(a) Describe the mission of Peter in Lydda and Joppa . (b) State three lessons that can be learnt from this mission

Answer Details

(a) The mission of Peter in Lydda and Joppa (Acts 9:32-43)

At Lydda. As Peter went here and there among all the believers, he came down to the saints living in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralysed. Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." Immediately he rose. All the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

At Joppa. In nearby Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity, especially making garments for widows. At that time she fell sick and died, and her body was washed and laid in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men urging him to come without delay.

Peter went with them, and when he arrived they took him to the upper room, where all the widows stood weeping and showing the tunics and garments Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put them all outside, knelt down and prayed. Then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He gave her his hand and lifted her up, then called the saints and widows and presented her alive.

This became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. Peter stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

(b) Three lessons from this mission

• Faith in the name of Jesus Christ brings healing and even raises the dead; the power of God works through His faithful servants.
• A life of good works and charity, like that of Dorcas, is precious and leaves a lasting testimony.
• Miracles and genuine acts of God draw people to faith, for many turned to the Lord and believed.