Peter in Peace Time

Introduction:

The aftermath of Stephen’s killing changed the dynamic in Jerusalem and beyond.

We can tell that from what transpired.

Saul contributed to the chaos.

Luke leaves the impression that opposition came and went.

With Saul’s conversion, the first wave of intense opposition fizzled.

We do not get indications of the disciples meeting at the Temple.

We do not see their activities among the authorities, at least right now.

Saul became the focal point of everyone’s concern.

Now that he has shown himself to be among the believers, they have protected him.

This might indicate their acceptance of his divinely given role.

He embraced the persecution.

Now, we will learn that there are believers in other places.

Rest in Jerusalem

Luke describes the threefold benefits to Saul’s absence.

They had peace:

“being edified”: Paul later used this term as well. It refers more to strengthening through maturity than it does to numbers.

“proceeding in fear of the Lord.”

“Increasing in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

We have the impression of a people continuing to be instructed by the Apostles, conducting themselves out of respect for the Lord (a reference to Jesus?).

The Holy Spirit has its role of encourager.

We might consider this apart from the references in John.

The instruction combined with the works of the Spirit through the Apostles provided encouragement for these early disciples.

The overall picture, here, would be one of restored confidence in the wake of the intense opposition that surrounded Saul.

Peter in Lydda

Peter goes approximately 30 miles northwest of Jerusalem.

This community was located just 9 miles from Joppa.

He visits those who are “holy ones” residing in this village/community.

This does not appear to be a missionary or preaching tour to spread the Gospel.

It appears to be targeted at believers.

While in the community, he found the man, Aineas.

This man had laid on a cot for eight years.

He was lame.

Peter addressed him telling him, “Jesus Christ is healing you.”

This sounds similar to the man at the Temple in Acts 3:1.

He commands him to get up and make his bed.

The man obeyed Peter.

All who saw the man “turned to the Lord.”

It is not Peter’s message, but the man serves as evidence.

Peter at Joppa

Luke provides a second, mirroring event.

He gives Tabitha’s Greek name along with a description of her charity.

She was full of good words and almsgiving which she was doing.

When Tabitha fell ill and died, the disciples prepared her body for burial via washing and put her in an upper story room.

They knew that Peter was in nearby Lydda, so they sent two men for him.

The men urge him “don’t hesitate/delay to pass to us.”

Peter comes with them.

They take him into the chamber where the widows are crying, and they showed him the things Tabitha made while she was alive.

They, obviously, were beneficiaries of what she did.

Peter does something similar to Jesus, Elijah, and Elisha.

He clears the room.

He bows on his knees and prays.

He then turns toward her body and says, “Tabitha, arise.”

Many believed on the Lord as news circulated.

Notice no authorities.

Notice no long, explanatory discourses.

He remained with Simon the Tanner.