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Two Miracles of Peter After the conversion of Saul, the persecution which he had pursued so vigorously died down. By this time, there were churches throughout Galilee, Samaria and Judea. They now had a time of rest and were being edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Ghost (Acts 9:31). Acts 9:32 ¶ And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. Peter’s journey took him to Lydda, which was a village about 11 miles from Joppa, which was on the Mediterranean coast. This was not primarily a Jewish area but rather pagan. Acts 9:33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. It appears that Aeneas was one of the believers in the city, since Peter knew his name and addressed him in a familiar manner. Given the lack of details, my mind wonders how this all came about. It seems plausible that there was a meeting of believers. Perhaps some had heard the teachings of Jesus and were relating them to the others. Peter who had walked with the Lord throughout His ministry perhaps related some of our Lord’s miracles. He may have related seeing the Lord’s glory at The Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13). Perhaps he mentioned the woman with the issue of blood (Mt 9:21), who said, “If I can but touch the hem of His garment I will be made whole.” Perhaps they talked of a blind man being healed (John 9:1-41), the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)., and the Healing of a Deaf and Dumb Man in Mark 7:32-37. Perhaps as these events were being recited , faith began to rise up in the heart of Aeneas. He may have thought within himself, "If Jesus did all of this for those people perhaps He will do it for me.” Possibly someone read the scripture from: Isaiah 53:5 But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Yes Lord, you were wounded and afflicted for me, You were bruised for my iniquities and yes, I am healed by your stripes. As the faith of Aeneas rose up and touched the throne of heaven, the Spirit of the Lord quickened the tongue of Peter who said: Acts 9:34 ...... Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: 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. When the local town folk saw the miracle that had been done, many turned to and believed on the Lord. I remember a story that my father often related about a woman who had been confined to her bed for several years. One day she was reading Isaiah 53 and began to say over and over, “By His stripes I am healed.” One of the household had put a tea kettle on to heat and it began to boil over. Instantly the woman sprang from bed and ran to turn off the stove, probably still reciting “By His stripes, I am healed." Thirteen years ago, I had surgery for prostate cancer. The evening before, the family gathered and we took communion in my home, claiming the promise of Isaiah 53, “By His stripes I am healed.” The next day after the surgery the doctor stated that the cancer was dead when they took it out. Praise God, “By His stripes I was healed.” That was 13 years ago and the cancer has not returned. Perhaps you, like Aeneas, are in a hopeless situation? Maybe not as hopeless as you think. The same Jesus who was beholding this situation is looking in on you. The One who heard him, hears you. The One who healed and raised him up is willing to do the same for you. A simply breathing of His all powerful name, Jesus, will summons Him to your side. Acts 9:36 ¶ 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. 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. Eleven miles away, in the town of Joppa, a faithful saint named Dorcas died. She was well known for her acts of charity. She had made many coats and garments which I assume she gave to the needy. When the local disciples heard that Peter was nearby, they sent for him and asked that he come immediately, which he readily did. They directed Peter to an upper chamber where the corspe of Dorcas had been laid out. Many widows were assembled and were bewailing the death of one whom they loved dearly. Not needing distraction, Peter put them all out of the room and knelt down to pray. He then addressed the corpse and commanded, “Tabitha arise.” At his command she opened her eyes and sat up. Peter took her by the hand and then presented her to all the saints and the widows. Once again many of the locals saw the miracle and turned to the Lord (Acts 9:36-42). While some were wailing and remonstrating at the death of Dorcas, somebody else believed God and put in a call for Peter. Why else would they want Peter to come so quickly when Dorcas was already dead? Perhaps they had heard of the miracles of Peter such as the healing of the lame man at the temple gate and multitudes being healed by the touch of his shadow (Acts 5:15). Perhaps they recalled the words of our Lord in: Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Somebody simply believed the word and acted upon it. While the miracle is attributed to Peter, I believe it was the faith of those who called for him that made it possible. We never know the results when we in faith, believe and act upon the word of God. The girl replied,"The hot fudge only comes in one temperature, ma'am." Keep Looking Up! Don and Marie Spooner About Him! Ministries Your thoughts and Inquiries Contact@about-him.com Subscribe to this devotional? Subscribe@about-him.com
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