The Good Shepherd Heals

April 26, 2009

Lesson: Acts 9:32-43

Key Verses: 9:33, 36

Introduction

The Twenty-third Psalm reveals the Triune God, the Lord, as a shepherd. David testifies: “The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.” All that the child of God needs the Lord does provide, whether it be of a spiritual or physical matter. Within this Psalm there is peace that refreshes soul and body, redemption that restores the soul, righteousness that provides a good life, protection from the evil of the world, discipline that guides thoughts and actions, healing that comforts soul and body, presence of the Lord that gives confidence, and promise that assures an eternal dwelling place. Surely we are under the care of the Lord: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. …He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91).

This same Lord, the Good Shepherd of Psalm Twenty-three, is revealed in the second person of the Godhead, the Incarnate Son of God. Our lesson takes place in two places, that of Lydda and of Joppa. The risen Lord Jesus walks with his chosen disciple, the apostle Peter who is carrying out the commission to go into the world and preach the Gospel of God’s Messiah. Miracles are a part of Peter’s commission, revealing the Lord of whom David spoke as his shepherd. “Luke setteth down how the Church was increased by miracles. And he reciteth two miracles: That a man who had been bed rid eight years, having the palsy, was suddenly healed; and that a certain woman was raised from death” (J. Calvin). The first city was Lydda, a city of Dan, near the Mediterranean Sea, ten miles east of the city of Joppa. From Joppa one could see Jerusalem.

Healing of Aeneas –Acts 9:32-35

“And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.” It was recorded in verse thirty-one that the churches of Judea, Galilee and Samaria “were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit,” and they “were multiplied.” Though Peter and the disciples faced many trials and persecution, it is shown that they were also encouraged to praise the Lord and give him thanks for the redemptive blessings of the Lord in the lives of many people. Thus Peter came to Lydda with the witness that the saints were walking in the way of Christ and in the comfort of the Spirit, as the Lord added to their number.

Peter entered Lydda where “he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.” The bed of Aeneas was his only comfort for eight years. Peter, led by the Lord, said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed.” Peter spoke by the authority of Christ. John Calvin reflects rightly on the authority which was given to Peter: “It is certain that the apostles would never have attempted the doing of miracles, unless they had been first certified of the will of God, whereupon the effect did depend. For they had no such power of the Spirit given them that they could heal whatsoever sick persons they would; but as Christ himself used a measure in his miracles, so he would have his apostles to work no more than he knew were profitable. Therefore Peter did not rashly break out into these words; because he might have set himself to be laughed at, unless he had already known the will of God. It may be that he prayed apart. The Spirit who was the author of all miracles, and which wrought by the hand of Peter, did even then direct his tongue, and did move his heart by a secret inspiration. And in these words Peter showeth plainly that he is only the minister of the miracle, and that it proceedeth from the power of Christ; that he may by this means extol the name of Christ alone.”

As soon as Peter finished speaking, Aeneas “arose immediately.” The result of the Lord’s working through Peter, both in the preaching of the Gospel and the healing of Aeneas, “all that dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and turned to the Lord.” It is the Lord who saves and heals and who shall receive the glory. You can sense the urgency of those hearts as the healing began, as they sought out Peter and other disciples to hear more about this wonderful Savior and Lord.

Discussion: How was the glory of the Lord revealed in the healing of Aeneas?

Healing of Dorcas –Acts 9:36-43

There was a disciple, a learner of the Lord, “named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” Dorcas was a Christian woman who showed compassion, benefiting others with her good deeds. “It is promised to those who consider the poor, not that they shall never be sick, but that the Lord will strengthen them upon the bed of languishing, at least with strength in their souls, and so will make all their bed in their sickness, will make it easy” (M. Henry). As with those who serve Christ showing compassion toward others with the compassion of Christ, find at times the need for deeds of compassion from others. Dorcas became “sick, and died.” Her body was washed and laid “in an upper chamber.” In her life she had revealed her faith in Christ by deeds of love and grace. Now she will be a witness to grace and strength of the Lord at death.

The disciples of the Lord had heard that Peter was nearby in Joppa; “They sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.” Without delay Peter went to the “upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.” How beautiful are the prayers of the saints as they gather together to lift up a brother or sister in Christ to the Father, remembering the grace of Christ in their lives. And let pastors and elders, who are chosen of Lord as under-shepherds, be admonished with these words of Matthew Henry, “Let not faithful ministers grudge to be at every body’s beck, as far as they have ability, when the great apostle made himself the servant of all.” Paul spelled out the task of the apostles, which was his: “What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more” (1 Cor. 9:18-19).

Peter asked those present to leave the room. He then “kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.” Peter then gave Dorcas his hand, “and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented he alive.” In other words, Peter stood by her, next to her, supporting her as her friends now saw that she was alive. One of the glorious evidence of the love of Christ in the midst of his saints is that we stand with one another. We do not allow a brother or sister to stand-alone. Does not a pastor or elder stand next to the brother or sister who has repented of their sin and now reveals that they are forgiven and alive in Christ? Does not an elder rejoice as he walks alongside of one who is growing in Christ, discipling a new Christian? The pew may be used to sit in, but the only comfort of a believer is a Christian friend who is near in spirit and in person.

Again the word of the Lord is spread as the miracle of Tabitha “was know throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.” Peter remained in Joppa for a while, ministering in name of Christ, enjoying the hospitality with Simon a tanner. “Peter was hereby induced to continue some time in this city. Finding that a door of opportunity was opened for him there, he tarried there many days, till he was sent thence, and sent for thence upon business to another place” (M. Henry). Each Christian has the joy of serving the Lord in being a disciple, a pupil of the Word by the Spirit; and of discipling others in the Word; hearing the words of the Savior: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and low, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20).

Discussion: In what ways are we to be used in testifying to the Gospel of Christ?