How does Rhoda's reaction in Acts 12:13 demonstrate faith in answered prayer?

Setting the Scene: Fervent Prayer for Peter

- “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him” (Acts 12:5).

- After the miraculous rescue, “he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered together praying” (Acts 12:12).

---

Rhoda Hears the Knock

- “He knocked at the outer gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it” (Acts 12:13).

- Recognizing Peter’s voice, “because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate” (v. 14).

---

What Rhoda’s Reaction Reveals About Faith

• Expectant Heart

– She assumed God had answered, showing confident anticipation of His power (Mark 11:24).

• Spiritual Recognition

– Immediate identification of Peter’s voice parallels the sheep knowing the Shepherd (John 10:3–4).

• Overflowing Joy

– Faith blossoms into gladness when God moves (Romans 15:13).

• Bold Testimony

– She “announced” the answer, modeling Psalm 9:1—telling all God’s wonders.

• Perseverance Amid Doubt

– When told, “You are out of your mind” (Acts 12:15), she “kept insisting.” Genuine faith stands firm (James 1:6).

---

Contrast: The Room’s Surprise

- The same believers praying for deliverance could not accept its swift arrival and concluded, “It is his angel” (v. 15).

- Rhoda, though a young servant, displayed the childlike trust Christ commends (Matthew 18:4).

---

Scriptural Principles Illustrated

- Hebrews 11:1 — Assurance of things hoped for, conviction of things not seen.

- Psalm 66:19 — God hears and attends to prayer.

- 1 John 5:14–15 — Confidence that if we ask according to His will, He hears and we have what we asked.

---

Takeaways for Today

- Pray believing God will act.

- Train the ear of faith to recognize His answer.

- Celebrate immediately when He works.

- Share testimonies; they build up the church.

- Keep affirming God’s answer, even when others hesitate—the historical account of Rhoda assures us He truly opens prison doors.