What does Acts 9:38 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:38 describes an event in the early Christian church concerning the apostle Peter.

The verse provides details about an urgent request made by the disciples in Joppa to Peter, who was staying in nearby Lydda. The disciples had heard of his presence and wanted him to come without delay, suggesting there was a pressing need for his visit.

While the verse does not specify the exact nature of the request, the context (verses that follow) reveals they were seeking his help because a well-loved member of their community, Tabitha (Dorcas), had died.

This verse sets the stage for a significant miracle that Peter would perform, further demonstrating the transformative power attributed to the apostles in the wake of Christ's resurrection.

Historical Context

Acts 9:38 takes place within the larger narrative of the Acts of the Apostles, a New Testament book that records the early history of the Christian church after Jesus' ascension.

Lydda and Joppa were two towns located in ancient Judea; Lydda was inland and northeast of Joppa, which was a coastal town.

Joppa was of particular importance as a port on the Mediterranean Sea.

During the first century A.D., Judea was under Roman rule, and the spread of Christianity was beginning to take shape through the missionary work of the apostles and disciples.

The early Christian community was tight-knit, with believers supporting and caring for each other, as evidenced by the disciples' concern for Tabitha and their request for Peter's help.

Theological Insights

This verse reflects the belief in the close fellowship and communion among the early Christians, who would reach out to one another in times of need.

The urgent invitation to Peter may also showcase the apostolic authority recognized by the community, believing that Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, held the power through the Holy Spirit to heal and, as later texts reveal, even raise the dead.

This represents a continuation of Jesus' ministry through his disciples.

There is also an implied faith in divine intervention; by summoning Peter, the disciples display their belief in God's willingness to act through human instruments for miraculous purposes.

Practical Applications

Acts 9:38 can inspire modern readers to seek communal support during difficult times, highlighting the value of living within a supportive faith community where members help and uplift one another.

Moreover, it suggests the importance of not hesitating to ask for help when needed and being responsive to the needs of others.

A practical application can include being proactive in providing support to those within one's community who are facing challenges, just as the disciples sought Peter’s presence in a time of need.

Cross-References

• Acts 10:5 - "And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:"
• Acts 9:36-37 - "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."

• John 14:12 - "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "delay" is "βραδύνω" (bradynō), which means to delay, linger, or take time.

The disciples’ request that Peter "would not delay" emphasizes the immediate and urgent nature of the situation.

The consideration of key words here serves to further reinforce the text's call to timely action and the responsiveness that is expected when others are in need.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of sending for a religious figure in times of crisis or death echoes practices seen in other ancient cultures, where intermediaries between the gods and mortals were often called upon for intervention during hardships.

Comparatively, in ancient Greek mythology, figures like Asclepius were sought for healing, and in the Jewish tradition, prophets like Elijah performed miracles, such as the raising of the widow's son (1 Kings 17:17-24).

Scientific Perspectives

While modern science offers explanations for the natural world, Acts 9:38 involves a request for a supernatural occurrence.

Such an event, as the subsequent raising of Tabitha, does not align with current scientific understanding as it transcends natural laws.

Nevertheless, it has been recognized that communal support and spiritual beliefs can have positive psychological effects on individuals during times of crisis, even if the outcomes are not miraculous in a traditional sense.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 9:38 often focus on the faith of the early Christians and their expectations that the apostles continued Jesus' miraculous works.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that the disciples in Joppa summoned Peter, not out of a vain superstition but out of hope grounded in faith and experience of the apostolic miracles.

The Expositor's Greek Testament highlights the urgency and expectation in the disciples' message to Peter, which sets the stage for the miracle in Joppa.

Many commentators reflect on the way this verse shows the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and their reliance on the spiritual leadership and gifts of the apostles.