Why did the believers initially doubt Rhoda's claim about Peter's release? Setting the Scene at Mary’s House Acts 12 opens with Herod imprisoning Peter under the watch of four squads of soldiers (Acts 12:4). While Peter sleeps between two guards, “an angel of the Lord” frees him (Acts 12:6-11). Peter heads straight to “the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many were gathered together praying” (Acts 12:12). Rhoda’s Excited Announcement • Peter knocks. • The servant girl Rhoda recognizes his voice and, overjoyed, forgets to open the door (Acts 12:13-14). • She runs inside and blurts out, “Peter is standing at the gate!” Why the House Church Struggled to Believe 1. Seemingly Impossible Circumstances – Herod’s prison detail was airtight: four squads, two chains, iron gate (Acts 12:4, 6, 10). – Humanly speaking, escape felt impossible, so Rhoda’s report sounded irrational. 2. Lingering Fear of Persecution – James had just been executed (Acts 12:2). – Fear can dull faith; they expected bad news, not a miraculous release. 3. Cultural Assumptions about “Angels” – “It is his angel” (Acts 12:15). First-century Jews often believed each person had a guardian angel who could appear in that person’s likeness. – Some thought Peter might already be dead and his angel—or spirit—was at the door. 4. Unbelief in the Midst of Prayer – They were praying “earnestly” for Peter (Acts 12:5), yet struggled to accept the answer when it arrived. – Similar pattern: the disciples dismissed the women’s resurrection report as “nonsense” (Luke 24:11), and Thomas demanded physical proof (John 20:25). 5. Rhoda’s Status – A young servant girl’s excited testimony was easy to discount. – Ironically, the least-expected messenger brought the truthful news. What “It Is His Angel” Means • The statement shows they believed in angels (cf. Psalm 34:7; Matthew 18:10) but misapplied that belief. • Instead of assuming a living, freed Peter, they defaulted to a supernatural explanation that still left Peter confined—or worse. Faith Lessons • God answers prayer, even when His people struggle to believe (Mark 9:24). • The power that broke Peter’s chains still works today (Ephesians 3:20). • Expectant faith listens for the knock and opens the door. |
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