TRV
Translation
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
Now in Yafo there was a talmidah named Tavita
American Standard Version
And all that dwelt at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
World English Bible Messianic
All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
Young's Literal Translation
and all those dwelling at Lydda, and Saron saw him, and did turn to the Lord.
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In the KJVVerse 27,252 of 31,102
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Commentary on Acts 9 verses 32–35
32 ¶ And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
Here we have, I. The visit Peter made to the churches that were newly planted by the dispersed preachers, Act 9:32. 1. He passed through all quarters. As an apostle, he was not to be the resident pastor of any one church, but the itinerant visitor of many churches, to confirm the doctrine of inferior preachers, to confer the Holy Ghost on those that believed, and to ordain ministers. He passed dia pantōn - among them all, who pertained to the churches of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, mentioned in the foregoing chapter. He was, like his Master, always upon the remove, and went about doing good; but still his head-quarters were at Jerusalem, for there we shall find him imprisoned, Act 12:2. He came to the saints at Lydda. This seems to be the same with Lod, a city in the tribe of Benjamin, mentioned Ch1 8:12; Ezr 2:33. The Christians are called saints, not only some particular eminent ones, as saint Peter and saint Paul, but every sincere professor of the faith of Christ. These are the saints on the earth, Psa 16:3.
II. The cure Peter wrought on Eneas, a man that had been bedridden eight years, Act 9:33. 1. His case was very deplorable: He was sick of the palsy, a dumb palsy, perhaps a dead palsy. The disease was extreme, for he kept his bed; it was inveterate, for he kept his bed eight years; and we may suppose that both he himself and all about him despaired of relief for him, and concluded upon no other than that he must still keep his bed till he removed to his grave. Christ chose such patients as this, whose disease was incurable in a course of nature, to show how desperate the case of fallen mankind was when he undertook their cure. When we were without strength, as this poor man, he sent his word to heal us. 2. His cure was very admirable, Act 9:34. (1.) Peter interested Christ in his case, and engaged him for his relief: Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole. Peter does not pretend to do it himself by any power of his own, but declares it to be Christ's act and deed, directs him to look up to Christ for help, and assures him of an immediate cure - not, "He will make thee," but, "He does make thee, whole;" and a perfect cure - not, "He makes thee easy," but "He makes thee whole." He does not express himself by way of prayer to Christ that he would make him whole, but as one having authority from Christ, and that knew his mind, he declares him made whole. (2.) He ordered him to bestir himself, to exert himself: "Arise and make thy bed, that all may see thou art thoroughly cured." Let none say that because it is Christ that by the power of his grace works all our works in us therefore we have no work, no duty, to do; for, though Jesus Christ makes thee whole, yet thou must arise and make use of the power he gives thee: "Arise, and make thy bed, to be to thee no longer a bed of sickness, but a bed of rest." (3.) Power went along with this word: he arose immediately, and no doubt very willingly made his own bed.
III. The good influence this had upon many (Act 9:35): All that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. We can scarcely think that every individual person in those countries took cognizance of the miracle, and was wrought upon by it; but many, the generality of the people in the town of Lydda and in the country of Saron, or Sharon, a fruitful plain or valley, of which it was foretold, Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, Isa 65:10. 1. They all made enquiry into the truth of the miracle, did not overlook it, but saw him that was healed, and saw that it was a miraculous cure that was wrought upon him by the power of Christ, in his name, and with a design to confirm and ratify that doctrine of Christ which was now preached to the world. 2. They all submitted to the convincing proof and evidence there was in this of the divine origin of the Christian doctrine, and turned to the Lord, to the Lord Jesus. They turned from Judaism to Christianity; they embraced the doctrine of Christ, and submitted to his ordinances, and turned themselves over to him to be ruled and taught and saved by him.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 32–35. Public domain.
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John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Acts 21
"And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord." For the man was notable.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Acts 21
"And having seen him," it says, "all that dwelt in Lydda, and Saron, turned unto the Lord." Observe everywhere the signs taking place. But let us so believe them, as if we were now beholding them.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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). 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 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). Peter's healing of Aeneas, performed "in the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 9:34), 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), fulfilling the Great Commission given by Christ to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). 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).