Bible Dictionary
Rhoda
Rhoda was a servant in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark. After Peter’s miraculous release from prison, she recognized his voice at the door and announced his arrival to the gathered believers.
Definition
Rhoda was a maid in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark. After Peter’s miraculous release from prison, she answered the door, recognized his voice, and ran to announce that he was there.
Biblical Usage
Rhoda’s joyful announcement was initially disbelieved by the believers gathered in Mary’s house. They thought she was mad and later suggested that the visitor might be Peter’s angel, while Peter continued knocking until he was admitted.
Historical Background
Rhoda’s name means “rose.” The account reflects the household setting of the early believers gathered at Mary’s home.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A rose, the damsel in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark. She came to hearken when Peter knocked at the door of the gate (Acts 12:12-15).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(rose), the name of a maid who announced Peter’s arrival at the door of Mary’s house after his miraculous release from prison. (Acts 12:13) (A.D. 44.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ro'-da (Rhode, "rose"): A maid in the house of Mary the mother of John Mark. She came to answer when Peter knocked at Mary's door after his miraculous release from prison. On recognizing his voice, she so forgot herself with joy that she neglected to open the door, but ran in to tell the others the glad news. They would not believe her, thinking she was mad; and when she persisted in her statement they said it must be his angel. The Jewish belief was that each man had a guardian angel assigned to him. Peter continued knocking, and was ultimately admitted (Ac 12:12).</p><p>S. F. Hunter</p>