Acts 9:38

KJV

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring [him] that he would not delay to come to them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} forasmuch as {G5607} Lydda {G3069} was nigh {G1451} to Joppa {G2445}, and the disciples {G3101} had heard {G191} that {G3754} Peter {G4074} was {G2076} there {G1722}{G846}, they sent {G649} unto {G4314} him {G846} two {G1417} men {G435}, desiring {G3870} him that he would {G3635} not {G3361} delay {G3635} to come {G1330} to {G2193} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Lud is near Yafo, and the talmidim had heard that Kefa was there, so they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come to us without delay.”

Berean Standard Bible

Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to urge him, “Come to us without delay.”

American Standard Version

And as Lydda was nigh unto Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men unto him, entreating him, Delay not to come on unto us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:38 describes the urgent plea of the disciples in Joppa to the Apostle Peter, who was ministering in nearby Lydda. Having learned of Peter's presence and miraculous ministry, they dispatched two men to implore him to come without delay, setting the immediate narrative stage for the miraculous raising of Dorcas (Tabitha) from the dead, a pivotal event demonstrating God's power through His chosen apostles and strengthening the burgeoning Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point in the narrative of Acts 9. Immediately preceding it, Peter had been in Lydda, where he miraculously healed Aeneas, a paralytic, leading to widespread conversion in the region of Sharon ([Acts 9:32-35](/acts/9-32-35 "Acts 9:32-35 - Peter Heals Aeneas")). The news of Peter's powerful ministry had clearly spread. Following [Acts 9:38](/acts/9-38 "Acts 9:38 - Disciples Send for Peter"), the narrative swiftly moves to the dire situation in Joppa: the death of a beloved disciple named Dorcas (Tabitha) and the subsequent, even more profound, miracle of Peter raising her from the dead ([Acts 9:39-42](/acts/9-39-42 "Acts 9:39-42 - Peter Raises Dorcas")). Thus, [Acts 9:38](/acts/9-38 "Acts 9:38 - Disciples Send for Peter") acts as the narrative bridge, explaining *why* Peter traveled to Joppa and *how* he became involved in the events that would further demonstrate God's power and expand the early church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Lydda (modern Lod) and Joppa (modern Jaffa) were significant towns in ancient Judea, located relatively close to each other—approximately 10-12 miles apart. Joppa, as a major port city on the Mediterranean coast, was a hub of trade and diverse populations, making it fertile ground for the spread of the Gospel. The rapid communication between these two communities, facilitated by the disciples sending two men, highlights the interconnectedness of the early Christian network. In Jewish culture, sending two or more individuals was customary for important delegations or to establish credible witness, underscoring the gravity and urgency of their request. The practice of washing and laying out the dead in an upper room, as seen with Dorcas, was also a common burial custom of the time.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 9:38](/acts/9-38 "Acts 9:38 - Disciples Send for Peter") contributes to several overarching themes in [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles"). Firstly, it underscores the **Urgency and Need** within the early Christian communities, demonstrating their reliance on God's power working through His apostles in times of crisis. The disciples' plea for Peter "not to delay" conveys a profound sense of desperation and faith in his ability to intervene. Secondly, the verse illustrates the **Interconnectedness and Mutual Support** of the burgeoning church. News traveled quickly, and believers actively sought help and solidarity across geographical distances, reflecting the communal nature of the early church as described throughout [Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts"). Finally, it subtly reinforces the **Apostolic Influence and Authority** that God had vested in leaders like Peter. His reputation for performing miracles, like the healing of Aeneas in [Acts 9:34](/acts/9-34 "Acts 9:34 - Peter Heals Aeneas"), meant his presence was highly sought after, solidifying the apostles' crucial role in guiding and empowering the early believers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nigh (Greek, _engýs'_):** This word signifies proximity, both literally and figuratively. In [Acts 9:38](/acts/9-38 "Acts 9:38 - Disciples Send for Peter"), it literally indicates the short distance between Lydda and Joppa. The fact that Lydda "was nigh" to Joppa highlights a providential arrangement, placing Peter within reach of a desperate situation. It implies that God had positioned His servant strategically for the miraculous intervention that was about to occur.
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** Derived from `apó` (from) and `stéllō` (to send), this verb means "to send out, properly on a mission." The use of `apostéllō` here suggests more than a casual invitation; it implies a deliberate, official delegation by the disciples in Joppa. They were not merely asking Peter to visit, but commissioning messengers with an urgent mission, underscoring the gravity of the situation and their earnest desire for his immediate presence and intervention.
* **delay (Greek, _oknéō'_):** This term means "to hesitate" or "to be slow" or "loath." The disciples' plea, "that he would not delay," is a strong expression of their fervent desire for Peter's immediate action. It conveys a sense of profound urgency and desperation, indicating that the situation in Joppa was critical and required Peter's prompt arrival without any hesitation or postponement. Their faith was such that they believed Peter's swift presence could alter their dire circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa":** This opening clause establishes the geographical context, indicating the close proximity of the two towns. This detail is crucial, as it explains the feasibility of the disciples' request and subtly hints at divine providence in placing Peter so near to where he was desperately needed.
* **"and the disciples had heard that Peter was there":** This phrase reveals the rapid spread of information within the early Christian communities. Peter's reputation, likely bolstered by the recent miracle of healing Aeneas in Lydda ([Acts 9:32-35](/acts/9-32-35 "Acts 9:32-35 - Peter Heals Aeneas")), had preceded him. The disciples in Joppa were aware of his presence and the power accompanying his ministry, prompting their appeal.
* **"they sent unto him two men":** This action signifies a deliberate and formal delegation. Sending "two men" was a common practice in Jewish culture for important missions or to establish credible testimony. It underscores the seriousness and urgency of their request, indicating that the matter was of utmost importance and required official representation.
* **"desiring [him] that he would not delay to come to them":** This final clause encapsulates the fervent plea of the Joppa disciples. The phrase "desiring him" (Greek: _parakaléō_) implies earnest entreaty, comfort, or exhortation, while "not delay" (Greek: _mḗ oknéō_) emphasizes their desperate need for immediate action. They were not merely inviting Peter but imploring him to come swiftly, believing his presence was critical to their crisis.

#### Literary Devices
Luke, the author of Acts, masterfully employs several literary devices in [Acts 9:38](/acts/9-38 "Acts 9:38 - Disciples Send for Peter") to advance the narrative and convey its theological significance. One prominent device is **Narrative Progression**, where the verse functions as a critical bridge, seamlessly connecting Peter's ministry in Lydda to the impending miracle in Joppa. It builds anticipation for the next significant event. The language also creates a strong sense of **Urgency**, conveyed through the disciples' immediate action of sending messengers and their specific plea "that he would not delay." This urgency highlights the dire circumstances they faced. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the profound nature of the crisis in Joppa without explicitly stating it, thereby preparing the reader for the dramatic events that follow concerning Dorcas. Finally, there is an underlying theme of **Interconnectedness** within the early church, as the rapid communication and mutual reliance between the communities of Lydda and Joppa are clearly demonstrated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:38 powerfully illustrates God's responsive nature to the cries of His people and the vital role of community in times of crisis. The disciples' urgent appeal to Peter, born out of faith and desperation, underscores the principle that God often works through His chosen vessels in response to the earnest prayers and proactive steps of His children. This passage affirms the power of intercession and the importance of seeking spiritual help from those gifted by God. It also highlights the divine orchestration of events, as Peter was providentially "nigh to Joppa," demonstrating God's perfect timing and care for His church. The immediate and decisive action of the disciples reflects a deep trust in God's ability to intervene through His apostles, setting the stage for a demonstration of resurrection power that would further confirm the Gospel message.

* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Prayer of a Righteous Person"): "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens"): "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:38 provides profound lessons for believers today, emphasizing the importance of active faith, community reliance, and discerning God's timing. When faced with overwhelming challenges or crises, like the disciples in Joppa, we are called not to despair but to act decisively, seeking God's intervention through prayer and by reaching out for spiritual support within the body of Christ. Just as the disciples knew where to find Peter and earnestly sought his help, we should cultivate relationships with mature believers and spiritual leaders, recognizing that God often works through His people to bring comfort, counsel, and miraculous breakthroughs. This verse also reminds us of God's sovereign hand in positioning His resources and servants strategically. We are encouraged to trust in His perfect timing, even when circumstances seem dire, and to be attentive to His leading, ready to respond when He calls us to be His instruments of help and healing in the lives of others. Our proactive faith, combined with reliance on God's power and the support of the Christian community, is a powerful force for navigating life's challenges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community do you need to exercise the kind of urgent, proactive faith demonstrated by the disciples in Joppa?**
* **Whom do you turn to for spiritual counsel and support in times of crisis, and how can you better cultivate those relationships?**
* **How does the "nigh to Joppa" detail in this verse encourage your trust in God's perfect timing and His strategic placement of resources in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why did the disciples in Joppa send two men to Peter, rather than just one?**
Answer: Sending two men was a common and significant practice in ancient Jewish culture, serving several important purposes. Firstly, it added credibility and weight to the message, as the testimony of two witnesses was considered more reliable and legally binding (Deuteronomy 19:15). Secondly, it underscored the extreme urgency and gravity of the situation; a single messenger might imply a less critical matter. Thirdly, it provided mutual support and protection for the messengers on their journey. In this context, it conveyed the profound desperation and earnestness of the disciples' plea to Peter, emphasizing that the matter was of life-and-death importance.

**What was the significance of Peter being "nigh to Joppa" in Lydda?**
Answer: The proximity of Lydda to Joppa (only about 10-12 miles) is a detail that highlights divine providence. Peter had just performed a significant miracle in Lydda, healing Aeneas ([Acts 9:32-35](/acts/9-32-35 "Acts 9:32-35 - Peter Heals Aeneas")), which had led to many conversions. God had strategically positioned His apostle close by, ready to respond to the next great need in Joppa. This demonstrates God's perfect timing and His active involvement in orchestrating events to further His kingdom and manifest His power, ensuring that His servants are in the right place at the right time for His purposes.

**What does the phrase "desiring him that he would not delay" imply about the disciples' faith?**
Answer: This urgent plea reveals a profound level of faith and expectation on the part of the disciples in Joppa. They were not merely inviting Peter for a visit; they were imploring him to come immediately because they believed his presence, empowered by God, could bring about a miraculous intervention. Their request for him "not to delay" suggests they anticipated an immediate and powerful act of God through Peter, possibly even a resurrection, given the context of Dorcas's death (though not explicitly stated in this verse). It signifies their conviction that Peter possessed a unique spiritual authority and connection to God's power that could address their desperate situation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 9:38 focuses on Peter's immediate response to a desperate plea, it ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate source of life, healing, and resurrection power. Peter's ability to heal Aeneas and later raise Dorcas from the dead was not inherent to him but flowed directly from the authority and power of Jesus Christ, who had commissioned His apostles to continue His work ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Gives Power to His Disciples")). Just as the disciples in Joppa urgently sought Peter, the world's deepest need is for the immediate and transformative presence of Jesus. Christ Himself is the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), the One who conquered death and offers eternal life to all who believe. Peter, in his compassion and miraculous intervention, perfectly mirrors the compassion and power of the Lord Jesus, who "went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil" ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus' Ministry of Healing")). Thus, this verse, while highlighting apostolic ministry, ultimately directs our gaze to the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world and continually acts to bring life and hope to His people through His Spirit and His church.

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 9:36

¶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

Acts 9:32

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

Acts 11:26

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

2 Kings 4:28

Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?

2 Kings 4:30

And the mother of the child said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.