Rhoda

By Carl Fout

When Peter is released from his chains in prison by an angel of the Lord, he goes to the house of Mary the mother of John Mark. When he knocks on the door, someone named Rhoda answers the door. When she sees him, she slams the door in his face (Acts 12).

Who is this Rhoda?

Why did Peter go to this house?

Of all the Marys in the Bible, who is this Mary?

What comes from this meeting of Peter and John Mark?

This book tells of the possible life and struggles of Rhoda and includes a possible beginning of the book of Mark.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9798886160321

Book preview

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Rhoda

Carl Fout

ISBN 979-8-88616-031-4 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88616-032-1 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Carl Fout

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Postscripts

About the Author

Introduction

In the book of Acts, chapters 11 and 12, we read about the beginning growth of the early church. We see that the people of the early church are first called Christians. But apparently, the growth of the church is threatening to some of the leaders of the nation.

King Herod Agrippa begins to persecute the believers in the church. He has the apostle James (John's brother) killed. He has so much approval from the Jewish people that he has Peter arrested. Peter is put in prison and fastened with chains between two guards. The church learns of this and begins a fervent prayer for Peter.

An angel of the Lord frees Peter from his chains and walks him out of the prison. Peter decides to go to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered in prayer. When he knocks on the door, a servant named Rhoda comes but does not let him in. She is so excited that she runs to tell others. When they finally open the door, they are amazed that their prayers have been answered.

Chapter 1

At the age of fifteen, Rhoda knew she was very blessed. Since her early childhood, she had been told about her ancestry. Her family was descended from the family of King David. Her father was a direct descendent of Eliab, the oldest son of Jesse and the oldest brother of King David. As the oldest son, Eliab had inherited the house and land of Jesse. Rhoda grew up in the same house where King David lived in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem! The most beautiful place in the world! After all the wars, the land had returned to its lush growth and beauty. All the grassland again provided food for sheep and bounty for her family. Her father now owned the most successful sheepherding in the land. Bethlehem had returned as the crossroad of trade routes from all foreign lands. The Bethlehem Inn was again busy constantly with tradesmen, caravans, and travelers.

Rhoda's oldest brother, Aleph, was the shepherd of their sheep just as King David had been. He played the harp and flute as he shepherded just like the stories of David were told. Her youngest brother, Rufus, was still too young for the responsibility of shepherding, but he won awards with the sling in Bethlehem's competition of young men in King David's honor.

The Bethlehem Inn had been remodeled and expanded to contain a large food serving area for travelers and local visitors.

There was usually musical entertainment, sometimes provided by Aleph. Rhoda enjoyed many trips to the Inn, especially the cavern mangers where travelers housed their animals. The owners of the inn were descended from King Uzziah, and they owned many properties around Bethlehem. They were the wealthiest family in the area.

They owned a large