They Were Astonished

“And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 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. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.” Acts 12:13-16

Peter had been arrested and was in prison awaiting execution. Many of the believers who had heard about his predicament had gathered to pray that his life would be spared and that he would be released. The night before Peter was to be put to death, an angel appeared to him and escorted him out of the prison. Peter made his way to the house where the believers were gathered praying for him and knocked on the door. A young girl named Rhoda came to the gate, and when she heard Peter’s voice, she was so excited that she ran back inside to tell everyone that Peter was there without even opening the door. The folks gathered at the prayer meeting could not believe that Peter was really there, and when they finally went to the door, they were astonished to see him. They were asking for something that they believed was impossible, so they were shocked when it happened. How often do we ask God for things without believing that we will receive them? If we truly have faith, we will be pleased, delighted, and maybe even relieved when our prayers are answered; but not astonished.