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.

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Acts 9:32 marks a shift in the narrative following the dramatic conversion of Saul (who would become Paul) and his initial ministry. While Saul's story is temporarily paused, the focus returns to Peter, one of the prominent apostles. After a period of peace for the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, Peter undertakes a ministerial journey, visiting various communities of believers. This verse sets the stage for Peter's significant miracles in Lydda and Joppa, demonstrating God's continued power and the apostles' ongoing work in strengthening the nascent Christian church.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Oversight and Ministry: Peter's journey highlights the active role of the apostles in nurturing and guiding the growing church beyond Jerusalem. His "passing throughout all [quarters]" signifies a deliberate effort to connect with, teach, and minister to scattered believers, providing vital spiritual leadership and confirmation of the Gospel message.
  • Geographical Expansion of the Gospel: The mention of Lydda indicates the continued spread of Christianity into new regions. Lydda was a significant town on the coastal plain, northwest of Jerusalem, demonstrating how the early church was establishing communities in various strategic locations. This aligns with the commission for the disciples to be witnesses in Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.
  • The Identity of "Saints": The term "saints" (Greek: hagioi) here refers not to exceptionally pious individuals, but to all believers—those who have been "set apart" by God through faith in Jesus Christ. It underscores the immediate formation of distinct communities of followers of Jesus Christ in various towns, even in the early stages of the church's development. These were the foundational members of the early church, living out their faith together.

Linguistic Insights

The word "saints" in Greek, hagioi (ἅγιοι), literally means "holy ones" or "set apart ones." It emphasizes that believers are consecrated to God, distinct from the world, and dedicated to His purposes. This term was frequently used by early Christians to refer to themselves, highlighting their new identity in Christ.

Significance and Application

Acts 9:32 serves as an important transitional verse, connecting the broader narrative of the church's growth with specific instances of apostolic power. Peter's journey to Lydda immediately precedes the miraculous healing of Aeneas and the subsequent raising of Dorcas (Tabitha) from the dead in nearby Joppa. These miracles would lead many to turn to the Lord, further solidifying the presence of the Gospel in these regions.

For believers today, this verse reminds us of the importance of:

  • Active Leadership: Just as Peter traveled to strengthen believers, spiritual leaders are called to be actively engaged with their communities, fostering growth and providing guidance.
  • Community: The existence of "saints" in Lydda highlights the necessity of local gatherings of believers for mutual encouragement, teaching, and worship.
  • The Ongoing Spread of the Gospel: The Lord continues to establish His church in new places, and believers are called to participate in this divine work, whether through direct evangelism or by supporting those who minister in different "quarters."

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Cross-References

  • Acts 9:13 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Acts 1:8 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Psalms 16:3 (2 votes)

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