August 11, 2024 - Acts 9:32-43
August 11, 2024
Acts 9:32-43
Lessons Learned
by Wayne Gaeddert
1. ‘Saints’ is used in the book of Acts to describe believers. All believers were referred to as saints.
2. Lydda is approximately 25 miles northwest of Jerusalem and about 11 miles inland from Joppa.
3. The city of Joppa today is known as Tel Aviv, which has become the economic center of Israel and its largest metropolitan area.
4. Peter did not want anyone to credit him with the healing of Aeneas. All ministry works are to be done in the name of Jesus so that individuals are not credited for what God does.
5. Good works done for the glory of Jesus fulfill at least 2 purposes in ministry:
a) Provide relief/help/service to those in need.
b) Point people to Jesus.
6. “Tabitha” is Aramaic and “Dorcas” is Greek. Both words mean ‘gazelle,’ a symbol of grace and beauty.
7. Good works do not save us but rather show evidence of a living faith. James 2:14-17
8. We serve a God whose power is greater than any circumstance in which we will ever be exposed.
9. God was working on Peter to break down prejudice against those who were not living by Old Testament Jewish laws. Is God pointing out any areas of prejudice in your life? How are you responding?
10. Peter did not lecture Aeneas about needing a sufficient level of faith in order to be healed.
11. There is no record of any
hospital
mental health
orphanage
Red Cross
type facilities being established in the world before Jesus came. These institutions were inspired by Christians serving those in need in the name of Jesus. (condensed from “Acts Commentary” by H.A. Ironside)
9. Peter did not allow past failures to prevent God from using him to minister in Jesus’ name. Dr. Don Laughlin
10. Peter developed a reputation for being a healer.
11. “Peter’s healing power is a function of his close communion with the Lord of glory.” Dr. Robert Wall
12. The church has the responsibility of going to people with needs and allowing the Holy Spirit to empower them to meet their needs. Dr. Don Laughlin
13. Application:
God gifted the apostles with ‘signs and wonders’ to meet the people’s needs and build the church. Dorcas used her resources, talent, and time to do ‘good works’ and ‘acts of charity’ to impact people’s lives for Jesus. What has God given you so that you can continue the work of building the kingdom of God?
Prayer is an essential part of any type of ministry.
God prefers to use his followers (saints/disciples) to meet the needs of others. Is he directing you to someone today?