Acts 12:14
And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιγνοῦσα
when she knew
G1921
ἐπιγνοῦσα
when she knew
Strong's:
G1921
Word #:
2 of 22
to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνὴν
voice
G5456
φωνὴν
voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
4 of 22
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρον
Peter
G4074
Πέτρον
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
6 of 22
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
ἀπὸ
for
G575
ἀπὸ
for
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 22
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἤνοιξεν
she opened
G455
ἤνοιξεν
she opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
11 of 22
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πυλῶνος
the gate
G4440
πυλῶνος
the gate
Strong's:
G4440
Word #:
13 of 22
a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule
ἑστάναι
stood
G2476
ἑστάναι
stood
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
17 of 22
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρον
Peter
G4074
Πέτρον
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
19 of 22
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
πρὸ
before
G4253
πρὸ
before
Strong's:
G4253
Word #:
20 of 22
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
Historical Context
Antioch in Pisidia (different from Syrian Antioch) was Roman colony and regional center in Asia Minor. Synagogue attendance on Sabbath provided natural entry point for gospel proclamation. Sitting down was teaching posture. Around 48 CE, this visit produced Paul's first recorded sermon (Acts 13:16-41), establishing theological pattern for explaining Jesus as prophesied Messiah. The synagogue setting enabled appeals to shared Scripture and messianic hope.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does consistent methodology matter in missionary work?
- How does building on existing foundation facilitate gospel communication?
- In what ways does Sabbath observance create evangelistic opportunity?
- What role does cultural familiarity play in gospel proclamation?
- Why begin with those who know Scripture rather than complete pagans?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. The missionaries' continued strategy—synagogue attendance on Sabbath—demonstrates consistent methodology building on Old Testament foundation.