Bible Study Acts 12:14, Rhoda

Okay, just a quicky this time (I think). Never know for sure how much I'm going to write until I actually get going on it. But here goes........

Yesterday when I was in Acts 12, I refreshed my memory on the story of Peter's release from prison. I've preached from this before and heard others do the same. Not sure I've seen this aspect though. We have remarked on the disbelief of the others in the prayer meeting. They were praying for Peter's release. But when he arrived at the door, they did not believe he was there. They were praying. But the question always arises: Did they pray in faith?

And we have chuckled over Rhoda's (the servant) running off in excitement to announce Peter's arrival but leaving him outside. Humorous scene.

But this time I noticed: Rhoda--if no one else--had been praying in faith. She heard the knock at the door and asked who is it. The voice on the other side said, "This is Peter." Do you see: She did not doubt! The very fact that she ran back to tell the others that Peter was at the door says that she believed Peter had somehow gotten out of jail. She believed. Did you notice: she had not yet seen Peter. ("Faith is being ... certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1) Still, she knew he was there. The others had other explanations for the sound and voice she heard.

But Rhoda believed!