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Acts 12:13

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 12:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.
Acts 12:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10And when they were past the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and straightway the angel departed from him.
11And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a truth, that the Lord hath sent forth his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
12And 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 and were praying.
13And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.
14And when she knew Peter`s voice, she opened not the gate for joy, but ran in, and told that Peter stood before the gate.
15And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel.
16But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed.
← Acts 12:12Acts 12:14 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, etc. The lesser door in the great gate, or the door of the porch through which they entered into the house. So the Jews distinguish between jtp, “the door”, and r[ç, “the gate”; (see <071816>Judges 18:16,17) (<264011>Ezekiel 40:11) where the Septuagint use the same words as here. Kimchi f584 says, “jtp, “the door” is what is of the gate, without the folding doors; for all is called r[ç, “the gate”, whether within or without, with the folding doors, and the outward threshold, as that is joined to the side posts and lintel.” The door was kept shut, for fear of the Jews, lest they should be disturbed: here Peter stood and knocked: a damsel came to…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“came to hearken--not to open; for neither was it a time nor an hour of night for that, but to listen who was there.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“At the door of the gate - Rather the door of the vestibule, or principal entrance into the house. The house was entered through such a porch or vestibule, and it was the door opening into this which is here intended. See the notes on Matthew 9:2. A damsel - A girl. Came to hearken - To hear who was there. Named Rhoda - This is a Greek name signifying a rose. It was not unusual for the Hebrews to give the names of flowers, etc., to their daughters. Thus, Susanna, a lily; Hadessa, a myrtle; Tamar, a palm-tree, etc. (Grotius). return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The gate - At some distance from the house; to hearken - If any knocked. Acts 12:14”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:13-17 Rhoda was so surprised when Peter appeared that she left him standing at the closed door. Both she and the other believers were amazed by God’s answer to their prayers (12:5).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“knocked: Act 12:16; Luk 13:25 hearken: or, ask who was there Acts 12:14”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification