By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Mobile
HEALING
Acts 9:32–43
Acts is the unfolding story of the people of God filled with the Spirit of God engaging in the mission of God. Fellow Baptists, we exist to glorify God by making disciples through the gospel while in community and on mission. This week, we see that Jesus is working through His people to accomplish His mission. God saves us to be instruments of His power.
Make Your Bed (32–35)
Peter, as chief apostle to the Jews, was traveling around visiting the Jewish communities into which the gospel had spread. He arrived at Lydda, about 10 miles southeast of Joppa. Today, it is the location of Israel’s international airport.
While in Lydda, Peter providentially met a man named Aeneas who was paralyzed and had been unable to walk for eight years. He was completely dependent on others to survive. Peter called him by name and declared that Jesus Christ was healing him. Right then, at that moment, Jesus healed Aeneas of his paralysis.
Jesus worked through Peter to heal Aeneas. Peter was a simple man, a Galilean fisherman by trade. He was dependent on the power of Christ. Notice how Peter declared, “Jesus Christ heals you.” Jesus was the hero of this story. Peter told Aeneas, “Get up and make your bed.”
Aeneas immediately responded to Peter’s command, and many people saw Aeneas standing and believed in the Lord. A healed Aeneas testified to a resurrected Jesus. This same Jesus works through believers today to proclaim the gospel and make disciples of the nations.
Do Not Delay (36–38)
There was a woman in Joppa named Tabitha — her Greek name was Dorcas — who was a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. She was known for doing good works and acts of charity in the city. She became sick and died.
Her friends performed the ritual and sanitary act of washing her body and then placed her in a room upstairs.
News of the miracle in Lydda had reached Joppa. Hearing Peter was so close to Joppa, the disciples sent two men to find Peter and bring him to Joppa.
Arise (39–43)
Peter got up and returned to Joppa with the men. As he entered the room, grieving widows stood around him showing him the robes and clothes that Dorcas had made to help the poor and needy.
These widows were familiar with grief. They were the women who customarily mourned for the dead. As they mourned over Dorcas’ lifeless body, they testified to the kindness she exhibited to others.
As Jesus had done at the home of Jairus, Peter sent all of them out of the room. He knelt down beside the bed, prayed and told Dorcas to get up. She immediately responded to Peter’s voice. She opened her eyes and sat up. Peter took her by the hand and helped her to her feet.
Peter called for the saints and widows to come back into the room, and he presented her to them alive. Proof of God’s miraculous power stood before their eyes.
This news spread throughout Joppa, and many more people believed in the Lord. What happens in the Church isn’t supposed to stay in the Church. We have a lost world to reach with the gospel.
Share with others: