Restored to Life
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Peter heals in Jesus Name
Peter heals in Jesus Name
When we begin reading this story I think one of my first concerns is that Peter is healing the faithful, in the name of Jesus. But if you go backwards in the scripture, to the previous short story we find that Peter heals a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed for eight years. No mention of him being a faithful servant or follower of Christ.
Perhaps Peter is showing the church how the Holy Spirit works. Think about the healings that were happening before the exit of Jesus Christ. The healings are still happening but they are happening through the faithful.
Often times, we wonder, don’t we, is it in the faith of the individual wanting to be healed?, or was it in the faith of the one healing, or asking the Spirit to work. (NRSV)
19 Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” This is an example of a time when Jesus healed someone and told them their faith had made them whole or healed them.
Perhaps it is just that those who have compassion and good works draw us to find compassion. (NRSV)
Peter in Lydda and Joppa
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity.
What is happening here is the building of the temple, not with human hands but from above. The Lord is also adding building materials to the temple as the Spirit works with those who are faithful.
(NRSV)
26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.
Notice that Peter puts the non-believers outside. Jesus had done the same thing. (NRSV)
25 But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl got up.
We get these things happening because people need to know that healings can still happen, even though Jesus has gone. Then he calls the saints and widows back into the room. Notice that they are good people, saints even, that had to be asked to step out.