Acts 12:13
And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρου
as Peter
G4074
Πέτρου
as Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 13
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θύραν
the door
G2374
θύραν
the door
Strong's:
G2374
Word #:
6 of 13
a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πυλῶνος
of the gate
G4440
πυλῶνος
of the gate
Strong's:
G4440
Word #:
8 of 13
a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule
προσῆλθεν
came
G4334
προσῆλθεν
came
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
9 of 13
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
παιδίσκη
a damsel
G3814
παιδίσκη
a damsel
Strong's:
G3814
Word #:
10 of 13
a girl, i.e., (specially), a female slave or servant
ὑπακοῦσαι
to hearken
G5219
ὑπακοῦσαι
to hearken
Strong's:
G5219
Word #:
11 of 13
to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
Cross References
Acts 12:16But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.Luke 13:25When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
Historical Context
Paul's Roman name (versus Hebrew Saul) began regular use after Sergius Paulus's conversion—appropriate for Gentile mission. Perga in Pamphylia (southern Asia Minor/Turkey) lay inland, requiring difficult mountain travel. John Mark's departure around 48 CE for unstated reasons caused later split between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37-39). Whether fear, homesickness, or theological disagreement, his departure revealed mission work's challenges.
Questions for Reflection
- How does leadership naturally emerge through gifting and Spirit's direction?
- What causes some to abandon challenging ministry?
- In what ways do leadership transitions create relational tensions?
- Why does Scripture honestly record ministry team conflicts?
- What does John Mark's departure teach about perseverance in mission?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. The subtle shift from 'Barnabas and Saul' to 'Paul and his company' indicates Paul's emerging leadership, while John Mark's departure foreshadows later conflict.