Peter was imprisoned by Herod but miraculously an angel of the Lord came to him and rescued him from prison. Upon his rescue, Peter comes to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many had gathered to pray. As Peter knocked at the door, the one who answered him was a girl named Rhoda and when she heard Peter’s voice, she recognized that it was him and with gladness, she ran and told how Peter was standing outside. In her gladness, she did not open the door. Those praying inside said unto her that she was mad, but she insisted that it was Peter. Peter continued to knock and when they opened the door, they were astonished to see that what Rhoda was telling them was indeed true.
What can we learn from Rhoda?
Rhoda heard Peter’s voice and recognized him. She did not have to see that it was Peter but believed without seeing that their prayers was miraculously answered. Jesus said, blessed are they that believe without seeing (John 20:29) and behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice, let him open the door and I will come in and dine with him and he with me (Revelation 3:20). Let us also be like Rhoda, believing without seeing for in doing so, we are counted as blessed, and if we hear Jesus knock at the door of our heart, let us harden not our hearts but let us open it, so that he can come in and commune with us.
Acts 12:12-16 (KJV)
12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
14 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.
15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
