PETER’S MIRACLE MINISTRY
We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or be used for a sermon group discussion.
Sermon Title: PETER’S MIRACLE MINISTRY
Scripture References: ACTS 9:32-43
Summary:
What is the greatest miracle that God can do for us? Some would call the healing of the body God’s greatest miracle, while others would vote for the raising of the dead. However, I think that the greatest miracle of all is the salvation of a lost sinner. Why? Because salvation costs the greatest price, it produces the greatest results, and it brings the greatest glory to God. -Weirsbe
Peter was a leader of the church in Jerusalem and now with the current state of peace and growth, he began his itinerant ministry traveling around the region to share the gospel. The ministry of the gospel included preaching the Word, demonstrations of God’s power through miracles, and casting out demons. In our text today, Luke highlights how the gospel is spreading to Judea, covering the Acts 1:8 promise that the church would be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. In Acts 9, Luke highlights Peter’s miracles that accompany his ministry of the gospel in his travels. Peter goes to Lydda and Joppa where he demonstrates the power of God through two miracles that turn the community to the Lord.
Notes:
Healing of Aeneas v. 32-35:
While in Lydda Peter meets Aeneas, a man who had been paralyzed and bedridden for 8 years.
Peter emphatically states that Jesus heals Aeneas and to rise and roll up his mat. This sounds very much like Jesus in John 5:1-9.
Peter took the initiative to heal Aeneas without any request, much as Jesus did on occasion (cf. Luke 7:13–15; 13:12). The healing was accomplished by a healing word, calling on the name of Jesus. Polhill, J. B. (1992). Acts (Vol. 26, p. 245). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
V. 35 Then the whole population (or many) in Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord after seeing Aeneas healed. The results of this miracle are arguably greater than the miracle itself.
Raising Tabitha (Gk: Dorcas) from the dead v. 36-43
Tabitha was well known for doing kind things for others and helping the poor. Tabitha (Dorcas) had been a mother and faithful friend providing care and clothing to the local widows. Her love had made an impact for sure which is a work of the Holy Spirit in and through believers of Jesus. (Even Godly people die and get sick)
V. 37-38 According to custom, her body was washed for burial. It was then placed in an upper room, which was not particularly the custom. Perhaps this was the most available room. It could also be that the Christians of Joppa were performing, as it were, a symbolic act, indicating their faith that she would rise. In any event, knowing that Peter was close by—a distance of three hours journey by foot—they sent two men to Lydda to urge Peter to hasten to Joppa without delay.60 Polhill, J. B. (1992). Acts (Vol. 26, p. 247). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
V. 38 The believers had faith that Peter could do something about Tabitha’s condition. Two men were sent. Lydda and Joppa were only about 12 miles apart. No one had been raised from the dead in the early church so far as the records of Acts declare, but the faith of the believers was so great they expected the Lord to use Peter to resurrect Dorcas. Toussaint, S. D. (1985). Acts. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 379). Victor Books.
V. 38-39 shows an urgency. Peter was quickly taken to her when he arrived.
V. 40 Peter commands the room, dismisses the group and with authority tells her to get up. Peter has the gift of healing and for miracles. I believe this is his third recorded healing in Acts (not the only healing he has done). In all of Peter’s healings, he speaks with authority and confidence which can be the expression of his faith.
Once again, the results and ultimate purpose of healing are at work. Many believed in the Lord this time in Joppa. The workings of healings and miracles bring conviction from the Holy Spirit into the community and they put their faith in Jesus. Conviction means convincing one’s need for Jesus for salvation, to go from unbelief to faith in Jesus for salvation from sin and death.
Peter’s ministry mirrors our Lord’s healings and miracles.
Jesus healed the crippled man who was lowered down through the roof on a mat (Mark 2:1-12) Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethesda who had been crippled or lame for 38 years (John 5:1-9). Jesus heals a paralyzed servant in Capernaum in response to a Centurion’s faith (Luke 7:1-10). Jesus Heals a Woman Who Had Been Crippled for 18 Years (Luke 13:10-17).
Jesus raises a widow’s son from the dead in Nain (Luke 7:11-17). Jesus raises Jairus’s daughter back to life (Matt. 9:18, 23-26; Mark 5:21-24, 35-43; Luke 8:40-42, 49-56). Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-45).
Application:
Matthew 8:14-17 NLT
Miracles and healings are included in the fulfillment of the gospel ministry on earth.
The purpose of divine healing and miracles
God heals out of His compassion for us.
God heals to provide a foretaste of what’s to come in the kingdom of heaven.
God heals so that He may be glorified.
God heals to convince the unbelieving audience that the gospel is true.
God heals that He may convict men of their sinfulness to repentance and salvation.
Healings and miracles are done by faith in the Lord
I want to break this point down into two portions:
Healings and miracles are done by faith. The Bible teaches three points of contact for healing faith:
The faith of the one being healed (Matthew 9:27-29 two blind men) (The woman who bled 12 years (Mark 5:25-34). This was in close proximity to Jesus.
The faith of others on behalf of the one who needs healing (Matthew 8:5-10 - the Centurion's faith for his servant). Jesus never had to touch him to be healed. Or the four friends carrying their paralyzed friend on a mat (Mark 2:1-12).
The faith of the one who is empowered to deliver gifts of healing. Peter’s faith initiates the healing without Aenaes asking (Acts 9:34). Jesus initiates the healing without anyone else's faith involved when he raises the boy from the dead in Nain (Luke 7:11-17).
Faith was involved in all three and none were done in the same way
Healings and miracles are done by faith (specifically) in the Lord.
We’re not putting our faith in our ability but in Jesus…He is the healer.
Jesus is the healer, not the physical means by which some healings occur. It’s not how someone is healed it’s who is healing.
This is an important distinction because some put healings in a box as if they always have to happen the same way but this is not the case. The Lord is the healer, not the means of oil placed on someone’s head. Some have fallen for the purchasing of special oil or handkerchiefs online and believing it’s going to have a special power. If you have fallen for this it’s a mistake and we just learn from it and move forward.
We had a healing a year ago while worshipping and no one touched her to be healed. I prayed for a mother on the phone who was scheduled for an operation to remove cysts on her ovaries. The Lord gave me a word of knowledge that they would go to operate on her and they would be gone. On the day of her operation, once her meds wore off, she called me to report that the surgeons couldn’t find any cysts when they went to operate.
Love goes a long way
Tabitha (Dorcas) made such a significant impact in this community and the lives of these widows that they were determined to bring Peter to Tabitha, believing he could do something about her death.
I believe Tabitha’s Christ-like love and charity to her community set the stage for miracles and salvation to come. Tabitha’s compassion provoked their compassion.
Offer prayers in faith - James 5:13-16
The connection between the act of anointing and of calling on the name of the Lord (Mark added the call to repentance) shows that although James never directly related sin and sickness as cause and effect, he indirectly related them in that sickness and sin make persons suffer and in that God can save from the effects of either - Richardson, K. A. (1997). James (Vol. 36, p. 233). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
The faithful prayer of the gathered believers, united by the plea of the sick member and the authority of the elders, has real effectiveness. The Gospels emphasize the connection between the prayer of faith and healing. The word for healing here, translated “make well,” is sōzō, “save.” It is used in the Synoptics for either spiritual salvation or physical healing. In the present verse healing of the sick is meant, but close connection between the physical and the spiritual should be noted. Richardson, K. A. (1997). James (Vol. 36, p. 234). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
This demonstrates the power of faith in prayer, together. Whether we are not feeling well physically, emotionally, or spiritually, we are instructed to pray and pray with one another. If we are doing well, we’re instructed to praise God.
When it comes to healings and miracles we shouldn’t put God in a box https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuBV3uPxaAc&t=163s
Learn more at https://ag.org/Beliefs/Position-Papers/Divine-Healing
Discussion:
What did God use in this sermon to speak to your heart or situation?
What part of the scripture stuck out to you and why?
What’s are the purposes of miracles and healings?
Why does faith in Jesus for miracles play such a huge role?
What do we need to be careful of when seeking and praying for miracles?
What other notes did you highlight or write down that you would like to share?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!