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 9:33 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Acts 9:33, describes an encounter between the Apostle Peter and a man named Aeneas who had been bedridden for eight years due to paralysis.

The verse is part of the narrative in the book of Acts that portrays the acts of the apostles following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

It highlights Peter's healing ministry and the continuation of Jesus' work through his disciples.

The passage serves both to show the compassionate nature of the early Christian community and the divine authority bestowed upon the apostles to perform miracles, which served as a testimony to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 9:33 falls within a larger narrative that occurs after Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus.

In the historical context, the early Christian church was expanding its presence beyond the Jewish community to include Gentiles, and the apostles were actively involved in missionary work.

The book of Acts was authored by Luke, the physician, who also wrote the Gospel according to Luke.

Its main purpose is to document the history of the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to the rest of the world.

During this time, the notion of healing was not only seen as a compassionate act but also as a sign validating the apostle's message and authority.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 9:33 is significant for several reasons.

First, it illustrates the concept that the apostles continued the healing ministry of Jesus, showing that they were his legitimate successors and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Second, it reinforces the idea of faith healing within the Christian tradition.

Third, it contributes to the understanding of the apostolic mission as not just preaching but also demonstrating the kingdom of God through tangible acts of mercy.

Different denominations might interpret this verse as a precedent for the role of miracles in the church, the relationship between faith and healing, and the ongoing charismatic gifts within the body of Christ.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Acts 9:33 may vary among individuals and communities.

For some, it encourages believers to pray for the sick and to have faith in God's healing power.

For others, it may inspire acts of compassion and service towards those who are suffering or disabled.

It serves as a reminder that actions accompanying faith can profoundly impact individuals and communities.

Furthermore, it prompts Christians to consider their own spiritual gifts and how they might be used to serve others.

Cross-References

Significant cross-references related to Acts 9:33 include:

Matthew 9:2-7: "And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy lying on a bed..."
Acts 3:6: "Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."
James 5:14-15: "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him..."
Acts 5:15-16: "...they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them."

Language Study

In Acts 9:33, the key words to focus on in the original Greek language are:

"Aeneas" (Αἰνέαν): This is the man's name, which is of Greek origin.
"Bed" (κραββατῷ): This term refers to a mat or portable bed, which people with infirmities would be carried on during this period.
"Palsy" (παραλύτικος): Translated as "paralysis," this term denotes that Aeneas suffered a condition that made him unable to move or be bedridden.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing with other ancient myths and religious interpretations, miraculous healings were not uncommon in narratives from various cultures.

Such stories are found in Greek mythology and other religious traditions where deities or heroes perform astounding feats, including healing.

However, in the Christian context, the healings performed by the apostles are rooted in their faith in Jesus Christ and serve as evidence of God's kingdom and power.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, miraculous healings such as the one described in Acts 9:33 are typically viewed with skepticism.

Contemporary medicine would attribute paralysis to neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, which may not be reversible without medical intervention.

However, some scientists and psychologists study the impact of faith and belief on health outcomes, recognizing that the relationship between spirituality and healing is complex and not fully understood.

Commentaries

Bible commentaries offer various interpretations of Acts 9:33.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary emphasizes the divine power at work in Peter's healing of Aeneas and sees the miracle as a sign to confirm the word of God that was preached.

The Pulpit Commentary discusses the significance of this miracle for the spread of Christianity in Lydda and the coastal plain.

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible provides an in-depth analysis of the customs and conditions of that time, viewing this healing as an expression of mercy and power that authenticated Peter as an apostle.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:33 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 9:33 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?