Level 1
Miracles That Multiply the Mission
(Believers)
Picture Peter roaming Judea, extending The Great Commission beyond Jerusalem. In Lydda, he finds Aeneas, bedridden eight years. Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. (Acts 9:34) Aeneas leaps up, healed. All in Lydda and Sharon turn to the Lord.
In Joppa, beloved Tabitha dies. Disciples summon Peter. He prays, then commands, Tabitha, arise. (Acts 9:40) She opens her eyes, revived. News spreads; many believe.
These acts showcase The Holy Spirit's Role empowering Peter, echoing Jesus' miracles. Geographically, faith reaches new towns; numerically, believers surge. As a believer, let this inspire: your acts of kindness and prayer can spark revivals in unexpected places. Step out—The Great Commission grows through everyday obedience.
Divine Power Extends the Mission
(Scholars / Pastors)
Acts 9:32-43 details Peter's continued ministry in Judea, expanding The Great Commission beyond Jerusalem. Peter travels to Lydda, where he heals Aeneas, a paralyzed man, in the name of Jesus Christ. This miracle leads to widespread conversion in Lydda and Sharon. Peter then responds to a call from Joppa, where he raises Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead. These powerful demonstrations of The Holy Spirit's Role authenticate Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel, causing many to believe in the Lord in Joppa. This narrative highlights the Gospel's sustained numerical and geographical growth in the "Judea" region and sets the stage for pivotal future events.
Level 2
Peter's Power-Filled Path to New Horizons
(Believers)
Let's follow Peter as he ventures out, embodying The Great Commission in action. With Saul in Tarsus and churches at peace (Acts 9:31), Peter itinerates: And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. (Acts 9:32) Lydda, a trade hub near Jerusalem, hosts believers. There, Aeneas lies paralyzed. Peter declares, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. (Acts 9:34) No hocus-pocus—it's Jesus' name that heals, highlighting teaching about Jesus and the Gospel as the source of power.
The impact? And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. (Acts 9:35) Whole regions convert, expanding faith geographically and numerically. This mirrors Jesus' healings, connecting Acts to the Rest of the New Testament like Mark 2:11-12's paralytic.
Shift to Joppa, seaside town. Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. (Acts 9:36) Beloved for charity, she falls ill and dies. Disciples, hearing Peter's near, send for him. Arriving, he finds widows weeping, showing her handmade coats.
Peter clears the room, kneels, prays—then, Tabitha, arise. (Acts 9:40) She revives, presented alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. (Acts 9:42) Again, conversions flood in. Peter stays with Simon the tanner, signaling openness to Gentiles ahead.
The Holy Spirit's Role is evident, empowering miracles like at Pentecost. These signs fulfill prophecy fulfillment from Isaiah 35:5-6 about lame leaping, dead raised—pointing to Messiah's era.
No overt opposition here; it's pure acceptance, as communities embrace Christianity. Yet subtly, Christianity Accepted and Opposed looms—miracles counter skepticism, drawing seekers.
For believers today, it's motivational. Feeling stuck in routine? Peter shows itinerant ministry expands The Great Commission. Healings aren't just physical; share Jesus' hope with hurting friends. Pray boldly, attributing power to Christ. Volunteer like Tabitha—your deeds open doors.
Geographically, hit new "towns"—workplaces, neighborhoods. Numerically, watch faith multiply through authenticity. Study these alongside John 14:12: greater works via Spirit. Let Peter's path inspire yours—step into Spirit-led adventures, watching God grow His kingdom through you.
Level 2: Expanded Insights
(Scholars / Pastors)
Acts 9:32-43 showcases Peter's ongoing apostolic ministry in the region of Judea, demonstrating the continuous geographical and numerical expansion of The Great Commission. This segment follows Saul's strategic departure to Tarsus, highlighting a period of peace and growth for the broader church in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria (Acts 9:31). Peter, acting as an itinerant minister, travels through various areas, solidifying the gains of the Gospel.
The first miracle occurs in Lydda, where Peter finds Aeneas, a man paralyzed for eight years. Peter addresses him directly: "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Immediately, Aeneas gets up. This powerful demonstration of The Holy Spirit's Role through Peter authenticates Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel. The impact is immediate and widespread: "And all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord." This signifies significant Christianity Accepted and Opposed as entire communities respond positively to the Gospel message, leading to rapid expansion of The Great Commission in this specific region of Judea.
Peter is then called to Joppa, a coastal town, due to the death of Tabitha (Dorcas), a beloved disciple "abounding with deeds of kindness and charity." The grieving widows present Peter with garments Tabitha had made, emphasizing her compassionate service. Peter, mirroring Jesus' actions (Mark 5:40) and echoing Peter's own earlier experience in Acts 3, sends everyone out of the room, kneels and prays, then commands: "Tabitha, arise!" Tabitha immediately opens her eyes and sits up. Peter presents her alive to the saints and widows. This miracle, raising someone from the dead, is an even more profound demonstration of The Holy Spirit's Role and the divine authority given to the apostles for The Great Commission.
The news of Tabitha's resurrection spreads rapidly: "It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord." This further illustrates the power of miraculous signs to confirm Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel and prompt widespread Christianity Accepted and Opposed. The growth in Joppa is particularly significant because Joppa is a port city, a gateway to the wider Gentile world, strategically positioning Peter for his next divine appointment. The passage concludes with Peter staying "many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon." This detail is crucial for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT, as it is from Simon the tanner's house in Joppa that Peter will receive the pivotal vision and divine instruction to go to Cornelius in Caesarea (Acts 10), marking the formal opening of The Great Commission to the Gentiles. Thus, Peter's miracles in Judea not only extend the Gospel geographically but also prepare him for the groundbreaking mission that will reshape the trajectory of the early church.
Level 3
Expanding Horizons:
Peter's Miracles Ignite Widespread Faith
(Believers)
Step into the vibrant expansion phase of the early church, where The Great Commission surges forward through Peter's dynamic ministry. Following Saul's sidelining to Tarsus and a season of church peace (Acts 9:31), focus shifts to Peter. No longer confined to Jerusalem, he embodies Jesus' mandate: go, make disciples everywhere (Matthew 28:19). And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. (Acts 9:32) Lydda (modern Lod), about 25 miles northwest of Jerusalem, is a bustling crossroads town with a mix of Jews and Gentiles. Historically, Lydda sat on key trade routes connecting Jerusalem to the Mediterranean coast, making it a strategic spot for ideas—and the gospel—to travel quickly. Here, Peter visits existing believers, strengthening the fledgling network, much like a modern pastor making house calls to encourage small groups.
Spotting Aeneas, a certain man... which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. (Acts 9:33), Peter acts decisively. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. (Acts 9:34) The command echoes Jesus' words to the Bethesda paralytic: Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. (John 5:8) This connecting Acts to the Rest of the New Testament underscores continuity—Peter's not innovating; he's extending Christ's authority. By invoking Jesus' name, he emphasizes teaching about Jesus and the Gospel: healing flows from faith in the risen Savior, not personal prowess. Imagine Aeneas, confined for years, suddenly standing—his testimony would spread like wildfire along those trade routes, drawing merchants and travelers into conversations about this Jesus who heals.
The ripple effect is massive: And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. (Acts 9:35) Sharon's coastal plain, a fertile region stretching toward the sea, sees wholesale conversions. Geographically, The Great Commission pushes westward; numerically, believers multiply exponentially. No opposition noted—pure acceptance, as miracles validate the message. This mass turning echoes the early days post-Pentecost, where signs led to thousands added daily (Acts 2:47), showing how God's power accelerates growth in receptive soils.
Now, the scene pivots to Joppa (modern Jaffa), a port city further west, known for its harbor that facilitated trade with distant lands like Cyprus and beyond. Joppa's maritime vibe made it a melting pot, where news—and faith—could sail to new horizons. Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. (Acts 9:36) Tabitha, Aramaic for "gazelle," embodies compassionate faith through sewing garments for widows. Her ministry reflects the early church's emphasis on caring for the vulnerable, as seen in Acts 6's deacon appointments. Her sudden illness and death devastate the community: And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. (Acts 9:37) The washing and laying out were standard Jewish burial rites, underscoring the finality of her loss.
Hearing Peter's in Lydda, forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. (Acts 9:38) Peter arrives promptly, his journey a mere 10 miles, symbolizing the church's interconnectedness. Upstairs, widows weep, displaying the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. (Acts 9:39) Their grief highlights her impact—practical love drawing people to Christ. These handmade items weren't just cloth; they were tangible expressions of gospel compassion, much like James 1:27's call to pure religion through aiding widows.
Peter, mirroring Jesus' raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:40-42), clears the room: But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. (Acts 9:40) He helps her up, presents her alive. This resurrection power screams The Holy Spirit's Role—the same Spirit filling Peter at Pentecost now enables signs and wonders, fulfilling Jesus' promise: He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do. (John 14:12) Tabitha's raising also parallels Lazarus' revival in John 11, where Jesus commands, Lazarus, come forth (John 11:43), emphasizing resurrection as a foretaste of eternal life, connecting Acts to the Rest of the New Testament through themes of victory over death.
News explodes: And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. (Acts 9:42) Conversions surge again, expanding The Great Commission to this seaport, gateway to wider world. Peter lingers many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. (Acts 9:43)—a humble, "unclean" trade involving animal hides, which would ritually defile under Jewish law (Leviticus 11). This stay foreshadows Cornelius' vision (Acts 10), breaking ethnic barriers and paving the way for Gentile inclusion, a pivotal step in the gospel's global reach.
These miracles tie to prophecy fulfillment: Isaiah 35:5-6 foretells lame leaping like deer, aligning with Aeneas; Ezekiel 37's dry bones reviving echoes Tabitha. Both point to messianic age, affirmed in Jesus and now His followers. Jesus Himself referenced such signs in Luke 7:22, telling John's disciples: Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. Peter's acts continue this proof, validating the church as the Messiah's body.
Subtly, Christianity Accepted and Opposed plays out—overwhelming acceptance here, with miracles silencing doubters. No recorded pushback; instead, faith flourishes, contrasting earlier Jerusalem tensions where opposition from leaders was fierce (Acts 5:17-18). In places like Lydda and Joppa, away from the Sanhedrin's grip, the gospel finds fertile ground, showing how relocation often aids expansion.
For believers, this narrative is profoundly inspirational and actionable. Ever wonder if your ministry matters? Peter's shows one person's obedience sparks regional revival. Geographically, challenge yourself: venture beyond comfort zones—visit new communities, share online globally. Numerically, pray for multiplication: disciple others, watch groups grow. Consider a modern parallel: imagine a believer like Peter visiting a hospital, praying for a paralyzed patient who then walks—news goes viral, leading to a faith surge in the community. Or think of Tabitha as today's volunteer sewing masks during a crisis, her kindness opening hearts to Jesus.
Relate personally: like Aeneas, seek healing in Jesus' name—physical, emotional, or spiritual. Schedule time to pray over ailments, trusting The Holy Spirit's Role for breakthroughs. Like Tabitha, serve practically; your "garments" of kindness—meals for neighbors, notes of encouragement—evangelize without words. Study these miracles with Luke 7:22, where Jesus lists signs proving He's Messiah—Peter continues that proof, inviting us to expect similar in our lives.
The Holy Spirit's Role empowers today too—seek fillings for boldness (Ephesians 5:18), perhaps through worship or fasting. When opposition arises (it will), remember miracles overcome it, as in 2 Timothy 3:12's promise of persecution yielding perseverance. In opposition-heavy cultures, like underground churches facing government crackdowns, such signs authenticate faith, much as they did here, drawing seekers despite risks.
Church-wide, foster Tabitha-like charity: start benevolence funds, organize volunteer drives for widows or refugees. Itinerate like Peter—guest speak at other churches, join short-term mission trips to nearby towns. Track growth: celebrate conversions and baptisms in services, using them to motivate more outreach. Journal Spirit promptings daily: "Where is my Lydda today?" Partner with charities aligning with gospel values, amplifying your impact. Host small groups studying Acts, role-playing miracle scenarios to build faith for real-life application.
Expanded applications abound. In a digital age, "geographic expansion" means podcasts or social media sharing Peter's stories, reaching global audiences. For numeric growth, mentor young believers like Aeneas, helping them "arise" in faith to disciple others. In family settings, model Tabitha's service by involving kids in community projects, teaching them teaching about Jesus and the Gospel through actions.
Ultimately, Acts 9:32-43 reveals The Great Commission as Spirit-driven expansion. Peter's ministry isn't superstar spectacle; it's faithful extension of Jesus' work, leading to geographic reach and numeric boom. As believers, you're invited in. Embrace teaching about Jesus and the Gospel through words and deeds. Let these stories fuel your fire—watch God use you to heal, raise, and multiply His kingdom in your world. Whether in quiet acts of service or bold prayers for miracles, your obedience can ignite widespread faith, just as it did in Lydda and Joppa. Step out today; the Spirit is ready to empower your next horizon.
Divine Power Extends the Mission
(Scholar/Pastor)
Acts 9:32-43 intricately details Peter's continued, Spirit-empowered ministry in the regions of Judea, serving as a powerful demonstration of the ongoing geographical and numerical expansion of The Great Commission. This pericope, following the period of peace after Saul's departure (Acts 9:31), strategically highlights the efficacy of authenticating miracles and meticulously sets the stage for the Gospel's climactic outreach to the Gentiles, thereby profoundly Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT narrative. Luke's account here is rich with theological implications, underscoring God's sovereignty over the mission's trajectory and His commitment to its universal fulfillment.
I. Peter's Itinerant Ministry in Judea: Consolidating and Expanding the Witness (Acts 9:32)
The passage opens with Peter's active engagement in itinerating ministry: "Now as Peter was traveling throughout all those regions, he also came down to the saints who lived at Lydda." This seemingly simple statement carries significant missiological weight. It demonstrates Peter's commitment to consolidating the work already begun in Jerusalem and Samaria (Acts 8) by nurturing nascent Christian communities in the wider Judean region. His proactive "traveling throughout all those regions" (dierchomenon dia pantōn) underscores a systematic approach to discipleship and evangelism, ensuring that the initial seeds of The Great Commission take firm root and continue to multiply.
Lydda: A Strategic Locale: Lydda (modern Lod), located in the fertile plain of Sharon, was a town of considerable Jewish population, but also lay on a vital trade route connecting Jerusalem to the Mediterranean coast. Its position made it a crucial crossroads where Jewish and Gentile cultures intersected. Peter's presence and ministry here signal the Gospel's organic expansion along established lines of communication and commerce, reaching beyond the immediate confines of Jerusalem and subtly preparing for the more explicit Gentile breakthrough. The very act of Peter "coming down to the saints" (pros tous hagious) highlights the importance of apostolic visitation for strengthening, teaching, and encouraging the dispersed believers. This also subtly links to the universal scope of The Great Commission as the church expands beyond the initial city.
II. The Healing of Aeneas: Miraculous Authentication and Widespread Conversion (Acts 9:33-35)
Peter's encounter with Aeneas in Lydda provides a powerful example of miraculous authentication of the Gospel, leading to rapid, regional expansion.
A. The Nature of Aeneas's Condition and Peter's Authority: Luke meticulously describes Aeneas as "a certain man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years and lay on a mat." The lengthy duration of his paralysis (oktaetē) emphasizes the severity and chronic nature of his condition, making his subsequent healing all the more striking and undeniable. Peter's address is direct and authoritative: "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." (Aineia, Iēsous Christos iaatai se; anastēthi kai strōson seautō).
Attribution to Christ: Crucially, Peter attributes the healing power directly to "Jesus Christ," not himself. This is a consistent apostolic pattern, reinforcing Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel as the source of all divine power and benefits. Peter acts as a conduit, pointing away from himself to the exalted Christ. This protects against hero-worship and grounds the miracle firmly in Christology.
Echoes of Jesus' Ministry: The command to "get up and make your bed" deliberately echoes Jesus's own words to the paralytic in John 5:8 ("Rise, take up your bed and walk") and Mark 2:11. These subtle intertextual links for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT emphasize the continuity between Jesus's earthly ministry and the ongoing work of Christ through His apostles, highlighting that the same divine power is at work.
B. Immediate Effect and Regional Impact: The healing is instantaneous: "Immediately he got up." (euthy anastē). This visible, verifiable transformation has a profound ripple effect: "And all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord." (kai eidon auton pantes hoi katoikountes Lyddan kai Sarōna, hoitines epestrepsan epi ton Kyrion).
"Turned to the Lord": This phrase signifies genuine conversion and belief, indicating not merely astonishment but a spiritual turning to Christ. The rapid and widespread acceptance ("all who lived in Lydda and Sharon") demonstrates the Gospel's compelling power when accompanied by undeniable signs. This showcases a moment of widespread Christianity Accepted and Opposed (specifically, acceptance), demonstrating that divine power catalyzes mass conversion. The mention of "Sharon," a fertile coastal plain, implies the Gospel's expansion beyond a single town to a broader regional sweep. This direct link between miracle and conversion powerfully fuels The Great Commission's numerical and geographical expansion.
III. The Raising of Tabitha in Joppa: Expanding Miracles and Preparing the Gateway (Acts 9:36-42)
Peter's ministry then extends to Joppa, a significant port city, where he performs an even more profound miracle that further expands The Great Commission's horizons.
A. Tabitha: A Disciple of Good Works (Acts 9:36): Luke introduces Tabitha (Aramaic for "Gazelle," Dorcas in Greek) as a disciple "abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did" (plērēs agathōn ergōn kai eleēmosynōn ha epoiei). Her life exemplifies the practical outworking of Christian faith and love (cf. James 2:14-26, linking to Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT). Her ministry of making garments for widows highlights the early church's compassionate service and mutual care, echoing the principles established with the selection of the seven deacons in Acts 6:1-7. Her sudden illness and death cause immense grief among the disciples and especially the widows she served.
B. The Call for Peter and the Widows' Plea (Acts 9:37-39): The disciples in Joppa, hearing Peter was nearby in Lydda, "sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them." This urgent summons implies their faith in Peter's miraculous power and his connection to God. Upon Peter's arrival, he is taken to the "upper chamber" where Tabitha's body lies. The grieving widows, weeping, show Peter "the tunics and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them." This poignant scene underscores Tabitha's impactful ministry and the community's deep sorrow, serving as a silent, powerful plea for her restoration.
C. The Resurrection Miracle: Peter, mirroring Jesus's actions (cf. Mark 5:40-41, raising Jairus's daughter) and echoing Elijah/Elisha's revivals (1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:32-37), commands the grieving onlookers to leave the room. He then kneels, prays, and speaks directly to the deceased: "Tabitha, arise!" (Tabitha anastathi). This authoritative command, immediately effective, demonstrates a profound and undeniable exercise of The Holy Spirit's Role through Peter. Tabitha instantly opens her eyes and sits up. Peter, in a tender act of restoration, "gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive." This resurrection miracle provides irrefutable proof of the power of Jesus's name and the Holy Spirit at work, further authenticating Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel and demonstrating victory over death. It also serves as a Prophecy Fulfillment of general Messianic signs involving resurrection.
D. Widespread Belief in Joppa: The news of Tabitha's resurrection spreads rapidly: "It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord." (Acts 9:42). This demonstrates once again the direct link between miraculous signs and widespread Christianity Accepted and Opposed (acceptance) for The Great Commission. The strategic importance of Joppa, as a major port city, means these conversions would have a potentially far wider reach, influencing trade networks and travelers.
IV. Strategic Positioning in Joppa: The Gateway to the Gentiles (Acts 9:43)
The conclusion of this passage, seemingly a mundane detail, carries immense strategic and theological significance, profoundly Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT and setting the stage for the next monumental step in The Great Commission.
A. Staying with Simon the Tanner: "And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon." This detail is crucial. A tanner's trade involved working with animal hides, which made them ceremonially unclean according to Jewish law (cf. Leviticus 11; Numbers 19:11-13). Jewish tradition often viewed tanners as having an undesirable trade. Peter's willingness to lodge "many days" with Simon, a tanner, demonstrates a progressive flexibility and an increasing willingness to transcend traditional Jewish purity laws and social boundaries. This indicates his heart and mind are being actively prepared by The Holy Spirit's Role to step outside his comfort zone and embrace a broader understanding of God's people. This marks a significant internal shift for Peter, further developing the theme of Christianity Accepted and Opposed from within his own deeply ingrained prejudices.
B. Joppa: The Strategic Nexus: Joppa's location as a significant port city is not accidental. It serves as a literal and symbolic gateway between Jewish territory and the wider Gentile world. Peter's prolonged stay here, immediately after the miracles, positions him perfectly for the next divine encounter.
C. Setting the Stage for Cornelius: It is precisely from Simon the tanner's house in Joppa that Peter will receive the pivotal vision of the descending sheet with unclean animals (recounted in Acts 10:9-16, though it occurred shortly before his departure to Cornelius), and from where he will be summoned by Cornelius's messengers (Acts 10:17-23). This seemingly minor detail thus directly and meticulously leads into the most revolutionary expansion of The Great Commission in the early church's history—the formal opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles in Acts 10. The geographical link between Joppa and Caesarea (where Cornelius lives) emphasizes the logical and divinely guided progression of the Gospel's spread.
Acts 9:32-43 powerfully illustrates the sustained advance of The Great Commission through Peter's Spirit-empowered miracles, leading to widespread conversions and strengthening the church in new regions. More profoundly, it reveals God's meticulous preparation of Peter's heart and mind, challenging his long-held biases and strategically positioning him at a key geographical and theological crossroads. This period of dynamic growth and internal transformation lays the indispensable groundwork for the definitive Gentile breakthrough, fundamentally Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT and ensuring the Gospel's unstoppable trajectory towards its universal fulfillment.