Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Acts: Chapter 12]
only and 19:25 and the uncompounded \throiz•\ in Lu 24:33)
and the periphrastic imperfect. The praying apparently had been
going on all night and a large number (many, \hikanoi\) of the
disciples were there. One recalls the time when they had gathered
to pray (4:31) after Peter had told the disciples of the
threats of the Sanhedrin (4:23). God had rescued Peter then.
Would he let him be put to death now as James had been?
12:13 {When he knocked at the door of the gate} (\krousantos
autou t•n thuran tou pul•nos\). Genitive absolute with aorist
active participle of \krou•\, common verb to knock or knock at.
So from the outside (Lu 13:25). \Pul•n\ here is the gateway or
passageway from the door (\thura\) that leads to the house. In
verse 14 it is still the passageway without the use of \thura\
(door, so for both door and passageway). {To answer}
(\hupakousai\). To listen under before opening. First aorist
active infinitive of \hupakou•\, common verb to obey, to hearken.
{A maid} (\paidisk•\). Portress as in Joh 18:17. A diminutive
of \pais\, a female slave (so on an ostracon of second century
A.D., Deissmann, _Light from the Ancient East_, p. 200). {Rhoda}.
A rose. Women can have such beautiful names like Dorcas
(Gazelle), Euodia (Sweet Aroma), Syntyche (Good Luck). Mark or
Peter could tell Luke her name.
12:14 {When she knew} (\epignousa\). Second aorist (ingressive)
active participle of \epigin•sk•\, to know fully or in addition
(\epi\), to recognize. She knew Peter and his voice from his
frequent visits there. {For joy} (\apo t•s char•s\). From her joy
(ablative case), life-like picture of the maid who left Peter
standing outside with the door to the passageway unopened. Note
the aorist tenses for quick action (\ouk •noixen\), \eisdramousa\
(from \eistrech•\, defective verb, only here in the N.T.),
\ap•ggeilen\. {Stood} (\hestanai\). Second perfect active
infinitive of \hist•mi\, intransitive, in indirect assertion with
\ton Petron\ (Peter) accusative of general reference. The slave
girl acted as if she were a member of the family (Furneaux), but
she left Peter in peril.
12:15 {Thou art mad} (\main•i\). Present middle indicative second
person singular. Old verb, only in the middle voice. Festus used
the same word to Paul (26:24). The maid was undoubtedly
excited, but it was a curious rebuff from those who had been
praying all night for Peter's release. In their defence it may be
said that Stephen and James had been put to death and many others
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