Acts 12:14

KJV

And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when she knew {G1921} Peter's {G4074} voice {G5456}, she opened {G455} not {G3756} the gate {G4440} for {G575} gladness {G5479}, but {G1161} ran in {G1532}, and told how {G518} Peter {G4074} stood {G2476} before {G4253} the gate {G4440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She recognized Kefa’s voice and was so happy that she ran back in without opening the door, and announced that Kefa was standing outside.

Berean Standard Bible

When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that she forgot to open the gate, but ran inside and announced, “Peter is standing at the gate!”

American Standard Version

And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for joy, but ran in, and told that Peter stood before the gate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 12:14 vividly portrays the overwhelming joy and surprise of Rhoda, a servant girl, upon recognizing Peter's voice at the gate after his miraculous escape from prison. Her intense gladness caused her to forget the immediate task of opening the gate, compelling her instead to rush back inside to share the astonishing news with the praying community, setting the stage for their initial disbelief. This brief but impactful verse highlights the profound human reaction to divine intervention and answered prayer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial pivot point in the narrative of [Peter's miraculous liberation from Herod's prison](/acts/12-6-11 "Acts 12:6-11 - Peter's Miraculous Escape"). Immediately preceding it, [Acts 12:13](/acts/12-13 "Acts 12:13 - Peter Knocks at the Gate") describes Peter knocking at the gate of Mary's house, where many believers were gathered for prayer. Rhoda's reaction in [Acts 12:14](/acts/12-14 "Acts 12:14 - Rhoda's Joyful Reaction") directly precipitates the dramatic scene in [Acts 12:15-16](/acts/12-15-16 "Acts 12:15-16 - The Disbelief of the Praying Church"), where the praying community struggles to believe Rhoda's report, initially thinking it must be Peter's angel or a hallucination. The entire sequence underscores the unexpected nature of God's answer to their fervent prayers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Acts 12](/acts/12 "Acts 12 - Peter's Miraculous Deliverance") occur during a period of intense persecution of the early church under King Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great. Agrippa had already executed James, the brother of John ([Acts 12:2](/acts/12-2 "Acts 12:2 - James Executed")), and imprisoned Peter with the intention of executing him after Passover. The gathering at Mary's house reflects the common practice of early Christian communities meeting in homes for worship, prayer, and fellowship, often in secret due to persecution. The role of a "servant girl" like Rhoda was typical for a wealthy household, and her duty would have included answering the door. The idea of a "gate" (Greek: _pylōn_) suggests a more substantial entrance than a simple door, perhaps leading into a courtyard, common in larger homes of that era.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 12:14](/acts/12-14 "Acts 12:14 - Rhoda's Joyful Reaction") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Intervention and Answered Prayer**. The church's earnest prayer in [Acts 12:5](/acts/12-5 "Acts 12:5 - The Church Prays for Peter") is met with a direct, miraculous response from God, demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His people. Secondly, it highlights the **Human Reaction to the Miraculous**, showcasing a spectrum from Rhoda's overwhelming joy to the initial disbelief of the others. This human element grounds the divine narrative in relatable experience. Thirdly, the verse subtly emphasizes the **Role of Humble Servants** in God's plan; Rhoda, a seemingly minor character, becomes the crucial messenger of Peter's arrival, demonstrating that God uses all, regardless of their social standing, to accomplish His purposes, a theme also seen in the early church's emphasis on community and mutual service, as described in [Acts 2:42-47](/acts/2-42-47 "Acts 2:42-47 - The Fellowship of the Believers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _epiginṓskō'_):** This word, derived from _epí_ (upon) and _ginṓskō_ (to know), signifies more than simple recognition. It implies a full acquaintance, a deep knowing, or an acknowledgment. Rhoda didn't just hear a voice; she fully recognized it as Peter's, indicating a familiar and certain identification, which fueled her immediate, strong reaction.
* **gladness (Greek, _chará'_):** This term denotes cheerfulness, calm delight, or profound joy. It is not a fleeting emotion but an intense, often overflowing, state of happiness. Rhoda's reaction was not mere surprise but an overwhelming surge of joy that momentarily incapacitated her practical judgment, causing her to prioritize sharing the news over opening the gate.
* **ran in (Greek, _eistréchō'_):** A compound word from _eis_ (into) and _tréchō_ (to run), meaning "to hasten inward." This verb vividly portrays Rhoda's immediate, energetic, and perhaps frantic movement. Her "running in" emphasizes the urgency and uncontrolled nature of her reaction, driven by the profound gladness she experienced.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when she knew Peter's voice":** This opening clause establishes the critical moment of recognition. Rhoda, likely familiar with Peter, identifies his voice with certainty. This recognition is the catalyst for her subsequent actions, highlighting the personal and immediate nature of the divine intervention.
* **"she opened not the gate for gladness":** This is the central, somewhat paradoxical, action of the verse. Instead of performing the expected duty of opening the gate, Rhoda is so overcome by an intense surge of joy (_chará_) that she momentarily forgets or neglects her practical task. Her emotion is so powerful that it overrides rational behavior, demonstrating the sheer astonishment and elation at the impossible reality standing before her.
* **"but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.":** This final clause describes Rhoda's immediate and impulsive response. Driven by her overwhelming joy, she rushes back inside to share the incredible news. The phrase "ran in" emphasizes her urgency and excitement, while "told how Peter stood before the gate" highlights her eagerness to communicate the astonishing truth, even before Peter had gained entry.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [Acts 12:14](/acts/12-14 "Acts 12:14 - Rhoda's Joyful Reaction") masterfully employs several literary devices. There is a strong element of **Irony**, as the very people praying for Peter's release are the ones who initially disbelieve his arrival, a situation set up by Rhoda's actions. Rhoda's "gladness" is so intense that it leads to an illogical action (not opening the gate), which could be seen as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the event and the overwhelming joy it evoked. The scene also utilizes **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience knows Peter is truly at the door, while the characters inside the house are initially ignorant of this fact, leading to tension and a touch of comedic relief. Furthermore, Rhoda's seemingly minor role serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the church's initial struggle to accept the miraculous, a theme that will be fully explored in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 12:14 serves as a powerful testament to the reality of God's active involvement in human affairs and His faithfulness in answering the earnest prayers of His people. Rhoda's overwhelming joy, though momentarily distracting, underscores the profound emotional impact of witnessing divine intervention. It reminds us that our God is a God of surprises, often working in ways that exceed our expectations and even our capacity to immediately comprehend. The church had prayed for Peter's release, and God answered in a way that left them, and Rhoda, utterly astonished. This incident reinforces the New Testament teaching on the efficacy of prayer and God's sovereign power over human authorities and circumstances.

* [Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7-8 "Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask, and It Will Be Given")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")
* [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rhoda's reaction in Acts 12:14 offers a rich tapestry for reflection on our own responses to God's work in our lives. Her "gladness" was so profound that it momentarily overshadowed her practical duty, reminding us that while joy is a gift from God, it can sometimes lead to an initial, almost irrational, response. This passage encourages us to cultivate a heart that is open to the miraculous, expecting God to answer prayers in ways that might defy our logic or expectations. It also challenges us to consider how we share the good news of God's faithfulness; like Rhoda, we should be eager to proclaim what God has done, even when it seems unbelievable to others. Ultimately, it calls us to a deeper trust in God's power and a willingness to embrace the unexpected manifestations of His grace, even if our initial human reaction is one of overwhelming surprise or temporary disorientation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Have you ever experienced such overwhelming joy or surprise at an answered prayer that it momentarily disoriented you?**
* **How does Rhoda's immediate desire to "tell" the news challenge or encourage your own readiness to share testimonies of God's work?**
* **In what ways might our own expectations or disbelief hinder us from fully receiving or acting upon God's surprising answers to prayer?**

### FAQ
**Why did Rhoda not open the gate immediately, given Peter was in danger?**

Answer: Rhoda's failure to open the gate immediately was not due to negligence or fear, but rather an overwhelming surge of "gladness" (_chará_, G5479). The text explicitly states "she opened not the gate for gladness." This intense joy, bordering on disbelief at the reality of Peter's presence, caused her to momentarily abandon her practical duty. Her immediate, almost impulsive, reaction was to share the astonishing news with the praying community inside, rather than to let Peter in. This highlights the profound emotional impact of witnessing what seemed like an impossible answer to prayer, a reaction that, while seemingly irrational, perfectly captures the human response to a miraculous event. It sets up the subsequent scene of disbelief among the other believers who were praying for Peter's release, as described in [Acts 12:15](/acts/12-15 "Acts 12:15 - The Disbelief of the Praying Church").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 12:14, though a seemingly small detail, points to the greater reality of Christ's victory and the joy it brings. Peter's miraculous release from prison, a moment of unexpected freedom and answered prayer, foreshadows the ultimate liberation from sin and death achieved through Jesus Christ. Just as Rhoda's "gladness" was an overflowing response to Peter's physical presence, so too is the believer's joy in the spiritual presence and work of Christ. Our salvation is not merely a release from bondage but an entry into a new life of profound joy and relationship with God, made possible by the [resurrection of Jesus Christ](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Him Through Baptism"). The church's earnest prayer for Peter and God's faithful answer remind us that through Christ, we have direct access to the Father, and our prayers are heard and answered according to His will ([John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Ask in My Name")). Rhoda's eager, if unpractical, desire to announce Peter's arrival mirrors the believer's call to proclaim the good news of Christ's triumph over sin and death, a message that brings true and lasting gladness to all who believe ([Luke 2:10-11](/luke/2-10-11 "Luke 2:10-11 - Good News of Great Joy")). Peter's presence at the gate, though initially met with disbelief, ultimately brought confirmation of God's power, much like the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus confirmed His victory to His initially skeptical disciples ([Luke 24:36-43](/luke/24-36-43 "Luke 24:36-43 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples")).

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

Luke 24:41

And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

Matthew 28:8

And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.