In brief
Rhoda is a servant, present in the house where the Church is praying for Peter, imprisoned by Herod. One night an angel frees Peter, who goes to that house and knocks at the door. Rhoda recognizes his voice and, for joy, runs to announce the news without opening. At first she is not believed, but Peter keeps knocking, and everyone is astonished to see him. Her story reminds us that God answers prayer, sometimes faster and more powerfully than we hope.
What does the name Rhoda mean?
The name Rhoda comes from Greek and is generally linked to the word for the rose. The Bible gives no explanation of this name. It introduces her as a servant in the house of Mary, the mother of John, also called Mark (Acts 12:12-13).
The story of Rhoda
Peter in prison, the Church prays
Acts 12:1-5King Herod puts James to death with the sword, then has Peter arrested and hands him over to four squads of soldiers, intending to bring him out for trial after the Passover. Peter is kept in prison, and the Church prays earnestly to God for him.
An angel delivers Peter
Acts 12:6-11The night before his trial, Peter sleeps between two soldiers, bound with two chains. An angel appears, the chains fall off, the doors open, and Peter finds himself in the street. Coming to himself, he recognizes that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued him from Herod's hand.
Rhoda at the door
Acts 12:12-15Peter goes to the house of Mary, the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people are gathered to pray. A servant named Rhoda comes to listen. She recognizes Peter's voice and, in her joy, runs to announce that he is at the door instead of opening it. They think she is out of her mind.
The door opens
Acts 12:16-17Peter keeps on knocking. At last they open the door, see him and are astonished. He tells them how the Lord brought him out of the prison, asks them to report this to James and the brothers, then goes to another place.
What Rhoda teaches us
- God answers prayer, even when we struggle to believe his answer.
- A person in quiet service can be the first to live and announce a miracle.
- The spontaneous joy of faith is not always understood, but it tells the truth.
- A Church that prays without ceasing sees God at work even behind prison walls.
Key verses
Peter is kept in prison, and the Church prays earnestly to God for him. This verse shows the persevering prayer that comes before the deliverance.
An angel of the Lord appears, a light shines in the cell and the chains fall off Peter's hands. The deliverance comes from God alone.
Peter makes his way to the house of Mary, the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people were gathered in prayer. This is the setting of the scene with Rhoda.
Sermons about Rhoda
Frequently asked questions
Who was Rhoda in the Bible?
Rhoda is a servant in the house of Mary, the mother of John, also called Mark, where the Church was praying for Peter. When Peter, freed by an angel, knocks at the door, she recognizes his voice and runs to announce him with joy, without opening to him (Acts 12:12-15).
What does the name Rhoda mean?
Her name is of Greek origin and is generally linked to the word for the rose. The Bible gives no explanation of it. It is better to stay cautious and hold on above all to what the account tells of her reaction to the freed Peter.
Where can I find the story of Rhoda in the Bible?
Her story is found in the book of Acts, chapter 12, verses 12 to 16. It belongs to the larger account of Peter's arrest by Herod, his deliverance by an angel and the prayer of the Church.