12:13 {6} And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel {d} came to hearken, named Rhoda.
(6) We obtain more from God than we dare well hope for.
(d) Out of the place where they were assembled, but not out of the house.
12:13 A damsel came to hearken. It was the night, and they were Christians. The knocker might be an enemy or a friend. The damsel, a maid-servant, had charge of the door.
12:13 The gate - At some distance from the house; to hearken - If any knocked.
12:12-19 God's providence leaves room for the use of our prudence, though he has undertaken to perform and perfect what he has begun. These Christians continued in prayer for Peter, for they were truly in earnest. Thus men ought always to pray, and not to faint. As long as we are kept waiting for a mercy, we must continue praying for it. But sometimes that which we most earnestly wish for, we are most backward to believe. The Christian law of self-denial and of suffering for Christ, has not done away the natural law of caring for our own safety by lawful means. In times of public danger, all believers have God for their hiding-place; which is so secret, that the world cannot find them. Also, the instruments of persecution are themselves exposed to danger; the wrath of God hangs over all that engage in this hateful work. And the range of persecutors often vents itself on all in its way.
