The Person and Purpose Behind Peter's Power

Sermon Summary

Big Idea: Luke wants us to look at Peter so that we see His Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ.

In this week’s sermon from Acts 9:32-43, we studied two healing stories, as the apostle Peter travels from Jerusalem to Joppa. This passage of scripture serves various purposes: it is a literary bridge between the story of Saul’s conversion and Peter’s encounter with Cornelius, it is a travel log of Peter’s journey to Joppa, and it is another set of stories demonstrating the Spirit’s power and the spread of Christ’s kingdom. However, the main reason this passage exists is so that readers will see the glory of Jesus working through Peter and God’s people. May all who hear this message turn to Jesus and submit to Him as their Lord and savior!

Sermon Outline

1. Look at Peter’s Location and See Jesus

2. Listen to Peter’s Words and Hear Jesus

3. Turn to Peter’s Lord and Believe

Sermon Text: Acts 9:32-43

Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.