In Acts 9:32-43, we witness remarkable displays of divine power through the ministry of the apostle Peter. These miraculous events not only demonstrate God’s supernatural intervention in the lives of individuals but also provide profound insights into His eternal purposes and the transformative power of the Gospel. I have included a verse-by-verse exposition of today’s lesson for us to use. You will find it below the lesson. Please let me know in the comments if this is a helpful tool as you explore this passage. Our goal is to always uncover key lessons applicable to believers today. Happy hunting!
- Highlighting Displays of Divine Power: The narrative begins with Peter’s visit to the saints in Lydda, where he encounters Aeneas, a man paralyzed for eight years. Through Peter’s declaration in the name of Jesus Christ, Aeneas is miraculously healed, prompting many in Lydda and Sharon to turn to the Lord. Similarly, in Joppa, Peter raises Tabitha from the dead, leading to widespread belief in the Lord among the residents. These displays of divine power attest to God’s sovereignty over sickness and death and affirm His ability to bring about miraculous transformation in human lives. We must always pray and ask God to intervene according to His will. James said, “We have not because we ask not.” Sometimes I am afraid we stop asking because we just accept the suffering as God’s will. This passage reveals that God has ultimate authority even over death as He is the resurrection and the life!
- The Eternal Reason for Miracles is Salvation: While the immediate impact of these miracles is the physical healing of Aeneas and the resurrection of Tabitha, their ultimate purpose is to point people to Jesus Christ for salvation. Miracles serve as signposts pointing toward the reality of God’s kingdom and His redemptive plan for humanity. Through these supernatural interventions, individuals are drawn to faith in Jesus, recognizing Him as the source of life and hope.
- Displays of Divine Power Always Point to Jesus: Central to the narrative is the recognition that displays of divine power are not ends in themselves but are intended to direct attention to Jesus Christ. Peter attributes the healing of Aeneas and the resurrection of Tabitha to the authority and name of Jesus, emphasizing that all glory and honor belong to Him alone. As believers, we are called to magnify the name of Jesus in all circumstances, acknowledging His lordship over every aspect of our lives.
- Bad Things Happen to Good People: The passage also reminds us that adversity and suffering are part of the human experience, even for faithful followers of Christ. Aeneas’ paralysis and Tabitha’s untimely death serve as poignant reminders of the brokenness and frailty of human existence. However, God’s power is not limited by human circumstances, and He is able to bring about redemption and restoration in the midst of adversity.
- The Lord Always Has the Final Say: Despite the challenges and obstacles we may face, the ultimate authority rests with the Lord, who holds the power of life and death in His hands. Peter’s prayerful intervention in the face of death demonstrates his unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty and his confidence in His ability to intervene supernaturally. Similarly, believers today can take comfort in the assurance that God is in control and His purposes will ultimately prevail.
- The Life-Transforming Power of the Gospel: Above all, the passage underscores the life-transforming power of the Gospel to bring about spiritual renewal and restoration. The miracles performed by Peter serve as tangible expressions of God’s love and grace, inviting individuals into a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. Just as Aeneas and Tabitha experienced physical healing and resurrection, believers today can experience spiritual renewal and newness of life through faith in Christ.
- His Strength is Made Perfect in our Weakness: As we reflect on the events recorded in Acts 9:32-43, we are reminded of the enduring truth that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. Through miraculous displays of His power, God invites us to trust in Him completely, knowing that He is able to accomplish immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. May we, as believers, continue to testify to the life-transforming power of the Gospel, pointing others to Jesus Christ, the source of all hope and salvation.
verse-by-verse exposition of Acts 9:32-43 (ESV):
Verse 32: “Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.”
Exposition: After Peter’s extensive travels, he arrives at Lydda, a town located about 25 miles northwest of Jerusalem. Lydda was a predominantly Jewish community, and Peter visits the saints (believers) who reside there.
Verse 33: “There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.”
Exposition: Peter encounters a man named Aeneas who had been bedridden for eight years due to paralysis. This condition would have likely rendered him unable to work or care for himself, making him dependent on the support of others.
Verse 34: “And Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.’ And immediately he rose.”
Exposition: Peter exercises the authority given to him by Jesus Christ and commands Aeneas to rise up and make his bed. Through Peter’s declaration, Aeneas is miraculously healed, demonstrating the power of Jesus Christ at work through his apostles.
Verse 35: “And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.”
Exposition: The miraculous healing of Aeneas has a profound impact on the people of Lydda and the surrounding region of Sharon. Witnessing such a remarkable display of divine power leads many of them to turn to the Lord in faith, recognizing Jesus Christ as the source of this miraculous work.
Verse 36: “Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.”
Exposition: The narrative shifts to the coastal town of Joppa, where a disciple named Tabitha resides. Her Aramaic name, Tabitha, is translated as Dorcas in Greek. Tabitha is known for her abundant good works and acts of charity, indicating her compassionate and generous character.
Verse 37: “In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.”
Exposition: Tabitha falls ill and passes away, prompting the believers in Joppa to prepare her body for burial by washing it and laying it in an upper room. Her death is a significant loss to the community, especially considering her active involvement in charitable deeds.
Verse 38: “Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, ‘Please come to us without delay.'”
Exposition: Upon hearing that Peter is in nearby Lydda, the disciples in Joppa send messengers to urge him to come to them immediately. They recognize the urgency of the situation and seek Peter’s presence and intervention in their time of need.
Verse 39: “So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.”
Exposition: Peter responds to the disciples’ request and accompanies the messengers back to Joppa. Upon his arrival, he is taken to the upper room where Tabitha’s body lies. The scene is filled with mourning widows who testify to Tabitha’s character by displaying the garments she had made for them, highlighting her compassionate ministry among them.
Verse 40: “But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.”
Exposition: Before performing the miracle, Peter removes the mourners from the room and engages in prayer. He then addresses Tabitha’s lifeless body, commanding her to arise in the name of Jesus Christ. Miraculously, Tabitha responds to Peter’s command, opening her eyes and sitting up, demonstrating the power of God at work through Peter.
Verse 41: “And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.”
Exposition: Peter extends his hand to Tabitha, assisting her as she rises from her deathbed. He then calls for the saints and widows to witness the miraculous restoration of Tabitha to life. This event serves as a testimony to the power of God and strengthens the faith of those who witness it.
Verse 42: “And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.”
Exposition: News of Tabitha’s resurrection spreads rapidly throughout the city of Joppa, leading many residents to place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The extraordinary nature of this miracle serves as a powerful testimony to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and the life-transforming power of the Gospel.
Verse 43: “And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.”
Exposition: Following these miraculous events, Peter remains in Joppa for an extended period, lodging with a man named Simon, who is identified as a tanner. This detail highlights Peter’s willingness to associate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and occupations, demonstrating the inclusive nature of the Gospel message.
I pray as you complete today’s study you have been encouraged to never give up on God and always share His miracles in your life with others. As His children, we should never stop bragging on our Father and His Son Jesus. Please let us know how you feel about today’s format as we seek to continuously improve our site for you our readers. In Christ, B
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