Overview
Rhoda appears briefly in Acts 12 as a servant in the home of Mary, mother of John Mark, where the early church had gathered to pray for Peter's release from Herod's imprisonment. When Peter miraculously escaped from prison, he went to this house, and Rhoda answered the door. Though she recognized Peter's voice, she was so amazed and filled with joy that she ran inside to tell the others rather than letting him in, leaving Peter standing outside.
Key Scriptures
"When Peter came to himself, he said, 'Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.' When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying" (Acts 12:11-12, ESV).
"And when she recognized Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate" (Acts 12:14, ESV).
Application
Rhoda's response reminds us to share our joy in God's answers to prayer with the church community, while also following through on practical responsibilities.