Acts 12:15
What does Acts 12:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 12:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 12:15 means
The gathered believers dismiss Rhoda as mad, then suggest, “It is his angel,” revealing a mixture of unbelief, fear, and speculation. While the text does not teach a doctrine of personal angels here, it records their assumption to show how unprepared they were for a literal answer. Even sincere prayers can be clouded by expectations or despair. Their reaction contrasts with God’s clear action: Peter is at the gate. The church’s weakness does not cancel God’s faithfulness. This verse gently exposes human frailty in belief, while setting the stage for undeniable confirmation when they finally see Peter themselves.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And they said to her, You are off your head. But still she said, with decision, that it was so. And they said, It is his angel.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they said unto her, `Thou art mad;' and she was confidently affirming <FI>it<Fi> to be so, and they said, `It is his messenger;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But they said to her: Thou art mad. But she affirmed that it was so. Then said they: It is his angel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they said to her, Thou art mad. But she maintained that it was so. And they said, It is his angel.
Context
After Rhoda’s joyful announcement, the group resists her claim, adding a layer of irony to the scene. The delay keeps Peter knocking and builds anticipation for the reveal in the next verse. This skepticism heightens the impact of verse 16, where sight will correct their doubt. The narrative uses the moment to underline that God’s answers can exceed even the expectations of praying people, moving the story from debate to amazement.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 24:37
But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they beheld a spirit.
- Job 9:16
If I had called, and he had answered me, Yet would I not believe that he hearkened unto my voice.
- Genesis 48:16
the angel who hath redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
- Matthew 18:10
See that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
- Mark 16:11
And they, when they heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, disbelieved.
- Mark 16:14
And afterward he was manifested unto the eleven themselves as they sat at meat; and he upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them that had seen him after he was risen.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 12
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 12.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…