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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 12:13 He knocked at the outer gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/12-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/44_Act_12_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 12:13 - The Rescue of Peter" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He knocked at the outer gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/12-12.htm" title="Acts 12:12">◄</a> Acts 12:13 <a href="/acts/12-14.htm" title="Acts 12:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/acts/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/acts/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/acts/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/acts/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/acts/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He knocked at the outer gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And of him having knocked <i>at</i> the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/acts/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/acts/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/acts/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When he knocked at the door of the gate, a slave woman named Rhoda came to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/acts/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/acts/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/acts/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/acts/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/acts/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He knocked at the door of the outer gate, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/acts/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He knocked at the door in the gateway, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/acts/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/acts/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Peter knocked on the gate, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/acts/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/acts/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Peter knocked on the door of the entryway, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/acts/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Peter knocked at the outside door, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/acts/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When he knocked at the outer gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/acts/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Peter knocked at the outer gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/acts/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When he knocked at the door of the outer gate, a slave girl named Rhoda answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/acts/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And when Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/acts/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />When he knocked at the wicket in the door, a maidservant named Rhoda came to answer the knock;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/acts/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/acts/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Peter having knocked at the door of the porch, there came a girl to listen, by name Rhoda,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/acts/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And of him having knocked <i>at</i> the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/acts/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Peter having knocked at the door of the porch, there came a damsel to hearken, by name Rhoda,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/acts/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Peter having knocked at the door of the gate, a young girl came near to listen, by name Rhoda.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/acts/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, whose name was Rhode. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/acts/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then, as he knocked at the door of the gate, a girl went out to answer, whose name was Rhoda.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/acts/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When he knocked on the gateway door, a maid named Rhoda came to answer it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/acts/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When he knocked at the outer gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/acts/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When he knocked at the door of the courtyard, a little girl named Rhoda came out to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And he knocked at the door of the courtyard and a girl went out to answer it whose name was Rhoda.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/acts/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And when he knocked at the door of the entrance, a maidservant, named Rhoda, came to listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/acts/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And he knocking at the door of the gate, a damsel, by name Rhoda, came to hearken:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/acts/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Peter then knocking at the door of the gatetway, there came a damsel to ask who was there, named Rhoda.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/acts/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />when he had knock'd at the door of the gate, a servant named Rhoda came to ask who was there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/acts/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />When he knocked at the wicket in the door, a maidservant named Rhoda came to answer the knock;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/acts/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And, when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came near to answer, Rhoda by name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/acts/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And when Peter knocked at the door of the porch, a servant named Rhoda came to ask who was there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/acts/12-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=3922" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/acts/12.htm">The Rescue of Peter</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>And when he had realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered together and were praying. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">He</a> <a href="/greek/2925.htm" title="2925: krousantos (V-APA-GMS) -- To knock, beat a door with a stick, to gain admittance. Apparently a primary verb; to rap.">knocked</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">at the</a> <a href="/greek/2374.htm" title="2374: thyran (N-AFS) -- (a) a door, (b) met: an opportunity. Apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4440.htm" title="4440: pylōnos (N-GMS) -- From pule; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule.">outer gate,</a> <a href="/greek/3814.htm" title="3814: paidiskē (N-NFS) -- A female slave, maidservant, maid, young girl. Feminine diminutive of pais; a girl, i.e., a female slave or servant.">and a servant girl</a> <a href="/greek/3686.htm" title="3686: onomati (N-DNS) -- Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a name.">named</a> <a href="/greek/4498.htm" title="4498: Rhodē (N-NFS) -- Rhoda, a maidservant in the house of John Mark's mother at Jerusalem. Probably for rhode; Rode, a servant girl.">Rhoda</a> <a href="/greek/4334.htm" title="4334: prosēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.">came</a> <a href="/greek/5219.htm" title="5219: hypakousai (V-ANA) -- From hupo and akouo; to hear under, i.e. To listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority.">to answer it.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">14</span>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!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a></span><br />Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-9.htm">Luke 11:9-10</a></span><br />So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-20.htm">Revelation 3:20</a></span><br />Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a></span><br />Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Matthew 18:19-20</a></span><br />Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. / For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1-8</a></span><br />Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: / “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. / And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-24.htm">John 16:24</a></span><br />Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">1 John 5:14-15</a></span><br />And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-12.htm">Romans 12:12</a></span><br />Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a></span><br />Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-15.htm">Psalm 34:15</a></span><br />The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-19.htm">Psalm 66:19-20</a></span><br />But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer. / Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld from me His loving devotion!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/65-24.htm">Isaiah 65:24</a></span><br />Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-12.htm">Jeremiah 29:12</a></span><br />Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to listen, named Rhoda.</p><p class="hdg">knocked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/12-16.htm">Acts 12:16</a></b></br> But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened <i>the door</i>, and saw him, they were astonished.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/13-25.htm">Luke 13:25</a></b></br> 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:</p><p class="hdg">hearken.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/18-23.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/john/18-17.htm">Damsel</a> <a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Door</a> <a href="/john/20-1.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/matthew/8-5.htm">Entry</a> <a href="/acts/12-10.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/luke/16-20.htm">Gateway</a> <a href="/john/18-17.htm">Girl</a> <a href="/acts/7-2.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/luke/13-25.htm">Knock</a> <a href="/luke/12-36.htm">Knocked</a> <a href="/john/18-17.htm">Maid</a> <a href="/luke/22-56.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/acts/7-58.htm">Outer</a> <a href="/acts/12-11.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/acts/5-12.htm">Porch</a> <a href="/acts/10-18.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/luke/22-56.htm">Servant-Girl</a> <a href="/acts/7-58.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/23-2.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/acts/16-16.htm">Damsel</a> <a href="/acts/12-14.htm">Door</a> <a href="/acts/14-13.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/acts/13-24.htm">Entry</a> <a href="/acts/12-14.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/genesis/19-1.htm">Gateway</a> <a href="/acts/16-16.htm">Girl</a> <a href="/acts/13-16.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/revelation/3-20.htm">Knock</a> <a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Knocked</a> <a href="/galatians/4-22.htm">Maid</a> <a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-16.htm">Outer</a> <a href="/acts/12-14.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/acts/12-14.htm">Porch</a> <a href="/acts/26-16.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/genesis/29-24.htm">Servant-Girl</a> <a href="/acts/20-9.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/12-1.htm">King Herod persecutes the Christians, kills James, and imprisons Peter; </a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/12-6.htm">whom an angel delivers upon the prayers of the church.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/12-20.htm">Herod in his pride taking to himself the honor due to God, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/12-23.htm">is stricken by an angel, and dies miserably.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/12-24.htm">After his death, the word of God prospers.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/acts/12-25.htm">Saul and Barnabas return to Antioch.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He knocked at the outer gate</b><br>In the context of <a href="/acts/12.htm">Acts 12</a>, Peter has just been miraculously freed from prison by an angel. The "outer gate" refers to the entrance of a typical first-century home, which often had a courtyard with a gate separating it from the street. This setting highlights the urgency and secrecy of Peter's situation, as he seeks refuge among fellow believers. The act of knocking signifies Peter's desire to enter a place of safety and fellowship, reminiscent of Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7</a> about asking, seeking, and knocking. The outer gate also symbolizes the boundary between the hostile world and the community of believers.<p><b>and a servant girl named Rhoda</b><br>Rhoda, whose name means "rose" in Greek, is identified as a servant girl, indicating her low social status in the household. Her presence in the narrative underscores the inclusivity of the early Christian community, where individuals of all social standings played significant roles. The mention of her name suggests her importance in the early church, as personal names are often omitted for minor characters. Rhoda's role is reminiscent of other biblical figures who, despite their humble positions, are used by God to fulfill His purposes, such as the servant girl in <a href="/2_kings/5-2.htm">2 Kings 5:2-3</a> who directed Naaman to Elisha.<p><b>came to answer it</b><br>Rhoda's action of coming to answer the gate demonstrates her responsibility and attentiveness, qualities valued in a servant. Her response is immediate, reflecting the communal vigilance and expectation of the early Christians, who were likely gathered in prayer for Peter's release (<a href="/acts/12-5.htm">Acts 12:5</a>). This moment also highlights the theme of divine intervention and human response, as God orchestrates events beyond human control, yet involves His people in the unfolding of His plans. Rhoda's role in this narrative parallels the faithful response expected of believers when God answers prayer, as seen in <a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a>, where the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a></b><br>The apostle who was miraculously freed from prison by an angel. His knocking at the gate signifies his return to the community of believers.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/rhoda.htm">Rhoda</a></b><br>A servant girl who plays a crucial role in this account. Her name means "rose" in Greek, and she is the one who first hears Peter's knock and recognizes his voice.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_outer_gate.htm">The Outer Gate</a></b><br>This refers to the entrance of the house where the believers were gathered. It symbolizes the boundary between the outside world and the community of faith.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_house_of_mary.htm">The House of Mary</a></b><br>The mother of John Mark, where the believers were gathered in prayer. This setting highlights the early Christian practice of meeting in homes for fellowship and prayer.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_believers.htm">The Believers</a></b><br>The group of Christians gathered in prayer for Peter's release. Their presence underscores the power and importance of communal prayer.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_persistent_prayer.htm">The Power of Persistent Prayer</a></b><br>The believers were gathered in prayer, demonstrating the importance of persistent and communal prayer in times of crisis.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_god's_miraculous_work.htm">Recognizing God's Miraculous Work</a></b><br>Rhoda's recognition of Peter's voice shows the need for spiritual discernment to recognize God's work in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_expectation.htm">Faith and Expectation</a></b><br>Despite their prayers, the believers initially doubted Rhoda's report. This challenges us to align our faith with our prayers, expecting God to answer.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_humble_and_overlooked.htm">The Role of the Humble and Overlooked</a></b><br>Rhoda, a servant girl, plays a pivotal role in this account, reminding us that God often uses those whom society may overlook.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_support.htm">Community and Support</a></b><br>The gathering at Mary's house highlights the importance of Christian community and mutual support in times of trial.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'die_once'_mean.htm">Who was Rhoda in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_rhoda_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Rhoda in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_1_sam_13_1-2_and_acts_13_21_align.htm">How does 1 Samuel 13:1-2 reconcile with Acts 13:21, which states Saul reigned for forty years?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/obey_government_or_god_(rom_13_vs._acts_5).htm">Should Christians obey the government? (Romans 13:1-2 vs. Acts 5:29)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">A damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.</span>--The mention of the name of the slave indicates St. Luke's care in ascertaining details, as far as his opportunities allowed. The office of opening the door to strangers was commonly assigned, as in the case even of the high priest's palace (<a href="/matthew/26-69.htm" title="Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came to him, saying, You also were with Jesus of Galilee.">Matthew 26:69</a>; <a href="/matthew/26-71.htm" title="And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said to them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.">Matthew 26:71</a>), to a female slave. The name, which means "a rose," is of the same class as Tamar = a palm tree; Deborah = a bee; Margarita = a pearl; Dorcas = an antelope.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> <span class="accented">- When he</span> for <span class="accented">as Peter</span>, A.V. and T.R.; <span class="accented">maid</span> for <span class="accented">damsel</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">to answer</span> for <span class="accented">to hearken</span>, A.V. (<span class="greek">ὑπακοῦσαι</span>)<span class="accented">. <span class="cmt_word"></span>The door of the gate</span> (see <a href="/acts/10-17.htm">Acts 10:17</a>, note). <span class="accented">To hearken</span> or <span class="accented">listen</span> seems the best rendering. It is the phrase proper to a doorkeeper, whoso business it is to go to the door and listen when any one knocks, and find out what their business is before opening the door. This is the primary sense of the word; that of <span class="accented">answering</span> after listening is a secondary sense. At a time of such alarm to Christians a knock at the door in the dead of the night would carry terror with it, and careful listening to ascertain whether there was more than one person, and then to ask who was there and what was his business, was the natural course. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/acts/12-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">He</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knocked</span><br /><span class="grk">κρούσαντος</span> <span class="translit">(krousantos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2925.htm">Strong's 2925: </a> </span><span class="str2">To knock, beat a door with a stick, to gain admittance. Apparently a primary verb; to rap.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[at] the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὴν</span> <span class="translit">(tēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">outer gate,</span><br /><span class="grk">πυλῶνος</span> <span class="translit">(pylōnos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4440.htm">Strong's 4440: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pule; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] a servant girl</span><br /><span class="grk">παιδίσκη</span> <span class="translit">(paidiskē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3814.htm">Strong's 3814: </a> </span><span class="str2">A female slave, maidservant, maid, young girl. Feminine diminutive of pais; a girl, i.e., a female slave or servant.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">named</span><br /><span class="grk">ὀνόματι</span> <span class="translit">(onomati)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3686.htm">Strong's 3686: </a> </span><span class="str2">Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Rhoda</span><br /><span class="grk">Ῥόδη</span> <span class="translit">(Rhodē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4498.htm">Strong's 4498: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rhoda, a maidservant in the house of John Mark's mother at Jerusalem. Probably for rhode; Rode, a servant girl.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="grk">προσῆλθεν</span> <span class="translit">(prosēlthen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to answer [it].</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπακοῦσαι</span> <span class="translit">(hypakousai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5219.htm">Strong's 5219: </a> </span><span class="str2">From hupo and akouo; to hear under, i.e. To listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/12-13.htm">Acts 12:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/acts/12-13.htm">Acts 12:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/acts/12-13.htm">Acts 12:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/acts/12-13.htm">Acts 12:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/acts/12-13.htm">Acts 12:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/12-13.htm">Acts 12:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/12-13.htm">Acts 12:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/12-13.htm">Acts 12:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/acts/12-13.htm">Acts 12:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/acts/12-13.htm">Acts 12:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/acts/12-13.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 12:13 When Peter knocked at the door (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/12-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 12:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 12:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/12-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 12:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 12:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>