Acts 9:32-43
The risen Christ continues His saving work through His apostles, and visible acts of mercy authenticate the message that brings many to faith.
32 As Peter went throughout all those parts, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.
33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, because he was paralyzed.
34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!” Immediately he arose.
35 All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did.
37 In those days, she became sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
38 As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.
39 Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
40 Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41 He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
42 This became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
43 He stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
The risen Christ continues His saving work through His apostles, and visible acts of mercy authenticate the message that brings many to faith.
To demonstrate the continued apostolic ministry of Peter through signs that authenticate the gospel and to prepare the narrative transition toward Gentile inclusion.
Following the summary of church growth in Acts 9:31, Luke returns focus to Peter's ministry. The narrative parallels earlier miracle accounts and highlights geographic expansion along the coastal plain. These events bridge toward Acts 10, where Peter will be called to Cornelius. The emphasis rests on the authority of Jesus working through His apostles and the resulting faith responses.
Peter travels through Lydda and Joppa, coastal towns with mixed Jewish and Gentile populations. Aeneas, paralyzed for eight years, is healed in the name of Jesus Christ. Tabitha, also called Dorcas, is described as full of good works and charity. Her raising mirrors earlier resurrection narratives and increases belief in Joppa.
The Risen Christ Converts His Fiercest Persecutor
Acts 9 shows that the risen Christ sovereignly converts his enemy, commissions him for costly mission, strengthens his church, and displays life-giving power through apostolic witness.