Acts Chapter 9

Preparatory Reading: Acts 22:1-21; 26:9-20; Galatians 1:11-24; I Timothy 1:12-17.

Outline:

1. Paul’s Conversion and Early Ministry (1-31).
   1. He meets Jesus on Damascus Road (1-9).
   2. He is baptized by Ananias (10-18).
   3. He preaches Christ in Damascus (19-25).
   4. He preaches Christ in Jerusalem (26-30).
2. Summary of God’s Blessings on Early Church (31).
3. Peter’s Healing of Aeneas and Dorcas (32-43).
   1. Peter heals Aeneas of the palsy (32-35).
   2. Peter raises Dorcas from death (36-43).

Introduction:

1. Do not be confused by Saul and Paul, for this hero was known by both names, Jewish and Roman (13:9).
2. We are able to fill in further details from the two other accounts of Paul’s conversion (Acts 22:1-21; 26:9-20).
3. A study of the great work of grace in Saul of Tarsus must begin with Paul’s analysis (I Timothy 1:12-17).
   1. The Lord put Paul into the ministry for his faithful zeal, though in great Jewish ignorance of Jesus Christ.
   2. The chief of sinners was saved by God’s free and sovereign grace in Christ, for a pattern for all believers.
   3. The longsuffering and mercy of God to save such a violent enemy of the gospel should comfort us all.
   4. Each time God convicts us back to Christ, we should tremble, volunteer, and serve with Paul’s devotion.
4. Do you know the greatness of the conversion, ordination, and gospel of this great man of God for us Gentiles?
5. Do you like history? You should, especially His story – the gospel record of the many Acts of the Apostles!

 

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

And Saul.

1. He was born a Roman citizen in Tarsus of Cilicia (central Turkey coast) to a Pharisee of Benjamin.
2. He was brought up, or trained, in the city of Jerusalem under the best of the Jews, Gamaliel.
3. The Holy Ghost introduced Saul as a young man keeping the coats at Stephen’s stoning (7:58; 8:1).

 

Yet breathing out threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord.

1. No wonder Paul told King Agrippa he had thought to do many things contrary to Jesus (Acts 26:9).
2. Our vernacular or slang expression might be, “He was foaming mad against the followers of Christ.”

Went unto the high priest.

1. Of all men, the high priests should have known the best about Jesus and the Messianic prophecies.
2. It goes to show how far the just God can blind a man when they turn from His word on any point.
3. Paul had access and a reputation with the highest rulers in the Jews religion before his conversion.

2 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 desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues.

1. Notice the driving force here – it was Paul, not the high priest – showing his character trait of zeal.
2. Damascus was an ancient city and a capital city of Syria lying about 250 miles north of Jerusalem.
3. Notice the zeal of this man to plan a campaign that far from home and involving another nation.

That if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women.

1. There was an identifiable way that Jesus Christ was worshipped then and today. Are you part of it?
2. Saul did not care whether the Christians he found were men or women, because he would arrest any.

He might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

1. His plan was to arrest them for blasphemy or heresy and bring them as prisoners back to Jerusalem.
2. Notice that the tactics of the enemies of truth is destruction or suppression, not debate or discussion.
3. In Jerusalem the consequences could be very severe, as the case with Stephen shows (Acts 7:57-60).

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

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus.

1. It was around noon time, when the sun is at its zenith and brighter than any other time of the day.
2. The Lord may let us get well on our way in rebellion against His pricks before knocking us flat!

And suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven.

1. The glory of the light was above the brightness of the sun, as Paul testified (Acts 22:11; 26:13).
2. The Lord Jesus is not that effeminate hermaphrodite that makes up 100% of the pictures of Jesus.
3. The Bible declares that God dwells in a light that no man can approach unto (I Timothy 6:16).
4. I want to know what evangelistic method we should call this, and how can we duplicate it again!
5. There was no less power put forth and just as great of a change to get you to believe the gospel!

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

And he fell to the earth.

1. Saul and his companions saw the light, feared greatly, and fell down to the ground (Ac 22:9; 26:14).
2. However, he did not see the source or object of the light that was overpowering him and his friends.
3. Those who walk in pride, He is able to abase, and He will abase now or at His throne of judgment.

And heard a voice saying unto him.

1. On his face on the earth, Saul of Tarsus heard a voice speaking in Hebrew and calling his name.
2. While the others heard a noise, the conversational exchange was with Saul (John 8:43; 12:28-30).

Saul, Saul.

1. He heard the glorified Lord Jesus Christ call his personal name in the Hebrew language (Ac 26:14).
2. God had chosen Saul in Christ before the world began (Ephesians 1:4; II Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2).
3. God had written Saul’s name in the book of life of the Lamb at that time (Revelation 13:8; 17:8).
4. God knows you now, has always known you, and will always know you (Rom 8:29-30; II Tim 2:19).

Why persecutest thou me?

1. Persecution against the saints of the most high God is an act of persecution against Him as well.
2. There is never any justifiable reason or proper excuse for rebelling against or intending to hurt God.

5 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 said, Who art thou, Lord?

1. Saul addressed Jesus as Lord, a modest term of respect at this time, for he did not yet know Christ.
2. Yet, he asked to know Him more accurately and personally. Was he hearing Jehovah or an angel?
3. Consider, Saul all along thought he was faithfully serving the LORD Jehovah by persecuting saints.

And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

1. Oh, that name! Our Lord Jesus identified Himself to Saul as the man Jesus, whom Stephen had seen.
2. He again addressed Paul’s conscience and mind that persecution against the church was against Him.

It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

1. Only Jesus and Saul knew the amount of conviction Saul had been under seeing Stephen and others.
2. Beasts were goaded to their duty by a long sharp stick used to poke or prick them to move forward.
3. Men are pricked in a like way as God convicts their consciences to obey Him (Ps 73:21; Acts 2:37).

6 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 he trembling and astonished said.

1. A true vision of the true God, whether in reality or by faith, is not meeting your buddy in the sky!
2. The effect on Saul was similar to the effects on Job, Isaiah, Peter, and John, all recorded for learning.
3. It blew Saul’s mind that he could be so wrong – he had been persecuting the Christ of Jehovah God.

Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?

1. This is the reaction that a true vision of the true God should have, as it also had on Isaiah (Is 6:1-8).
2. We are creatures, first; we are sons, second; the combination should make us fearful, loving slaves!
3. God and His Son Jesus Christ have done everything for us, so it is a reasonable service to give back.

And the Lord said unto him.

1. The Lord will not chasten you, convict you, or crush you without instruction to know what to do.
2. When you are willing to do God’s best in your life, He will show you and teach you (Psalm 25:12).

Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

1. Saul was to be baptized and get his ministerial instructions in the city he intended to hunt Christians!
2. When we have been foolish and sinned in any way, we should go into the sanctuary (Ps 73:16-17).

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

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless.

1. They had fallen down to the earth with Saul, but they had stood up again (Acts 22:9; 26:14).
2. We read nothing, and we are not surprised, about these men being convicted or converting at all.

Hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

1. It can be true they heard a voice and did not hear a voice, in the sense of it (Acts 22:9; Jn 12:28-30).
2. Jesus did appear to Paul as it is stated in several places, but the other men did not see any man.

8 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 Saul arose from the earth, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man.

1. He was blinded by the event, for when he opened his eyes he could not see anything or anyone.
2. God is able to blind, and He does so at times, as with the men of Sodom, the Syrians, Elymas, etc.

But they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

1. This is the feared enemy of the Christian saints in Damascus … being led like a handicapped child!
2. Ah, the Lord is able to abase men – He is able to break the strength of any man’s pride … easily!

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

And he was three days without sight.

1. This was not temporary blindness from a bright light, but rather a supernatural lesson and message!
2. He had no visual distractions to think of anything else – except the glory of Jesus Christ the Lord!

And neither did eat nor drink.

1. He was so affected and convicted by this vision in the way that he fasted thoroughly for three days.
2. When did you or I fast from food and drink for three days? Serious events make serious men!

 

10 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 there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias.

1. Recall, Saul was on his way to Damascus to get saints like Ananias and arrest them for Jerusalem.
2. Some will foolishly and presumptuously make this man merely a disciple, but observe what he does.

And to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

1. Again, reader, take comfort that Jesus Christ the Great Shepherd knows you by name and can call it!
2. When we approach the Lord, whether in prayer, His word, or an assembly, this should be the speech.

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

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight.

1. Do not fret about the Lord finding you – He never lost you! He knew exact directions for Ananias!
2. Should you wonder how the Lord can get the gospel to a man in the desert? Read on (Acts 8:26-40)!
3. Should you wonder how the Lord can get a spouse to you without one in sight? Read on (Ruth 2:3)!

And enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus.

1. The Lord knows exactly where you are right now, and he will know a year from now (Ps 139:1-13).
2. These names should be precious, for they are servants of God that served the Lord Jesus and saints.

For, behold, he prayeth.

1. Note the request for the attention of Ananias – behold! Such a great change would comfort Ananias.
2. True conversion, repentance, and spirituality are indicated by your prayer life better than anything.
3. Consider the examples of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-8), Daniel (Dan 9:1-23), and a woman (Luke 7:37-38).

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

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him.

1. What kind comfort! God reassured Ananias that Saul had already seen an Ananias by name visiting!
2. What kind comfort! It should remind you of Gideon hearing a dream about himself (Judges 7:9-15)!
3. God comforts the fearful in tender ways, and He will comfort you, if you are a true disciple of His.

That he might receive his sight.

1. Here is some comfort, too! Saul of Tarsus was blind – not too dangerous, and he needed eye help!
2. Any man blind for three days would appreciate the man coming and giving him his sight back.

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

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man.

1. Praise God for Gideon, Samson, David, and Ananias in the Bible to comfort our weak faith at times.
2. Saul of Tarsus was no small enemy of the church, as indicated by his widespread reputation was.

How much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem.

1. Saul had done much evil, and it was well known by the saints, which just furthered God’s glory!
2. The heart of man is desperately wicked, and Paul’s was as bad as enemy, but God changes hearts.

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

And here he hath authority from the chief priests.

To bind all that call on thy name.

15 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:

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way:

1. There is a point where we must drop our questions or objections and do what the Lord tells us to do.
2. Even our Lord Jesus in Gethsemane reached the place where He submitted all to His Father’s will.
3. Praise God for Abraham’s faith that did not even consider the difficulties of Isaac (Rom 4:17-21).

For he is a chosen vessel unto me.

1. What a revelation to the man Ananias! God had chosen Saul of Tarsus for special kingdom service.
2. God had called, chosen, ordained, and appointed Saul to be an apostle from conception (Gal 1:15)!
3. If Paul’s ministerial office and role were so chosen by God, salvation to eternal life had been first.
4. Paul told Timothy both of them had been saved according to God’s purpose and grace in eternity.

 

To bear my name before the Gentiles.

1. He did this more than any other man – as the Spirit designates him the apostle of the Gentiles.
2. Paul magnified his office of apostle to the Gentiles.

And kings.

1. He testified before King Agrippa, known in history as Herod Agrippa II. You can read it in Acts 26.
2. He testified before Caesar at least twice, though we do not have the details of those appearances.

And the children of Israel.

1. He preached in synagogues wherever he went, which was his manner.
2. Starting in synagogues and with the Jews, he was often reduced to preaching to the Gentiles.

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

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer.

1. The Apostle Paul’s life was filled with more trials and tribulations than any other man you know.
2. Since Paul had dished out so much suffering, it was fair with God, and with Paul, to receive much.

 

For my name’s sake.

1. Remember that God has adopted you as joint-heirs with Christ, if you suffer with Him (Rom 8:17).
2. How else could Paul have shown such great comfort and instruction about suffering (II Co 12:8-10)?

17 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 Ananias went his way, and entered into the house, and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul.

1. Do not get too excited about the use of Brother here, for it was a common term among the Jews.
2. Though in Christ they were adopted brothers, and they would have used this term going forward.

The Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest.

1. Notice the careful and specific reminder to Saul of the glorious One he had met on Damascus Road.
2. Though blind when he rose from the ground, he had seen Jesus Christ, required for an apostle.

Hath sent me, that thou mightiest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

1. Ananias acknowledged his visit and authority based on the command of Jesus Christ the Lord.
2. Paul would be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost, the necessary components for his life in Christ.

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

And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales.

1. When the Lord Jesus Christ heals, even by those sent by Him, the change is drastic and immediate.
2. If a blind man sees men as trees initially, it is because Jesus chose to do it that way (Mark 8:22-26).

And he received sight forthwith, and arose.

1. Why does it mention Saul arose? Because you cannot be immersed while sitting in a chair! Amen!
2. If you compare Acts 22:16, it tells us there that Ananias told Saul to arise for baptism by immersion!

And was baptized.

1. Some, in pride that they have a right to baptize, will use Ananias as an example of any Joe baptizing.
   1. They love to point out from Acts 9:10 that Ananias is called a disciple by Luke and the Spirit.
   2. Let us assume they can conclusively prove that Ananias actually and personally baptized Saul.
   3. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, and bishops are disciples; but not all disciples are apostles, etc.
   4. Ananias was at least a prophet based on God’s vision to him of many things concerning Saul.
   5. Ananias was likely an apostle based on miracle power and giving the Holy Ghost (Acts 8:14-18).
   6. Though Saul was now an apostle, years after the Damascus Road, he was a disciple (Acts 9:26).

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

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened.

1. Fasting from food and drink for three days will deplete your strength, but you will quickly revive.

Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

1. Saul’s history includes an obscure trip to Arabia for likely graduate school for 2-3 years (Gal 1:17).
   1. It is likely that Jesus Christ taught Paul personally in the dark, pagan desert wasteland of Arabia.
   2. When Paul did mention Arabia, it is in explanation of the source of his gospel (Gal 1:11-17).
   3. There are places where Paul indicates Jesus Christ personally taught him (I Cor 11:23; 15:3).
   4. Luke limited Saul to certain days in Damascus after his conversion (Acts 9:19), and since he did not go to Jerusalem for another three years, this was likely certain days before going to Arabia.
   5. Luke does not record the trip to Arabia, for he leaves him three years in Damascus (Ac 9:19-25).
   6. Note further that Luke recorded his history of Saul being strengthened at Damascus (Acts 9:22).
   7. Most of the three years of Galatians 1:18 were spent in Arabia, explaining why those at Jerusalem knew little Saul when he came from Damascus (Acts 9:26 compared to Acts 9:13-14).
   8. Luke has Saul preaching at the start and end of the three years after conversion (Ac 9:20,22-26).
2. His time in Damascus was not wasted – he went straight to the synagogues and preached Christ.

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

And straightway.

1. Used here, it is a time designation, which means, immediately; without interval or delay; at once.
2. When God calls you to do something, then you should do it without delay, as David (Psalm 119:60).

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

1. Praise God for this minister, apostle, our apostle! What a glorious conversion and then ordination!
2. He went boldly in the synagogues, where zealous Jews met for worship, where he had hunted saints!
3. Remember this man had certified letters in hand from the chief priests in Jerusalem against Jesus!
4. He preached the news he once destroyed – Jesus Christ is God’s Son – not a devil-possessed liar!
5. His conversion and preaching amazed the Jews – it was truly a miraculous change. All glory to God!

21 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 all that heard him were amazed, and said.

1. A great cross-reference here is Galatians 1:24, And they glorified God in me. Give God all the glory!

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.

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

But Saul increased the more in strength.

1. This is doctrinal strength – though an apostle, yet like the other apostles – he had to learn over time.
2. There was a measure of inspiration when under that gift of the Spirit, but they were also mortal men.
3. Saul’s history includes an obscure trip to Arabia for likely graduate school for 2-3 years (Gal 1:17).
   1. It is likely that Jesus Christ taught Paul personally in the dark, pagan desert wasteland of Arabia.
   2. When Paul did mention Arabia, it is in explanation of the source of his gospel (Gal 1:11-17).
   3. There are places where Paul indicates Jesus Christ personally taught him (I Cor 11:23; 15:3).
   4. Luke limited Saul to certain days in Damascus after his conversion (Acts 9:19), and since he did not go to Jerusalem for another three years, this was likely certain days before going to Arabia.
   5. Luke does not record the trip to Arabia, for he leaves him three years in Damascus (Ac 9:19-25).
   6. Note further that Luke recorded his history of Saul being strengthened at Damascus (Acts 9:22).
   7. Most of the three years of Galatians 1:18 were spent in Arabia, explaining why those at Jerusalem knew little Saul when he came from Damascus (Acts 9:26 compared to Acts 9:13-14).
   8. Luke has Saul preaching at the start and end of the three years after conversion (Ac 9:20,22-26).

And confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus.

1. This is the purpose of preaching – to present and defend the gospel to confound contrary opinions.
2. Praise God for the truth – though the Jews had the O.T. truth of God, they missed the N.T. truth.

Proving that this is very Christ.

1. Paul brought to bear any and every argument of the O.T. prophecies to prove Jesus was the Messiah.
2. His method was to open and allege by reasoning from scripture that Jesus was Christ (Acts 17:2-3)!

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

And after that many days were fulfilled.

1. What many days were fulfilled here? What fulfillment? Likely the three years of Galatians 1:17-18.
2. Saul’s history includes an obscure trip to Arabia for likely graduate school for 2-3 years (Gal 1:17).
   1. It is likely that Jesus Christ taught Paul personally in the dark, pagan desert wasteland of Arabia.
   2. When Paul did mention Arabia, it is in explanation of the source of his gospel (Gal 1:11-17).
   3. There are places where Paul indicates Jesus Christ personally taught him (I Cor 11:23; 15:3).
   4. Luke limited Saul to certain days in Damascus after his conversion (Acts 9:19), and since he did not go to Jerusalem for another three years, this was likely certain days before going to Arabia.
   5. Luke does not record the trip to Arabia, for he leaves him three years in Damascus (Ac 9:19-25).
   6. Note further that Luke recorded his history of Saul being strengthened at Damascus (Acts 9:22).
   7. Most of the three years of Galatians 1:18 were spent in Arabia, explaining why those at Jerusalem knew little Saul when he came from Damascus (Acts 9:26 compared to Acts 9:13-14).
   8. Luke has Saul preaching at the start and end of the three years after conversion (Ac 9:20,22-26).

The Jews took counsel to kill him.

1. The enemies of truth seldom discuss or debate the truth, for they would rather kill the messenger.
2. How could a virtuous man like Paul be hated unto death by so many varied men in different places?

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

But their laying await was known of Saul.

And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

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

Then the disciples took him by night.

And let him down by the wall in a basket.

1. Paul was willing to be a fool for Jesus, and this event is on his resume to Corinth (I Cor 11:31-33).

26 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.

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem.

1. This event, according to Galatians 1:18, was three years after the Lord met him on Damascus Road.

He assayed to join himself to the disciples.

1. To assay is to try to do something. Saul tried to join the disciples making up the Jerusalem Church.

But they were all afraid of him.

1. No wonder! There would have been many with dead relatives because of his hatred of Jesus Christ.

And believed not that he was a disciple.

1. It did not matter what he said – their archenemy. They could not believe such a man could be saved.

27 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.

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles.

1. Barnabas, well known in Jerusalem, an apostle himself (Acts 14:14), confirmed Saul’s conversion.

And declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him.

1. Barnabas believed and had confirmed sufficiently the account we have here that is hard to believe.

And how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

1. This is the kind of confirmation that should make all the difference in the world – a very trustworthy person giving an account of things that could be verified by other witnesses.

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

And he was with them coming in and going out.

1. Acceptance in a church, church membership and communion, is by mutual consent of parties.
2. Saul’s desire to be part of the Jerusalem Church did not accomplish a thing by itself.
3. Saul’s baptism in Damascus had not made him a member in Damascus or in Jerusalem.

At Jerusalem.

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

And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus.

1. Why do we read this word so many times about Saul? Because he was bold and zealous for Christ!

And disputed against the Grecians.

1. Opposition did not bother Saul. What did the Grecians know? He proved their theories totally false.
2. What were the Grecians? They were Hellenized Jews that spoke Greek instead of Hebrew or Aramaic, likely intellectual types with allegiance to the love of wisdom characteristic of the Greeks.

But they went about to slay him.

1. Here we see it again – they typical reaction of heretics to the truth is to kill the messenger – scorners!

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

Which when the brethren knew.

They brought him down to Caesarea.

1. When you read down relative to Jerusalem, it refers to a drop in altitude, regardless of direction, as in this case Caesarea is directly north of Jerusalem.

And sent him forth to Tarsus.

1. They shipped him to his home city across the Mediterranean from the port of Caesarea (Gal 1:21).
2. This is the last about Saul here. We next find Barnabas fetching him from Tarsus (Acts 11:19-26).

31 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.

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria.

1. Saul of Tarsus was clearly a leader and prime instigator of the persecution of Christians in Israel.
2. The rest described here is what most churches at the present enjoy, but do they use it as well.

And were edified.

1. The churches were edified, built up by ministers and joint efforts, as described by Paul (Ep 4:11-16).
2. Note here the connection between peace and safety and growing in Christ (I Tim 2:1-2; I Cor 7:26).

And walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost.

1. This is what churches should do – walk in the fear of the Lord and the assisting strength of the Spirit.
2. The fear of the Lord is a great subject.
3. The comfort of the Holy is essential and glorious in what it can do for a man (Eph 3:14-19).

Were multiplied.

1. This is the effect or result of that described above in this verse – they grew numerically in believers.
2. When a church is being built up the Bible way (Eph 4:11-16) and living the godly and holy lives they should, then others will be convinced of the truthfulness of their religion and seek to join them.

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

And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters.

1. A pillar in Jerusalem, Peter traveled greatly during this time as well, by His Lord’s word (Acts 1:8).
2. Luke last had Peter ministering in the city of Samaria (Ac 8:14-25) before the eunuch (Ac 8:26-40).

He came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

1. Lydda is generally midway between Jerusalem and Joppa, the latter a port city on the Mediterranean.

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

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas.

1. Jesus had commissioned His apostles to preach the gospel and perform all kinds of healing miracles.
2. If a man is doing God’s will, the Lord will providentially arrange an Aeneas or a viper (Acts 28:3).
3. If you are doing God’s will, He can and will provide a spouse, a church, a job, or any other need.

Which had kept his bed eight years.

1. This man was bedridden eight years – a serious condition with visible limits for a glorious healing!
2. This trumps Benny Hinn or other charlatans talking about healing kidney stones in an audience.

And was sick of the palsy.

1. Palsy, contraction for paralysis, describes various losses of bodily movement due to various factors.

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

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole.

1. Peter had healed a 40-year cripple and explained it in the name of Jesus before (Acts 3:1-10; 4:8-22).

Arise, and make thy bed.

And he arose immediately.

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

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him.

1. Without implied or contextual limits to the word all, we may assume all absolutely or relatively.
2. It generally means without exception, but the Bible use is often limited by implication or context.
3. For comparison purposes, consider how Jerusalem and all Judaea were baptized by John (Matt 3:5).

And turned to the Lord.

1. This was exactly what Jesus had commissioned them to do before His ascension (Mark 16:17-20).

36 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.

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha.

1. Joppa was approximately ten miles from Lydda, where Peter was presently after healing Aeneas.

Which by interpretation is called Dorcas.

This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

1. Here is adornment of a great woman – here is proof of election – the work of faith and labor of love.
2. Who cares about a woman’s profession of faith or baptism compared to a life of kingdom service?
3. This is pure religion according to the word of God, for she visited widows meaningfully (Jas 1:27).

37 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 it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died.

1. Even the best of men and women must die, some earlier than others, but this woman lived again!

Whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

38 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.

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there.

1. The distance between these two cities is about ten miles, not a difficult or lengthy distance to travel.

They sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

1. You cannot have a delay when a woman is dead and the cemetery is preparing her burial place!
2. You must love the faith and hope of these early believers – and the powerful reputation of apostles.

39 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.

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.

1. Here body was still there? What was gone? Both her spirit and the living soul of body and spirit.

40 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.

But Peter put them all forth.

And kneeled down, and prayed.

1. Even apostles would call upon the living God for the power to heal or to resurrect, for it was of God.

And turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise.

And she opened her eyes.

And when she saw Peter, she sat up.

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

And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up.

And when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

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

And it was known throughout all Joppa.

And many believed in the Lord.

1. The spread of the gospel was by God’s choice and the mighty signs and wonders of the apostles.

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

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa.

1. It is nearing time for Cornelius, for it is to Joppa the angel directs him to send for Peter (Ac 10:5-6).

With one Simon a tanner.

1. It is nearing time for Cornelius, for it is at Simon a tanner’s he was to find Peter (Acts 10:5-6).