Acts 9:32-42
GETTING STARTED:
● Luke laid out the book of Acts and centered it around 2 ministries – the ministry of
Peter and the ministry of Paul. It’s really the ministry of Jesus continuing in the
power of the Holy Spirit through these two.
● Luke took a break in chapter 9 to tell us the story of Paul’s conversion and now at
the end of chapter 9 he returns to the ministry of Peter. This focus will continue
through chapter 12 and then Acts will focus on the missionary efforts of Paul.
● One of the great things you see in Peter is his openness to signs and wonders
that lift up Jesus. Peter did not miss the opportunity to let miracles lead to people
being saved. When the miracle lifted up Jesus – he preached the Good News.
● At the end of chapter nine there are two amazing miracles – let’s read them.
AENEAS IS HEALED BY JESUS CHRIST. 9:32-35
● Aeneas was bedridden for eight years but that was about to change. Peter was
not intimidated because he walked in the power of the Spirit.
● Look out how clearly Peter understands that healing is a continuation of the
ministry of Jesus. Peter will write in 1 Peter 2:24 that by His stripes you were
healed. He knew Jesus paid the price and he knew that Jesus anointed him with
the same Holy Spirit. So Peter says with confidence – Jesus Christ heals you.
● Finally – Look at verse 35 – People turned to the Lord. The miracle led to the
greater miracle of salvation. Peter did not lose focus on the greater need.
DORCAS IS RAISED FROM THE DEAD. 9:36-41
● To truly appreciate this account you need to remember that Peter was present
when Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus – a synagogue leader. In that account –
Jesus sent out the mourners and went into the room with the parents and with
Peter, James and John. YES – PETER WAS IN THAT ROOM. Jesus told the
little girl to get up and she was raised from the dead.
● In this account – Peter sends out the widows who are mourning – they are
believers but they don’t have the faith to believe for this miracle.( The people
Jesus sent out started laughing and mocking – this was not the case in Acts)
● Before Peter gave the command like Jesus to get up – He knelt and prayed. We
do not know what he prayed – but it is likely it was for direction. When he knew
the will of God – he acted in faith and this woman was raised up.
CLOSING: Look at 42 – This is what it is all about. MANY BELIEVED IN THE LORD.
We say yes to signs and wonders that lift up Jesus – that allow his great ministry to
continue. And we say yes to people hearing the Good News and believing.