Miracles are happening in the early church, and in this passage, we get two huge ones! Peter is traveling around Israel meeting with members of the early church. In the church today (especially in the Western World) it’s pretty rare to hear anything like this happening, but, in the early church, we are seeing example after example. Let's take time as we go through the passage today to consider why that is, and what might have changed from then til now. Consider what possibilities there are for your faith every day, because we have the same savior today that Peter had nearly 2000 years ago. Let us all consider how to live our faith every day this week!

[Acts 9.32-43]

9.32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. 36. In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” 39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What effect did the healing of Aeneas have on the people of Lydda and Sharon?

+ How far did word spread of what happened?

+ What happened to Tabitha?

+ What effect did the raising of Tabitha have on the people of Joppa?

+ Are you familiar with where these cities are?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Do you think that the miracles in this passage are happening today? Why, or why not?

+ Was there something special about Peter that enabled him to do these things?

+ What is the significance of Simon being a tanner, and Peter staying with him?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Am I making opportunities to pray for nonbelievers? Even those who are against me, like in this passage?

+ How can I encourage non- believers?

+ Who can I invite to service?