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 9:34 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:34 captures a miraculous event performed by the Apostle Peter on a man named Aeneas who had been bedridden for eight years due to paralysis.

Peter, acting in the authority and name of Jesus Christ, declares healing over Aeneas and commands him to rise up and make his bed.

The instant response to Peter’s command is a testament to the healing power attributed to Jesus Christ, even when mediated through his apostles.

The deeper meaning here could be seen as not only a physical healing but also a spiritual awakening, indicating a renewal of life and the ability to take up personal responsibility (symbolized by making his bed) after an encounter with divine power.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This event takes place during the period shortly after Jesus's crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension into heaven.

Christianity is in its nascent stages, and the apostles are spreading Jesus's teachings and demonstrating his power through miracles as a testament to his divinity and the truth of their message.

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, is intended to document the early history of the Christian church, describing how the Holy Spirit worked through the apostles after Jesus's ascension.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse offers insights into the nature of apostolic authority and the continuation of Jesus’s ministry through his disciples.

Within Christian doctrine, this reaffirms the belief that the apostles had been granted the ability to perform miracles in Jesus's name, essentially showing that Jesus's power was not limited to his physical presence on earth.

This event is also seen as evidence of the kingdom of God being at hand and the coming age where sickness and death will be overcome.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, the practical application of this verse can be multifaceted. It can inspire faith in believers that God has power over sickness and adversity. It also suggests that followers of Christ have a role to play in ministering healing and hope to others.

Additionally, the act of Aeneas making his bed can symbolize the importance of taking action and participating in one's own restoration or transformation after receiving help or healing, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical.

Cross-References

Acts 3:6 - Peter heals the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, commanding him in the name of Jesus Christ to walk.
John 5:8 - Jesus heals a man at Bethesda, telling him to rise, take up his bed, and walk.
Matthew 9:6 - Jesus tells a paralyzed man that his sins are forgiven and commands him to get up and walk.
James 5:14-15 - Instruction on praying over the sick in the name of the Lord for healing.

Language Study

The key word in Acts 9:34 is "maketh thee whole" (Greek: "ἰᾶταί σε," iatai se).

The verb "ἰάομαι" (iaomai) means to cure, heal, or restore.

This same verb is often used in the context of Jesus's healing miracles in the Gospels.

The command "arise" (Greek: "ἀνάστηθι," anastēthi) is an imperative form of the word "ἀνίστημι" (anistēmi), meaning to cause to rise up, to stand.

This carries both a literal and metaphorical implication of being raised from a state of helplessness or death.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The healing miracles performed by Jesus and his apostles in the New Testament draw some comparison to other ancient myths where gods or demigods perform acts of healing. For instance, Asclepius, the Greek god of healing, was believed to heal the sick in his temples.

However, the Christian interpretation differs greatly, as it emphasizes the power of the one true God and the role of faith in such healings rather than the capriciousness of mythological deities.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the miraculous healing of paralysis as recorded in Acts 9:34 lacks empirical evidence and is not consistent with current medical understanding of paralysis and its treatment. Such events are considered supernatural and outside the realm of scientific explanation.

However, the psychological impact of belief in healing miracles is an area of interest in psychotherapy and studies on the placebo effect.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries interpret this verse as an example of the continuing work of Jesus Christ through the apostles after his ascension.

Matthew Henry's Commentary praises the simplicity and directness of Peter's faith and the power of Christ in this healing.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible reflects on the importance of this miracle for the spread of the gospel in the area, as it served as a sign to the people of Lydda and Sharon who then turned to the Lord.

The Pulpit Commentary discusses the use of Jesus's name as vital for the miracle, emphasizing the belief in his deity and the trust in his power to heal and save.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:34 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 9:34 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?