Acts 9:35

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

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}.

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

Now in Yafo there was a talmidah named Tavita

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

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

Acts 9:35 records a profound outcome of Peter's ministry in the early Christian church. Following the miraculous healing of Aeneas, a man paralyzed for eight years, this verse highlights the widespread impact of God's power.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic healing of Aeneas in Lydda (Acts 9:33-34). Peter, traveling through various regions, came to Lydda, a town in the fertile plain of Sharon (Saron), located west of Jerusalem. The healing of Aeneas was a public and undeniable miracle, serving as a powerful sign to the inhabitants of this region. The phrase "all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him" refers to Aeneas, now healed and walking, a living testament to God's intervention.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Witness: The healing of Aeneas was not merely a benevolent act but a clear demonstration of God's power working through His apostle, Peter. This public miracle served as a compelling witness to the truth of the Gospel message.
  • Widespread Conversion: The immediate and sweeping response, "all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron... turned to the Lord," underscores the transformative power of God's work. It signifies a significant movement of faith, indicating that many people in this region embraced Christianity as a direct result of witnessing God's miraculous intervention.
  • Evangelism through Signs: This event illustrates a pattern seen throughout the book of Acts where signs and wonders accompanied the preaching of the Word, authenticating the apostles' message and leading many to believe. This aligns with the promise of power given to the disciples to be witnesses in Acts 1:8.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "turned to the Lord" translates the Greek epestrepsan epi ton Kyrion (ἐπέστρεψαν ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον). This is a significant term for spiritual conversion, signifying a decisive change of direction. It implies more than just seeing or acknowledging a miracle; it means a genuine repentance from former ways and an active commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord. It speaks to a radical reorientation of one's life towards God.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful insights for believers today. It reminds us that God's power is still at work, though perhaps manifested in different ways. Our transformed lives, our testimonies, and acts of love and service can be compelling witnesses that draw others to faith. It encourages us to be bold in sharing the Good News, trusting that God will work through ordinary people to bring about extraordinary conversions. The call to repent and turn to the Lord remains central to the Christian message, offering hope and new life to all who believe.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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