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.
Comment: We hear reports of fake healings the ‘miraculous nature’ of which is supposed to make the church grow. Such actions are despicable. Lydda is about 4o Km from Jerusalem and Joppa even further on the sea shore. These two miraculous healings were done openly. The man, Aeneas, was a well known man severely paralysed for eight years. There was no doubt about his healing. Peter was called for when Tabitha (Dorcas) died. He was surrounded by sorrowing and wailing women who had washed the dead body and prepared her for the grave. This story would surely make it onto the front page of papers these days. There the news spread by word of mouth but it caused many to become followers of Jesus!
Prayer: Help me to see the truth of these stories and even more to be captured by Your own Resurrection, Lord Jesus.
As I read it! 