The Book of Acts

Peter Heals Aeneas & Raises Dorcas

Acts 9:32-43 _NLT

“Meanwhile, Peter traveled from place to place, and he came down to visit the believers in the town of Lydda.”- Acts 9:32

            Lydda was considered a crossroads town, approximately halfway between Jerusalem and important port city of Joppa. The apostle Peter, who had been ministering in the name of the Lord, came to visit Lydda. While there is met a paralyzed man by the name of Aeneas who had been bedridden for 8 years. The account in Acts doesn’t say that Aeneas asked to be healed, instead, Peter simply went to him, called him by name and said, “Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and roll up your sleeping mat!” Aeneas was instantly healed. According to this account, all the people from Lydda and nearby village Sharon, witnessed Aeneas walking about and they all turned to the Lord.

            In Joppa there was a woman named Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas, who was very kind, always doing things for others and assisting those less fortunate. Well it seems that she turned ill and died. When the believers in Joppa heard that the apostle Peter was in nearby Lydda they sent for him right away. As soon as Peter arrived he went to see Dorcas’ body. He asked all the widows who were there mourning her death to leave the room. Once alone, Peter knelt and prayed. Then facing the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” The woman opened her eyes and sat up! Peter helped her up and then called for all the widows and the believers to come and see that the woman who had died was now very much alive.

            This news spread throughout the entire town with many there placing their faith in the Lord. This was the beginning of a long stay in Joppa for Peter. The thing that stands out to me is the fact that Peter healed by the power of the Holy Spirit and invoked Jesus name and no one else. He said to Aeneas, “Jesus Christ heals you.” It wasn’t that Peter said, “I heal you in Jesus’ name” or “I heal you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” He specifically said that Jesus Christ healed the paralyzed man. That is intriguing to me. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible