Rhoda

RHODA (rō'da, Gr. Rhodē, rose). The name of the girl who answered the door in the very human narrative of Acts.12.13. She was a servant, probably a slave of Mary, John Mark’s mother.

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RHODA ro’ də (̔Ρόδη, G4851, rose). Rhoda was a slave girl in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, who came to answer the door when Peter arrived there after his miraculous deliverance from prison (Acts 12:13). She recognized Peter’s voice and joyfully announced to the company gathered there for prayer that Peter was at the door. She was accused of being mad but persisted in her statement (Acts 12:14, 15).

Nothing more is known of her. The name was common, esp. among slave girls.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

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 ).