Saul’s transformation has brought a semblance of peace to Jerusalem. Saul himself is being accepted by the Lord’s disciples. Now Peter takes center stage in the life of the church.

Verses thirty-two through forty-three: In Lydda Peter found a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed for 8 years and pronounced healing upon him. This caused a stir in the city where this type of thing had never happened before. Many people believe in the Lord because of the miracle. A few miles away in a city called Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha who was known for her good works among the people, especially the poor for whom she made clothing. While Peter was displaying God’s power in Lydda, Tabitha was dying. By the time word of the miracle spread throughout Lydda and to the cities round about, one of which was Joppa, Tabitha was lying in state. Joppa being only a short distance from Lydda, two men were dispatched to Lydda to find Peter and bring him to Joppa. Note that Tabitha had died before the men left Joppa. Therefore there is only one reason to call for Peter–to raise her from the dead. This highlights the incredible faith found among a people who had been converted only a short time earlier. God does not deny such faith. And to think that there are many in professing Chirstendom who do not believe in the healing power of God.

Chapter ten.

The entirety of chapter 10 involves the Apostle Peter and his dealings with Cornelius, a Roman soldier. This man was a devout worshipper of the Biblical God of the Israelites. Cornelius obeyed Him along with all his family. The story of Cornelius is so well-known that we will address only specific parts of his story. As the centurion was praying and fasting in mid-afternoon an angel was sent by God to speak to him, telling him to send for Peter who was staying in a certain house in Joppa. As the men were approaching the house where Peter was staying in Lydda, the apostle was having his own vision. In this episode Peter saw a sheet filled with animals which God had forbidden His people to eat being lowered by its four corners. In the vision the voice told him to kill and eat some of the animals. Peter replied that he did not partake of such food. After appearing two more times, the sheet and animals were taken up into heaven. Peter was confused–the Lord had just told him to eat forbidden meat. What was going on? He would soon find out.

Upon entering Cornelius’ house Peter found a man, his family and some friends who wanted to hear God’s Truth. What transpired over the next few minutes taught Peter a valuable lesson–God was offering salvation to the Gentiles. Now Peter understood the meaning of the visions–what was formerly considered “unclean” (Gentiles) were now eligible for conversion leading to eternal life. The Jews Peter brought with him were as astonished as Peter as the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles in the room. Realizing and coming to grips with the facts, Peter reasoned that the people needed to be baptized in water. This is one of the times when Spirit baptism came before water baptism. L.J.