Acts 9

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

What does Acts 9:32 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:32 chronicles an event in the life of the Apostle Peter as he travels through different regions to minister to the early Christian communities.

The verse signals a shift from the narrative of Saul's (who becomes Paul) conversion and early ministry to a series of episodes demonstrating Peter's role as a leader and miracle-worker among the early Christians.

Peter is depicted as making rounds to visit believers, which suggests his pastoral role in strengthening and encouraging the fledgling churches.

The reference to him coming to Lydda to visit the "saints" , a term often used for Christian believers who are seen as set apart by their faith in Jesus , indicates that there was an established Christian community in that place.

The verse sets the stage for the proceeding miracle Peter performs in Lydda, which involves healing a paralytic man named Aeneas.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Lydda was an ancient city in the region of Judea, which during the Roman Empire was part of the province of Syria Palaestina.

During the time of the early church, Christianity was spreading primarily among Jewish populations and throughout the Hellenistic Gentile world following the Great Commission.

The early Christian communities mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles were often small groups of believers scattered among larger, predominantly non-Christian populations.

The apostles, including Peter, traveled to these communities to provide teaching, guidance, and support.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse offers insight into the evangelical and pastoral duties of the apostolic leaders.

It portrays an image of the early church in which the apostles play an active role and demonstrate God's power through signs and wonders.

The significance of Peter visiting these communities is often seen as an assertion of his leadership and pastoral care within the church.

By referring to the followers of Jesus as "saints," the verse also reflects a strong sense of community and holiness among the early believers, a characteristic that is still emphasized in many Christian denominations today.

Practical Applications

The practical applications drawn from this verse can revolve around the importance of community and the role of leadership within the church.

It encourages Christian leaders to be active in outreach, visiting, and caring for the members of their congregations.

It also serves as a reminder of the importance of hospitality, fellowship, and mutual support among Christians.

Additionally, it can inspire believers to be active in spreading the gospel and to participate in the life of their local Christian community.

Cross-References

Acts 8:14-25 - Describes the apostles Peter and John traveling to Samaria to pray for new believers to receive the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:38 - Peter references Jesus traveling about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.
Acts 6:6 - The apostles pray and lay their hands on the seven, showing the continuation of the ministry.
Galatians 6:10 - "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words within Acts 9:32 are of interest:

"Passed throughout all quarters" (διερχόμενος κατὰ πάντας) implies systematic or thorough visiting, indicating that Peter was actively seeking out local believers.
"Saints" (ἁγίοις) were those recognized as holy or set apart for a special purpose, signifying that members of the early church saw themselves as distinct within their societies.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

At the time of the early church, various cultures had concepts of holy persons or sacred individuals.

In some ways, the early Christian use of "saints" to refer to believers might parallel such concepts but with a distinct Christian identity that focused on faith in Christ rather than works or ritual purity.

Comparatively, other ancient religions often had concentrations of power or holiness in priesthoods or specific leaders, while Christianity's use of "saints" was more democratized among its adherents.

Scientific Perspectives

There's no direct link between this verse and scientific perspectives.

However, modern studies in sociology and anthropology could provide insights into how communities are built and maintained.

The aspect of Peter traveling and strengthening communities can be observed through the lens of social support networks, which play a crucial role in human societies and well-being.

Commentaries

Different biblical scholars and theologians have offered varying thoughts on Acts 9:32:

F.F.

Bruce sees this as a demonstration of the ongoing activity of the apostles in Judea and Samaria, focusing on Peter's role in the broader regions outside Jerusalem.

John Stott emphasizes the importance of Peter's pastoral visits for the consolidation of the church during its formative years.
David G.

Peterson in the "Pillar New Testament Commentary Series" highlights the transitional nature of this passage, noting that the account of Peter in Lydda serves as a bridge to the important narrative of the conversion of Cornelius in the following chapters.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:32 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 9:32 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?