Rhoda Ῥόδη

Rhoda was a servant girl who lived in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, in Jerusalem (Act.12.13). During the reign of King Herod Agrippa I, the apostle Peter was imprisoned for his faith (Act.12.1-4). The church gathered at Mary's house to pray earnestly for Peter's safety and release (Act.12.5, 12). One night, as they were praying, an angel miraculously freed Peter from prison, and he made his way to Mary's house (Act.12.6-11). When Peter knocked at the gate, Rhoda went to answer (Act.12.13). Upon recognizing Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that she forgot to open the gate and ran back inside to tell the others that Peter was standing outside (Act.12.14). Initially, the people inside did not believe her, thinking she was out of her mind or that it was Peter's angel (Act.12.15). However, when Peter continued knocking, they opened the door and were astonished to see him (Act.12.16). Rhoda's role in this account highlights the power of prayer and the unexpected ways in which God can answer the prayers of His people. Her joyful response to Peter's presence also demonstrates the love and unity among the early believers, even in the face of persecution.