Acts 9:36-43
Today's Passage: Acts 9:36-43
This passage is a “passing the torch” moment. Peter is called into a room where his friend, Tabitha, has just died. Peter prays over her and then she comes back to life. This story should immediately make us think of two parallel stories of Jesus.
Mark 5:21-24, where Jesus brings Jairus’ daughter back from the dead. There are specific similarities to the way Peter and Jesus excuse the widows and mourners from the room before he prays.
The second story is John 11, where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. The similarities here are that both were notified of the illness/death in a different town and had to travel.
I think the point of our text in Acts 9 is to show that the Holy Spirit has empowered Peter and the Apostles with the very same power. The power of the Holy Spirit within Peter (and us) is fulfilling Jesus’ words in John 14, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).
Jesus says to his disciples on his way to raise Lazarus from the dead, “and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe.” His miracle caused the disciples to marvel and believe - a similar response happened with Peter. Through this miracle, the Gospel spread throughout Joppa.
Here’s the craziest thing - that same Spirit is empowering YOU if you believe in Jesus. That same Spirit is moving when we share the gospel with our friends and family. That same Spirit is convicting hearts and bringing people from death to life when they believe.
“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you” (Rom 6:10-11).
That should encourage you and motivate you! God has equipped you to do ALL that he has called you to do. He has not left you all alone - his Spirit is within you. He is going before you and will bring the fruit from your faithful witness. So go! Make disciples!
Written By: Joe Weaver
This passage is a “passing the torch” moment. Peter is called into a room where his friend, Tabitha, has just died. Peter prays over her and then she comes back to life. This story should immediately make us think of two parallel stories of Jesus.
Mark 5:21-24, where Jesus brings Jairus’ daughter back from the dead. There are specific similarities to the way Peter and Jesus excuse the widows and mourners from the room before he prays.
The second story is John 11, where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. The similarities here are that both were notified of the illness/death in a different town and had to travel.
I think the point of our text in Acts 9 is to show that the Holy Spirit has empowered Peter and the Apostles with the very same power. The power of the Holy Spirit within Peter (and us) is fulfilling Jesus’ words in John 14, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).
Jesus says to his disciples on his way to raise Lazarus from the dead, “and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe.” His miracle caused the disciples to marvel and believe - a similar response happened with Peter. Through this miracle, the Gospel spread throughout Joppa.
Here’s the craziest thing - that same Spirit is empowering YOU if you believe in Jesus. That same Spirit is moving when we share the gospel with our friends and family. That same Spirit is convicting hearts and bringing people from death to life when they believe.
“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you” (Rom 6:10-11).
That should encourage you and motivate you! God has equipped you to do ALL that he has called you to do. He has not left you all alone - his Spirit is within you. He is going before you and will bring the fruit from your faithful witness. So go! Make disciples!
Written By: Joe Weaver
1 Comment
Joe, your discussion today touched my heart deeply. As scripture says, "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me."Philippians 4:13. It also reminded me of a great song in the 80's era by Steve Green; "God and God Alone".
Thank you