This post by christinecoltman was originally published at GRACE PLACE
Eyes Opened Pt. 2
Read Acts 9:32-43
Background
Back in January, we looked at the first part of chapter 9 – Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and how his eyes were opened – physically and spiritually. This month we’re still in chapter 9 but we’ve got a new cast – the actors have changed. The newly converted Paul disappears from our pages for a while, living and ministering in Tarsus, his hometown. Ananias fades into obscurity, having fulfilled the purpose to which God called him, and the church is enjoying a time of peace and growth (v.31).
Back onto the stage comes Peter, who remains the main character right through until the end of chapter 12. Then, he too, fades into the background with only one further mention of him in Acts (ch. 15), a couple of mentions in Galatians and, of course, the two letters he wrote.
Now that there’s a break from the persecution instigated by Saul, Peter takes the opportunity to get out of Jerusalem to visit Christians in other parts of the country. It will be a journey that sees transformation in the lives of many, and in Peter’s life too.
The Miracles
In our passage, look at v33. How long had Aeneas been bedridden for? What do you think were the effects of that on his body?
Aeneas was completely disabled and Tabitha was dead, but their lives were transformed beyond all imagination. How does their physical condition and these miracles of healing and resurrection illustrate the spiritual parallels of salvation?
The miracles recorded here closely resemble two miracles that Jesus did – see Mark 2:11 and Mark 5:38-42. What are the similarities?
In our passage, note that it was Peter who spoke the words, but who was it who actually did the healing?
Tabitha’s eyes opening echoes Saul’s experience earlier in the chapter; what’s the double meaning?
What was the effect of these miracles in the wider community?
The Holy Spirit isn’t mentioned in this passage, but how was He at work in these events?
As you close, praise God for the transformative power of Jesus in the lives of helpless men and women. Just as He has the power to heal and restore the physically sick, He has the power to raise those dead in sin to new life! Pray for your loved ones who need this transforming power in their lives.