Acts 9:32

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all [quarters], he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it came {G1096} to pass, as {G1330} Peter {G4074} passed throughout {G1330}{G1223} all {G3956} quarters, he came down {G2718} also {G2532} to {G4314} the saints {G40} which {G3588} dwelt {G2730} at Lydda {G3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As Kefa traveled around the countryside, he came down to the believers in Lud.

Berean Standard Bible

As Peter traveled throughout the area, he went to visit the saints in Lydda.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as Peter went throughout all parts, he came down also to the saints that dwelt at Lydda.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:32 serves as a pivotal transitional verse, shifting the narrative focus from Saul's conversion and initial ministry back to the apostle Peter. It describes Peter's extensive travels throughout various regions of Judea, signifying his active apostolic oversight and the continued expansion of the early church. Specifically, the verse highlights his arrival in Lydda, a town on the coastal plain, where he visited existing communities of believers, setting the stage for significant miracles that would further confirm the Gospel message and strengthen the nascent Christian movement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of peace for the church, described in [Acts 9:31](/acts/9-31 "Acts 9:31 - Period of Peace for the Church"), which notes the church's growth and edification "throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria." After the dramatic account of Saul's conversion and his initial, albeit controversial, preaching in Damascus and Jerusalem (see [Acts 9:1-30](/acts/9-1-30 "Acts 9:1-30 - Saul's Conversion and Early Ministry")), Luke shifts attention to Peter. This transition underscores the parallel and complementary ministries of the apostles in spreading the Gospel. Peter's journey to Lydda and subsequently Joppa (beginning in [Acts 9:36](/acts/9-36 "Acts 9:36 - Peter in Joppa")) initiates a new series of miraculous events that demonstrate God's continued power through the apostles, reinforcing the divine authority behind the burgeoning Christian movement before Luke returns to Saul's story in [Acts 11:25](/acts/11-25 "Acts 11:25 - Barnabas Seeks Saul").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Lydda (modern Lod) was an ancient and strategically important town located on the coastal plain of Sharon, about 25 miles northwest of Jerusalem and 11 miles southeast of Joppa. It lay on a major trade route connecting Egypt with Syria and Mesopotamia, making it a significant hub for travel and commerce. In the first century, Lydda had a substantial Jewish population and was known as a center for rabbinic learning. The presence of "saints" (believers) in such a town indicates the successful penetration of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem and into established Jewish communities in the wider region. Peter's journey "throughout all quarters" reflects the common practice of apostles and evangelists traveling to strengthen existing communities and establish new ones, often leveraging these established routes.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 9:32 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it exemplifies **Apostolic Oversight and Leadership**, showing Peter's active role in nurturing and consolidating the growing church beyond its Jerusalem origins, fulfilling the Great Commission's mandate to make disciples. Secondly, it highlights the **Geographical Expansion of the Gospel**, moving the narrative further into Judea's coastal regions, demonstrating the church's organic spread as prophesied in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). The presence of established communities of "saints" in Lydda underscores the theme of the **Formation of Christian Communities**, emphasizing that the early church was not merely a collection of scattered individuals but organized groups of believers, united by their faith in Christ and requiring pastoral care.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **came to pass (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, G1096, signifies "to cause to be" or "to become," often translated as "happened" or "occurred." Its use here emphasizes the unfolding of events as part of God's sovereign plan. It's not a mere coincidence but a divinely orchestrated progression in the narrative of the early church's expansion and the apostles' ministry.
* **passed throughout (Greek, _diérchomai'_):** Derived from G1330, this word literally means "to traverse" or "to go through." It denotes Peter's extensive and purposeful journey, not just a casual visit. The addition of "all quarters" (G3956, _pâs_, meaning "all" or "the whole") further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of his itinerant ministry, covering a wide geographical area to minister to scattered believers.
* **saints (Greek, _hágios'_):** G40, meaning "sacred," "holy," or "set apart." In the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline epistles and here in Acts, this term is commonly used to refer to all believers in Christ, not just a select few of exceptional piety. It signifies their new identity in Christ—consecrated by God, distinct from the world, and dedicated to His purposes. The presence of "saints" in Lydda indicates the establishment of a recognized community of believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all [quarters],"**: This opening clause sets the scene for Peter's extensive missionary journey. The phrase "it came to pass" (G1096, _gínomai_) signals a new development in the narrative. Peter, as a leading apostle, undertakes a deliberate and comprehensive tour ("passed throughout all quarters," G1330 _diérchomai_ and G3956 _pâs_), demonstrating his commitment to pastoral oversight and the strengthening of the burgeoning Christian communities beyond Jerusalem. This highlights the active, itinerant nature of early apostolic ministry.
* **"he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda."**: This part specifies Peter's destination and the purpose of his visit. "Came down" (G2718, _katérchomai_) implies a descent, possibly from Jerusalem (which is at a higher elevation) or from a more northerly point in Galilee. The key revelation is his arrival "to the saints" (G40, _hágios_), indicating that established communities of believers already existed in Lydda. This confirms the widespread dissemination of the Gospel, as these "saints" were those "set apart" by God through faith in Jesus Christ, forming a distinct Christian community. Their "dwelling" (G2730, _katoikéō_) at Lydda implies a settled, permanent presence of the church in that town.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The use of **Transition** is paramount, as the verse smoothly shifts the narrative focus from Saul to Peter, signaling a new phase of apostolic activity. The phrase "it came to pass" acts as a common **Narrative Marker** in biblical literature, indicating the initiation of a new event or sequence of events. The specific mention of "Lydda" provides **Geographical Precision**, grounding the spiritual narrative in real-world locations and demonstrating the tangible spread of the Gospel. Furthermore, the term "saints" serves as a significant **Theological Identifier**, defining the identity of the early Christian community not by ethnicity or social status, but by their spiritual consecration to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:32 underscores the essential nature of apostolic ministry in the early church's growth and consolidation. Peter's journey exemplifies the pastoral heart of the apostles, who actively sought to nurture, teach, and confirm believers in various regions. This itinerant ministry was crucial for establishing the foundational doctrines and practices of the church, ensuring unity and spiritual health among scattered communities. The verse also highlights the organic and geographical expansion of the Gospel, demonstrating that the divine commission to spread the good news was being fulfilled, not just through evangelism, but through the systematic building up of local bodies of believers. It sets the stage for God's power to be displayed through miracles, further validating the apostles' message and drawing more people to faith.

* [Acts 8:14](/acts/8-14 "Acts 8:14 - Apostles Send Peter and John to Samaria") - The apostles in Jerusalem sending Peter and John to Samaria to confirm new believers.
* [Acts 15:36](/acts/15-36 "Acts 15:36 - Paul and Barnabas Visit Churches") - Paul proposing to Barnabas that they revisit the brethren in every city where they had preached.
* [1 Peter 5:1-2](/1_peter/5-1-2 "1 Peter 5:1-2 - Peter's Exhortation to Elders") - Peter's own exhortation to elders to shepherd the flock of God among them, exercising oversight.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:32, though brief, offers profound insights into the nature of early Christian ministry and community, providing valuable lessons for believers today. Peter's deliberate journey to "the saints which dwelt at Lydda" reminds us that the Christian faith is not meant to be lived in isolation but in community. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual leaders actively engaging with and caring for their congregations, providing guidance, encouragement, and teaching. For every believer, it highlights our identity as "saints"—those set apart by God for His purposes, called to live holy lives within a community of faith. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing mission to spread the Gospel and establish vibrant Christian communities in every "quarter" of the world, whether through direct evangelism, discipleship, or supporting those on the front lines of ministry. Our faith is both deeply personal and inherently communal, requiring both individual devotion and collective participation in God's redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Peter's active "passing throughout all quarters" challenge or affirm your understanding of spiritual leadership today?**
* **What does the term "saints" (G40, _hágios_) mean for your identity as a believer, and how does that identity influence your daily life?**
* **In what ways can you, as an individual or as part of your local church, contribute to the "dwelling" of the Gospel and the establishment of "saints" in new "quarters" of the world?**

### FAQ
**Why did Peter travel to Lydda, and what was its significance?**

Answer: Peter traveled to Lydda as part of his broader apostolic ministry, which involved visiting and strengthening the nascent Christian communities that had formed throughout Judea and beyond. Lydda was a strategically important town on a major trade route, with an existing Jewish population. The presence of "saints" (believers) there indicated that the Gospel had already taken root. Peter's visit was not only to provide pastoral oversight but also to perform miraculous works, as seen in the healing of Aeneas in [Acts 9:33-35](/acts/9-33-35 "Acts 9:33-35 - Peter Heals Aeneas"), which further confirmed the power of the Gospel and led many more to turn to the Lord. His presence validated the local church and extended the reach of apostolic authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 9:32 focuses on Peter's ministry, it implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate source and purpose of all apostolic activity. Peter's journey to Lydda, his care for the "saints," and the subsequent miracles (like the healing of Aeneas in [Acts 9:33-34](/acts/9-33-34 "Acts 9:33-34 - Peter Heals Aeneas")) are not merely human endeavors but manifestations of the resurrected Christ's ongoing work through His Spirit. Just as Jesus "went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people" ([Matthew 9:35](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35 - Jesus' Ministry of Teaching and Healing")), so too did His apostles continue this ministry, empowered by Him. The "saints" in Lydda are those who have been set apart by Christ's atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Offering")), and Peter's visit served to nourish and confirm their identity in the one who is the Head of the Church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). Thus, Peter's actions in Acts 9:32 are a direct continuation of Christ's mission to gather, shepherd, and empower His people, extending His kingdom through the faithful witness of His chosen vessels.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 9:13

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

Acts 8:25

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

Proverbs 2:8

He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 9:41

And he gave her [his] hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

Matthew 27:52

And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

Psalms 16:3

[But] to the saints that [are] in the earth, and [to] the excellent, in whom [is] all my delight.