Acts 9:35

KJV

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} all {G3956} that dwelt {G2730} at Lydda {G3069} and {G2532} Saron {G4565} saw {G1492} him {G846}, and {G3748} turned {G1994} to {G1909} the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone living in Lud and the Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Now in Yafo there was a talmidah named Tavita

Berean Standard Bible

and all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

American Standard Version

And all that dwelt at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:35 powerfully illustrates the transformative impact of God's miraculous intervention through Peter's ministry. Following the healing of Aeneas, a paralytic in Lydda, the verse records a widespread spiritual awakening as the inhabitants of both Lydda and the surrounding region of Saron witnessed the miracle and responded by turning decisively to the Lord, signifying a significant expansion of the early Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic healing of Aeneas in Lydda, a man who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years ([Acts 9:33-34](/acts/9-33-34 "Acts 9:33-34 - Peter Heals Aeneas")). Peter, having traveled from Jerusalem through various regions, arrived in Lydda as part of his broader apostolic ministry to strengthen and expand the nascent church. The healing of Aeneas was a public and undeniable miracle, serving as a powerful sign and authenticating the divine authority behind Peter's message. The phrase "saw him" refers to the healed Aeneas, who was now able to walk, serving as a living, visible testament to God's power. This event is part of a series of miracles performed by the apostles that consistently lead to widespread belief and the growth of the church, a pattern evident throughout the book of Acts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Lydda (modern Lod) was a significant town located in the fertile plain of Sharon (Saron), a coastal region stretching north from Joppa. It was primarily Jewish, but like many towns in the Roman province of Judea, it would have had a mixed population, including Gentiles. The plain of Sharon was known for its agricultural richness and its strategic location on trade routes, making it a hub of activity. In this cultural setting, public miracles were often seen as divine endorsements, validating the claims of a prophet or a new religious movement. The widespread response described in the verse indicates a significant shift in religious allegiance, moving from traditional Jewish practices or pagan beliefs to faith in Jesus as the Messiah and Lord. The communal nature of the response ("all that dwelt") highlights the interconnectedness of ancient societies where a public event could quickly influence an entire region.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 9:35 contributes significantly to several key themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Power and Authentication**, where God's power is visibly demonstrated through signs and wonders, confirming the apostles' message and authority. The healing of Aeneas was not merely an act of compassion but a compelling witness to the truth of the Gospel, aligning with the promise of power given to the disciples to be witnesses in [Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Holy Spirit's Power for Witness"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Widespread Conversion and Church Growth**. The immediate and sweeping response, "all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron... turned to the Lord," signifies a significant movement of faith, illustrating the rapid expansion of Christianity beyond Jerusalem. This demonstrates the transformative power of God's work, where a single miracle can catalyze mass conversion. Finally, it exemplifies **Evangelism through Signs and Wonders**, a recurring pattern in Acts where miraculous events accompany the preaching of the Word, authenticating the apostles' message and leading many to believe, echoing the early church's reliance on God's supernatural intervention to validate their claims and draw people to faith, as seen in [the early days of the church in Jerusalem](/acts/2-43 "Acts 2:43 - Wonders and Signs Done by the Apostles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dwelt (Greek, _katoikéō'_):** This verb signifies to "house permanently" or "reside." It implies a settled population, not just transient visitors. The use of this word emphasizes that the impact of Aeneas's healing was felt by the established residents of Lydda and the surrounding region of Saron, indicating a deep and lasting effect on the community.
* **saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** While literally meaning "to see," in this context, _eídō_ implies more than mere physical observation. It suggests a perception that leads to understanding, recognition, and even conviction. The people "saw" Aeneas healed, but this seeing led them to comprehend the divine power at work, moving beyond simple sight to a spiritual apprehension of truth.
* **turned (Greek, _epistréphō'_):** This is a crucial term for spiritual conversion, meaning "to revert," "to convert," or "to turn about." It denotes a decisive change of direction, a radical reorientation of one's life. It signifies a turning away from former ways (whether sin, idolatry, or a lack of faith) and a turning towards God, implying repentance and a new commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** Derived from a root implying "supremacy," _kýrios_ refers to one who is "supreme in authority," a "controller," or "Master." In the New Testament, it is frequently used to refer to God and, significantly, to Jesus Christ. When the people "turned to the Lord," they were acknowledging Jesus as their sovereign Master and God, committing their allegiance to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him":** This clause highlights the widespread and public nature of the miracle's impact. "All that dwelt" suggests a comprehensive, though perhaps hyperbolic, response from the residents of these two significant regions. Their "seeing" of the healed Aeneas was the catalyst, providing undeniable evidence of divine power and serving as a powerful, visible testimony to the truth of the Gospel message Peter proclaimed.
* **"and turned to the Lord":** This second clause describes the profound spiritual outcome of their observation. The act of "turning to the Lord" signifies a genuine spiritual conversion. It implies a decisive change in allegiance, a repentance from previous ways of life or beliefs, and a new commitment to Jesus Christ as their Master and God. This turning was not merely intellectual assent but a transformative reorientation of their lives towards Him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron," which, while perhaps not literally every single person, emphasizes the widespread and overwhelming nature of the response, underscoring the profound impact of the miracle. **Synecdoche** is also present, where "Lydda and Saron" stand for the inhabitants of those regions, focusing the reader's attention on the geographical scope of the conversions. The narrative structure itself demonstrates **Cause and Effect**, where the miraculous healing (cause) directly leads to widespread conversion (effect), highlighting the instrumental role of divine signs in early Christian evangelism. Furthermore, the succinctness of the statement, particularly "turned to the Lord," serves as a powerful **Summary Statement**, encapsulating a profound spiritual transformation in a few impactful words, leaving the reader to grasp the magnitude of the event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:35 vividly illustrates God's sovereign power to draw people to Himself through miraculous signs, authenticating His messengers and validating the Gospel message. The collective turning to the Lord by an entire region underscores the communal aspect of faith and the ripple effect of God's work. It demonstrates that God is not limited by human resistance or geographical boundaries, and His power can effect widespread spiritual revival. This event serves as a powerful reminder that God uses both the proclamation of the Word and tangible demonstrations of His power to expand His kingdom, leading people to a decisive and transformative commitment to Christ.

* [Acts 11:21](/acts/11-21 "Acts 11:21 - The Lord's Hand Was With Them")
* [Luke 1:16](/luke/1-16 "Luke 1:16 - John the Baptist to Turn Many to the Lord")
* [1 Thessalonians 1:9](/1_thessalonians/1-9 "1 Thessalonians 1:9 - Turning from Idols to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:35 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God's power is still at work, capable of transforming lives and communities. While miraculous healings like Aeneas's may not be commonplace in every context, the principle remains: God uses visible manifestations of His grace to draw people to Himself. Our own transformed lives, our testimonies of God's faithfulness, and acts of love and service can serve as compelling witnesses that point others to Christ. This verse encourages us to be bold in sharing the Good News, trusting that God will work through ordinary people and circumstances to bring about extraordinary conversions. It challenges us to pray for and expect God's powerful intervention in our spheres of influence, recognizing that true conversion involves a decisive "turning to the Lord"—a radical reorientation of one's life, priorities, and allegiance towards Him. It calls us to live lives that clearly demonstrate the reality of Christ, so that others, seeing the fruit of His work in us, might also be drawn to turn to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "signs" or evidences of God's work have you witnessed in your own life or community that have led others to turn to the Lord?**
* **How does the "turning to the Lord" described in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of genuine conversion?**
* **In what ways can your transformed life serve as a compelling witness to those around you, drawing them to consider Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who is "him" that Lydda and Saron saw?**

Answer: The "him" refers to Aeneas, the paralytic man whom Peter had just miraculously healed in Lydda ([Acts 9:33-34](/acts/9-33-34 "Acts 9:33-34 - Peter Heals Aeneas")). Before the healing, Aeneas had been bedridden for eight years. His sudden and complete recovery was a public and undeniable miracle, serving as tangible proof of God's power working through Peter. The sight of Aeneas, now able to walk, was the catalyst for the widespread conversion described in Acts 9:35.

**What does "turned to the Lord" imply in this context?**

Answer: "Turned to the Lord" (Greek: _epistréphō epi ton kýrion_) signifies a profound spiritual conversion. It means more than just acknowledging a miracle or intellectually assenting to a new teaching. It implies a decisive change of direction, a reorientation of one's life. This turning involves repentance from former ways (whether sin, idolatry, or a lack of faith) and a new, active commitment and allegiance to Jesus Christ as their supreme Master and God. It reflects a genuine embrace of the Christian faith, leading to a transformed life, much like the call to [repent and turn to God](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Turn to God") found elsewhere in Acts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 9:35 describes an event in the early church's expansion, it powerfully exemplifies the ongoing fulfillment of Christ's mission through His Spirit-empowered followers. The widespread turning to the Lord in Lydda and Saron is a direct result of the power Christ promised His disciples before His ascension, enabling them to be His witnesses "to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Holy Spirit's Power for Witness")). Peter's healing of Aeneas, performed "in the name of Jesus Christ" ([Acts 9:34](/acts/9-34 "Acts 9:34 - Peter Heals Aeneas in Jesus' Name")), demonstrates that the miraculous works of the apostles were not their own, but a continuation of Christ's ministry on earth, showcasing His living power and authority. The "turning to the Lord" signifies people being delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of Christ ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")), fulfilling the Great Commission given by Christ to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, this verse is a vivid illustration of Christ's ongoing reign and His active work through His church, drawing people from spiritual blindness to saving faith in Him, just as He declared, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")).

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 11:21

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

1 Chronicles 5:16

And they dwelt in Gilead in Bashan, and in her towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon, upon their borders.

Acts 9:42

And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

Isaiah 35:2

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.

1 Chronicles 27:29

And over the herds that fed in Sharon [was] Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds [that were] in the valleys [was] Shaphat the son of Adlai:

Psalms 22:27

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

2 Corinthians 3:16

Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.