12:14 - Rhoda's Recognition of Peter's Voice"), is crucial to the story, and her name helps to characterize this moment as a real event involving real people. It also subtly emphasizes that God uses all kinds of people, regardless of their social standing, in His plans.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 12:13 describes a moment of physical deliverance for Peter, it points to the greater spiritual deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ. Peter's miraculous release from prison, a place of bondage and impending death, foreshadows the ultimate freedom from the prison of sin and death that Christ offers. Just as Peter knocked at the "door of the gate" seeking entry and reunion, Jesus himself declares, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me" [Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Jesus Stands at the Door"). Rhoda's act of "hearkening" and opening the door, though initially leading to disbelief, ultimately ushers in the joyous reality of Peter's presence. This mirrors the call of the Gospel: to hear the voice of Christ, open the door of our hearts, and receive the one who brings true life and freedom. The church's initial struggle to believe Peter's arrival reflects humanity's often-limited capacity to grasp the full extent of God's power and grace, a grace fully revealed in the resurrection of Jesus, which shattered the ultimate prison of death [Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Christ's Triumph Over Sin and Death"). Peter's deliverance is a powerful testimony to the Lord's ability to save, a truth supremely embodied in the person and work of Jesus, the true deliverer who sets the captives free [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Proclaims Freedom for the Captives").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 12:16

But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened [the door], and saw him, they were astonished.

Luke 13:25

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

John 18:16

But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

John 18:17

Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also [one] of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.