Daily Thoughts from Acts: Miracles (Acts 9:32-43)

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. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she 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. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.  (Acts 9:32-43 ESV)

Luke has introduced Saul/Paul, the thread that he is going to follow in the second half of his account, but now returns to focus on Peter, who has been the representative of the 12 apostles who originally were with Jesus.  The Lord continues to demonstrate His power through Peter, who has been traveling outside Jerusalem proclaiming the gospel and encouraging believers in other towns.  Another extraordinary healing of a lame man takes place and then an Elijah/Elisha/Jesus like raising back to life of a dead person.  The miracles lead to many believing in Jesus.

Moses warns in Deuteronomy 13:1-6 that even if a prophet does something miraculous yet says, “Let’s follow after other gods,” it is false prophecy.  But the gospel, coupled with the power of God, is the proper combination of evidence and truth.  Both must be present.  A miracle for a miracle’s sake is meaningless.

There were many Christians who were dying of illness or old age at the same time Dorcas did, but they were not raised.  And Dorcas herself would succumb to death once more.  God does not choose to raise all of us back from the dead.  But here, in the case of Dorcas, the disciples have some sense that her life must not end yet and faith that God has demonstrated great power through Peter, so they ask him to come.  They don’t see their faith as leading to Dorcas’ restoration to life.  They feel that must come through Peter.  Sometimes we are anointed to do the miracle.  Sometimes it must come through someone else.  We’re all needed.  No one stands by himself.