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Peter comes to himself once he is outside the prison. The air in his face probably fully awakens
Peter, and as he stands in the streets of Jerusalem, he realizes a true miracle has just taken
place. This is Peter’s second miraculous deliverance from prison (5:19).

PETER COMES TO HIMSELF

Act 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord
hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the
expectation of the people of the Jews.

Peter is delivered from the Jews and the Romans simultaneously.

Act 12:12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of
John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

Peter has some time to think about what has just happened before he arrives at the prayer

meeting. Peter does not consider fleeing, instead, as he had done previously, he goes to his
“own company” (4:23).

Those who are praying for Peter have gathered together in the house of Mark’s mother, Mary.
Mark wrote the book of Mark based on accounts he received from Peter. This is our first
introduction to Mark. He is the same man who will accompany Paul and Barnabas on their first
missionary journey from Antioch (verse 25; 13:5).

RHODA AT THE GATE OF MARY’S HOUSE

Act 12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named
Rhoda.

Act 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.

Rhoda is probably a servant girl working in Mary’s home. She is a believer, and although she is
not praying with the others, she is concerned for Peter’s deliverance from prison. When she

sees Peter outside the gate, she is so excited, she runs to tell everyone and leaves Peter
standing at the gate.

Act 12:15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even
so. Then said they, It is his angel.

The intercessory, prevailing prayer of those gathered has been effective. Their prayers
manifested so quickly, no one is ready to stop praying. They had planned to pray for a long
period of time for Peter’s deliverance and are surprised when the answer comes.