The Acts of the Apostles

Ministry in Lydda and Sharon (Acts 9:32–35)

• Peter spreads the message of the resurrection of Christ (Acts 9:32).

• Aeneas is healed as a sign to the Jews in Lydda (Acts 9:33–34).

• The residents of Lydda and Sharon turn to the Lord (Acts 9:35).

Historical and Geographical Context:

• Lydda:

  • Established by the tribe of Benjamin after the Babylonian exile (Nehemiah 11:35).

  • Known under Roman rule as Diospolis (“City of Zeus”).

  • Located in the coastal plain of Judea, about 10–12 miles southeast of Joppa and 25–30 miles northwest of Jerusalem.

  • Identified with the modern Israeli city of Lod.

  • Functioned as a significant administrative and commercial center along the Via Maris trade route.

• Sharon:

  • A fertile coastal plain in which Lydda was located.

  • Extended from Joppa to Mount Carmel, about 50 miles long and 10 miles wide.

  • Part of the major international highway network between Egypt and Mesopotamia.

The Resuscitation of Tabitha (Acts 9:36–43)

• Tabitha, a disciple in Joppa, is known for good works and charitable alms (Acts 9:36).

• She becomes ill and dies (Acts 9:37).

• The disciples send for Peter (Acts 9:38).

• God raises Tabitha through Peter (Acts 9:39–40).

• Peter presents her alive (Acts 9:41).

• Many in Joppa believe because of her restoration (Acts 9:42).

• Peter remains in Joppa for several days (Acts 9:43).

God Sends a Messenger to Cornelius (Acts 10:1–8)

• Cornelius:

  • A centurion of the Italian Cohort (Acts 10:1).

  • The unit’s Latin name, Cohors II Italica Civium Romanorum, signifies it was composed of Roman citizens—an elite auxiliary unit.

  • Possibly a volunteer force, stationed in Caesarea Maritima.

  • A proselyte who feared God (Acts 10:2).

• Cornelius receives a vision during prayer at the ninth hour (Acts 10:3).

• An angel tells him:

  • His prayers and alms have ascended to God (Acts 10:4).

  • He must send for Peter, who is in Joppa (Acts 10:5–6).

• Cornelius sends two servants and a devout soldier (Acts 10:7–8).

Peter’s Vision: Gentiles Will Be Fellow Heirs (Acts 10:9–23)

• At the sixth hour, Peter prays on a rooftop (Acts 10:9).

• He falls into a trance and sees:

  • A sheet descending from heaven with all kinds of animals (Acts 10:10–12).

  • A voice commands him to kill and eat (Acts 10:13).

  • Peter refuses, citing uncleanness (Acts 10:14).

  • The voice says not to call common what God has cleansed (Acts 10:15).

  • This occurs three times (Acts 10:16).

• The men from Cornelius arrive while Peter is perplexed about the vision (Acts 10:17–18).

• The Spirit instructs Peter to go with them (Acts 10:19–20).

• The men explain why they were sent (Acts 10:21–22).

• Peter invites them in and departs with them the next day (Acts 10:23).

The Gentiles Are Accepted into the Church (Acts 10:24–48)

Peter Meets Cornelius (Acts 10:24–29):

• Cornelius expects Peter and gathers relatives and friends (Acts 10:24).

• He worships Peter, but Peter corrects him (Acts 10:25–26).

• Many are assembled to hear Peter (Acts 10:27).

• Peter explains that, though unlawful for Jews to associate with Gentiles, he came because the Spirit instructed him (Acts 10:28–29).

Cornelius Explains the Vision (Acts 10:30–33):

• Describes the angel in bright clothing and the command to send for Peter (Acts 10:30–32).

• He gathers everyone to hear what the Lord has commanded Peter (Acts 10:33).

Peter’s Sermon: The Death and Resurrection of Christ (Acts 10:34–43):

• God shows no partiality; all who fear Him are accepted (Acts 10:34–35).

• God sent the message to Israel, preaching peace through Jesus (Acts 10:36).

• The people knew of Jesus’ ministry after John’s baptism (Acts 10:37).

• Jesus was anointed by God, did good works, and healed the oppressed (Acts 10:38).

• Peter and others witnessed His ministry and death (Acts 10:39).

• God raised Him on the third day (Acts 10:40).

• He appeared to chosen witnesses (Acts 10:41).

• These witnesses were commanded to proclaim Him as Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42).

• The prophets testify that belief in Him brings forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43).

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles (Acts 10:44–48):

• While Peter is speaking, the Holy Spirit comes upon the Gentiles (Acts 10:44).

• This amazes the Jewish believers (Acts 10:45).

• The Gentiles speak in tongues (Acts 10:46).

• Peter commands that they be baptized (Acts 10:47–48).

• This fulfills the mystery that Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the same body (Ephesians 3:6).