We conclude last week’s readings with Acts 9, which opens with the dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus. We’ll have plenty of time to think about Saul (Paul) as we go along. I want to write about the end of Acts 9, which contains two miracles by Peter, both very reminiscent of things Peter saw Jesus do.

Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. (Acts 9.32 -34, ESV, emphasis mine)

Maybe this is fresh in my mind because we just watched The Chosen, Season 2, Episode 4, which ends with Jesus healing the man at the pool of Bethesda:

One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. (John 5.5 – 9, ESV, emphasis mine)

But the chapter isn’t done. Heal the lame? No problem! Raise the dead?

In those days [Tabitha (Dorcas)] became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. (Acts 9.37 – 41, ESV)

This is nearly exactly like the raising of Jairus’ daughter, and Peter was there:

And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. (Luke 8.51 – 55, ESV)

And the result of both miracles was more believers!

And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord….And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. (Acts 9.35…42, ESV)

You shall receive power… (Acts 1.8)

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. (John 14.12, ESV)