Too Excited to Open the Door

The Bible tells us stories of all sorts of people, from the rich and powerful to the lowly and overlooked. This is one thing I love about the book. A person’s story illustrates every principle taught within its covers.

In describing Peter’s miraculous escape from prison, Luke (the author of the account) highlighted Rhoda’s response. Not a church leader or powerful patron, Rhoda served food, cleaned the floors and most importantly, checked the door.

Peter awaited execution in a prison cell chained to his guards. Herod earlier put James to death and Peter stood next in line, just waiting for a trial to show off Herod’s power. But an angel intervened and led Peter from prison. After his release Peter walked to a house where he knew church members were praying. He knocked and Rhoda ran to answer the door.

When Rhoda recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” To which her companions responded, “You’re out of your mind!” After more wrangling they all decided to go outside where they found Peter, still knocking.

The thrill of a lost hero returned charged Rhoda with excitement and joy. I love this picture of happiness in the midst of a terrible time of persecution. The Lord revealed his ability to save first to Rhoda, and then to the rest of the church. I wonder if Rhoda, the lowliest member of the household, needed to understand this particular aspect of the Lord’s goodness?

God does not always save his saints from tyrants. Peter himself was later crucified under orders from Nero. But that night in Jerusalem the Lord acted on behalf of Peter, the early church, and Rhoda, the no longer overlooked servant.

Acts 12 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Martin Adams