And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Rhoda's name, meaning "rose," wasn't just a pretty label; it was a common Jewish practice to name daughters after flowers, connecting her to a rich tradition even in this moment of intense fear. Though she was likely a servant, her immediate, joyful reaction to Peter’s voice shows she was deeply part of their prayer community, not just an employee.
And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter has just miraculously escaped imprisonment and assassination by Herod, so he goes to the house where believers are gathered and praying for him. As he knocks at the outer gate, a young servant girl named Rhoda, likely a Christian herself, comes to see who's there. This happens as the community is deep in prayer, unaware of Peter's incredible deliverance, and filled with the fear that he has already been killed.
Imagine the scene: it's late, and a frantic knocking shatters the quiet. Who is it? And why the fear?
The early church faced intense persecution. Peter's miraculous escape from prison and his arrival at a friend's house wouldn't have been casual.
A House Under Siege
The group inside was praying for Peter, but they also knew the danger. The door was shut tight, not just for the night, but out of fear of the Roman authorities or Jewish leaders who sought to harm them. This wasn't just a social gathering; it was a clandestine meeting of believers.
The Outer Gate
The 'door of the gate' likely refers to an outer entrance, perhaps leading to a courtyard or vestibule. This provided an initial layer of security before reaching the main dwelling. Shutting this door was a crucial step in safeguarding the community within.
A simple name, a common task. But in this moment, a young woman’s reaction reveals so much about faith and community.
The Scriptures often highlight the seemingly ordinary people through whom God works. Rhoda, a servant girl, is one of them.
A Familiar Sound
She recognized Peter's knock, and even more, she recognized his voice. This suggests she knew Peter well, indicating she was not just a casual observer but a believer, part of the praying community.
The Joy of the Impossible
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Her response – running in to tell the others, disbelieving their initial accounts – shows a heart overflowing with joy and perhaps a touch of disbelief. It wasn't just that Peter was out, it was that God had miraculously intervened. Her excitement was so great she didn't immediately open the door herself, but shared the astounding news first.
A Treasured Name
While many powerful figures in history are forgotten, Rhoda’s name is preserved. It reminds us that God sees and values every individual, no matter their social standing or role, especially when they have faith and express joy in His power.
This event unfolds during a period of intense persecution by Herod Agrippa I, highlighting the precariousness of early Christian leaders and the deep faith of believers who prayed fervently for Peter's safety.
c. AD 44
Herod Agrippa I Arrests Apostles
King Herod Agrippa I, seeking to appease the Jewish leaders and gain popularity, orders the execution of James, the brother of John, and arrests Peter.
c. AD 44— this verse
Peter Imprisoned
Peter is thrown into prison and guarded by four squads of soldiers, with the intention of executing him after the Passover festival.
c. AD 44
Angel Frees Peter
During the night before his intended execution, an angel of the Lord miraculously breaks Peter's chains and leads him out of prison.
c. AD 44
Peter Arrives at Mary's House
Peter, having escaped prison, goes directly to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where believers are gathered in prayer for him.
c. AD 44
Herod Agrippa I Dies Suddenly
Shortly after Peter's escape and execution of guards, Herod Agrippa I dies a gruesome death in Caesarea, as described in Acts 12:20-23.
This passage describes Jesus appearing to his disciples behind locked doors, highlighting the atmosphere of fear and secrecy that might have also characterized the disciples' gathering in Acts 12.
Luke 24:41Rhoda's overjoyed reaction upon hearing Peter is alive echoes the disciples' initial disbelief and then overwhelming joy when Jesus appears to them, illustrating the powerful emotions faith can evoke.
Genesis 38:29The name 'Rhoda' meaning 'rose' connects to a broader biblical theme of names having symbolic meaning, much like the names of figures in Genesis that often foreshadow or reflect their life's circumstances.
Judges 18:16This verse describes a similar scenario of a gateway and a person coming to listen, showing that the practice of securing entrances and having someone attend to visitors was a known custom in ancient times.
ellicottActs 12:13: "And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda."
(13) A damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. —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 ( Matthew 26:69 ; Matthew 26:71 ), to a female slave. The name, which means “a rose,” is of the same class as Tamar…
clarkeActs 12:13: "And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda."
As Peter knocked - The door was probably shut for fear of the Jews; and, as most of the houses in the east have an area before the door, it might have been at this outer gate that Peter stood knocking. A damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda - She came to inquire who was there. Rhoda signifies a rose; and it appears to have been customary with the Jews, as Grotius and others remark, to give the name…
Rhoda's name, meaning "rose," wasn't just a pretty label; it was a common Jewish practice to name daughters after flowers, connecting her to a rich tradition even in this moment of intense fear. Though she was likely a servant, her immediate, joyful reaction to Peter’s voice shows she was deeply part of their prayer community, not just an employee.
Peter has just miraculously escaped imprisonment and assassination by Herod, so he goes to the house where believers are gathered and praying for him. As he knocks at the outer gate, a young servant girl named Rhoda, likely a Christian herself, comes to see who's there. This happens as the community is deep in prayer, unaware of Peter's incredible deliverance, and filled with the fear that he has already been killed.
Peter has just miraculously escaped imprisonment and assassination by Herod, so he goes to the house where believers are gathered and praying for him. As he knocks at the outer gate, a young servant girl named Rhoda, likely a Christian herself, comes to see who's there. This happens as the community is deep in prayer, unaware of Peter's incredible deliverance, and filled with the fear that he has already been killed.
"And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer." — Rhoda's name, meaning "rose," wasn't just a pretty label; it was a common Jewish practice to name daughters after flowers, connecting her to a rich tradition even in this moment of intense fear. Thou…
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Last reviewed October 2026