Acts 9:32-43

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Aeneas and Dorcas

32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. 36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” 39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

9:36 The important harbor city of Joppa sits 125 feet above sea level overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Hoopla was the town in which the cedars of Lebanon had been floated to be shipped to Jerusalem and used in temple construction (2 Chronicles 2:16; Ezra 3:7). The prophet Jonah left the port of Joppa on his I'll-fated trip (Jonah 1:3).

9:36-42 Dorcas made an enormous impact on her community by "always doing good and helping the poor," by making robes and other clothing (9:39). When she died, the room was filled with mourners, very likely many people she had helped. And when she was brought back to life, the news raced through the town. God uses great preachers like Peter and Paul, but he also uses those who have gifts of kindness like Dorcas. Rather than wishing you had other gifts, make good use of the gifts God has given you.

9:43 in Joppa, Peter stayed at the home of Simon, a tanner. Tanners made animal hides into leather. It is significant that Peter was at Simon's house, because tanning required contact with dead animals, and Jewish law considered it to be an "unclean" job. Peter was already beginning to break down his prejudice against people who were not of his kind and customs that did not adhere to Jewish religious traditions.

Aeneas and Dorcas were personal witnesses of the power of Christ. Their very presence to those around them was undeniable evidence. Where did the belief come from? Was it within the ones healed and raised? Was it in Peter? Was it in those around them? The answer is Yes. The evidence was undeniable. Christ's power to give life is everlasting--outside of time and space. Natural immunity? Christ. Restoration and Strength? Christ. Healing of hearts, minds, and relationships? Christ. Investigate for yourself. Then choose your belief.

Lord, thank You for Your presence with us today. Thank You for the evidence You reveal throughout time. Help us see it clearly and to not be distracted or misled by deceivers. The deceivers think they have the power to define our lives. Lord, help us. Keep our focus on You, the One who truly gives us life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtu.be/0-z1OK54Ae0

Have a blessed day.