Acts 9:31,32

THE WORK OF PETER

Acts 9:31, Acts 11:18

1.

AT JERUSALEM. Acts 9:31.

Acts 9:31

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.

Acts 9:31 This is the intervening verse between the work of Saul and Peter. The historian gives us an insight into the state of the church in three provinces of Palestine. We have felt all the time that while we were following the labors of Philip, Peter and John, and Saul, that there were many others preaching the word and no doubt the events of their lives were just as interesting as were those of the men discussed. Luke here speaks of the church as one ekklesia called out body, located in the three above mentioned places. The coming of Saul, attended as it was by the intense persecution of the Jews, had interrupted the peace to some extent; now that he was gone the peace was restored. It is not to be concluded from this that the stirring caused by Saul was in any way harmful. Indeed it probably assisted in bringing peace, edification, and fear to the church. The comfort of the Holy Spirit spoken of in this verse is a subject worthy of some discussion.

2.

IN LYDDA. Acts 9:32-35.

Acts 9:32

And it came to pass, as Peter went throughout all parts, he came down also to the saints that dwelt at Lydda.

Acts 9:33

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had kept his bed eight years; for he was palsied.

Acts 9:34

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee: arise and make thy bed. And straightway he arose.

Acts 9:35

And all that dwelt at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Acts 9:32 a The increase and health of the church in Canaan probably prompted Peter to attempt an evangelistic tour of this territory. For whatever reason we now are told that the apostle goes on a trip through all parts. This reference has to do with the three provinces mentioned in this verse.

309.

Who brought the gospel to Lydda before Peter arrived?

310.

How do we know that Aeneas was well known in the town?

311.

We have said that whether faith was present or not healings could be performed. Prove it.

VIEW OF THE ROCK-ENCIRCLED HARBOUR AT JAFFA.

From the roof of the house of Simon the Tanner. The building in the foreground, with its domes and perforated parapets, is a characteristic example of native domestic architecture in towns and cities of Southern Palestine.

This port, known today by its modern name of Jaffa or Yaffa, though having no harbor, is the chief port of Palestine. It was at this place the timber from Lebanon for both the first and second temples was landed. From this port Jonah sailed; and here also Peter had his vision. (2 Chronicles 2:16; Ezra 3:7; Jonah 1:3). Simon Peter was looking at the same sea of the Mediterranean which we can view in this picture when God spoke to him and told him to call no man common or unclean. Many of us have not learned this lesson yet.

Acts 9:32 b In this trip Luke selects the incident that occurred among the saints at Lydda as the one most pertinent to his purpose. Who brought the gospel to Lydda before Peter arrived? Two answers seem to be suggested by the book; either they. that were scattered formed this work or Philip as he preached the gospel in all cities in this district.

Acts 9:33-35 In this city of Lydda there was a man well known by all those of the entire district. Aeneas, who had kept his bed eight years; for he was palsied. The fact that he was well known is borne out in the great effect the healing had on the people. Peter, upon understanding the circumstances and evidently knowing what a wonderful witness for the power of Christ the healing of this one would be, said: Aeneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee. Arise and make thy bed. In this case as in all others the man to be healed did not hesitate a moment. Whether faith was present or not did not have any influence on the healings. Immediately at the command of the apostle in the name of Jesus the lame were healed and the palsied were made whole. (Acts 3:1-10). The intended result was achieved. all that dwelt at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Indeed the word spoken by the apostles was confirmed by this sign which followed. (Mark 16:20).