Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 12:13

"And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda." — Acts 12:13 (ASV)

At the door of the gate. Rather, the door of the vestibule, or principal entrance into the house. The house was entered through such a porch or vestibule, and it was the door opening into this which is here intended (see Barnes on Matthew 9:2).

A damsel. A girl.

Came to hearken. To hear who was there.

Named Rhoda. This is a Greek name signifying a rose. It was not unusual for the Hebrews to give the names of flowers, etc., to their daughters. Thus Susanna, a lily; Hadessa, a myrtle; Tamar, a palm-tree; etc. (Grotius).