Verse 32: “It came about that Peter passed through all and he came down to the saints who dwell in Lud.”

Passed through all: He passed through all the region that he was in, proclaiming truth.

Lud: It was an ancient community close to where Tel Aviv is today.

Verse 33: “He found there a certain man by the name of Aeneas; from eight years he had been laying upon his bed, as he was paralyzed.”

There: In Lud

Eight: The number eight speaks about new beginnings and is related to the resurrection. The text hints to us that there is going to be a change in this man. He is going to be given a new beginning.

Paralyzed: He could not move. There was no activity going on in his life. He was not displaying a lifestyle/walk that was pleasing to God (Colossians 2v6). Spiritually, we could ask ourselves a question: Is there much activity of the Holy Spirit going on in our lives, or are the things of this world keeping us down? Do we walk in the way of obedience that is pleasing to the Lord?

Note: John 21v25: Many, many miracles happened, but not all were written down. The miracles that are included in the Scripture are not simply there to tell us about someone in need of assistance. They teach us about some truth that God wants to confirm to us through that miracle.

Verse 34: “Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Yeshua the Messiah heals you. Rise up and make for yourself the bed. And immediately he stood up.”

Rise up: Aeneas was healed, but there were no visible effects of healing until he responded to that word.

Make for yourself the bed: He, himself, needed to put this sick bed into order. It was no longer going to be necessary for him to use it. It was the closing of a chapter in his life. Many people do not want to end chapters in their lives. They do not like where they are, but they are not brave or faithful enough to embark on a new beginning. Therefore, that message of healing, change, and opportunity is there but they are not willing to take hold of it.

Immediately he stood up: He obeyed a command. This is the foundation. Are we wanting to obey God? Aeneas received the ability to walk. God gave him an opportunity to live and behave in a way that displayed resurrection – new life.

Verse 35: “All the ones dwelling in Lud and in Sharon saw him and they turned unto the Lord.”

Sharon: Sharon is a little bit north of Tel Aviv – along the Mediterranean coast.

Saw him: They saw a changed life. They saw the power of God transforming him. When we are humble and brave it leads to hearing from God and obeying Him. When we hear and obey we have a testimony that others can see, and it will cause them to turn to the Lord.

Verse 36: “And in Jaffa there was a certain disciple by the name of Tabitha (when translated – called ‘Dorcas’); she was full of good works and deeds of mercy.”

Note: This miracle is a Scriptural aid in helping us to understand our call as people who have been healed by God. If we have accepted the gospel and asked for forgiveness for our sins (by means of Messiah’s work upon that tree – His death upon that cross, the shedding of His blood) then we have been spiritually healed.

Jaffa: An ancient port city, which is surrounded by Tel Aviv today.

Disciple: This word is in the feminine.

Full of good works: Aeneas was unable to do anything due to being paralyzed. God was not working in him. Now we see a woman who is full of good works – helping those in need of physical things.

Deeds of mercy: She had compassion and was willing to act in order to alleviate the suffering of others.