Strong’s Greek 1532 pictures urgent entry—literally “to run into” a place already occupied. It describes not casual movement but a sudden, purposeful bursting in, driven by emotion that refuses delay.

Singular New Testament Appearance

Acts 12:14 records its lone use. After the angelic release of Peter, Rhoda the servant girl “ran inside” (εἰσδραμοῦσα) to tell the praying believers that their prayer had been answered.

“Recognizing Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that she ran inside and announced, ‘Peter is standing at the gate!’” (Acts 12:14).

Historical Setting

• Location: The house of Mary, mother of John Mark, a known gathering spot for early believers in Jerusalem.
• Context: Persecution by Herod Agrippa I had intensified (Acts 12:1-3). James had been executed; Peter awaited the same fate.
• Atmosphere: The church was conducting an all-night prayer vigil, embodying solidarity and dependence on God. Rhoda’s action breaks the tension and shifts the narrative from fearful pleading to joyous proclamation.

Narrative Function in Acts

1. Confirmation of God’s deliverance. The verb marks the decisive pivot from crisis to celebration.
2. Elevation of a servant girl. Luke highlights the role of a seemingly insignificant believer whose quick obedience becomes the vehicle of testimony.
3. Exposure of unbelief. The household initially dismisses Rhoda’s report (Acts 12:15), underscoring how divine answers can outpace human expectation.

Theological and Pastoral Insights

• Prayer and Providence: The same community that “earnestly prayed to God for him” (Acts 12:5) hesitated to accept the answer. Rhoda’s running in models faith that moves faster than skepticism.
• Joy-driven Witness: The spontaneous urgency reinforces that good news is meant to be shared immediately, not hoarded until protocol permits.
• Empowering the Humble: Scripture repeatedly shows that social status does not limit usefulness in God’s plan (compare John 4:28-29; 2 Kings 5:2-3). The verb’s intensity hints that Godly zeal often springs from unexpected quarters.

Implications for Contemporary Ministry

1. Encourage prompt testimony. When God acts, believers should “run in” with the report, trusting that truth itself carries conviction.
2. Honor every voice in the congregation. Servants, children, and new converts may discern answered prayer before seasoned leaders do.
3. Maintain expectancy in corporate prayer. Rhoda’s account warns against praying with reservations; faith anticipates doors opening and chains falling (Acts 12:7-10).

Related Themes and Texts

• Overwhelming joy compelling immediate action (Matthew 28:8; John 20:2).
• Rapid obedience in response to revelation (Genesis 24:20; Luke 19:6).
• Turning points marked by an individual’s decisive movement (Acts 10:25-26; Acts 16:29-30).

Conclusion

Strong’s 1532 encapsulates the heartbeat of answered prayer—an enthusiastic rush to announce God’s intervention. Though used only once, it captures a pattern woven through Scripture: when the Lord acts, His people are moved to swift, energetic proclamation.