Acts 9:31-43
My Study Bible pointed out that Jesus had brought three people back from death – Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5), the only son of a widow (Luke 7), and Lazarus (John 11). But there is one item particularly significant in Peter’s raising Dorcas – before Peter spoke and Dorcas awakened, Peter knelt down and prayed (v. 40). He knew that he was powerless, except in the power of the Holy Spirit. And I wonder about his demeanor. Was Peter certain of the Lord working through him or did he have some doubt that Dorcas could come alive? Was he surprised when Dorcas woke up or was he more confident than ever? And what exactly had he prayed – “…Your will be done…”? Intriguing!
So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. (v. 31) I wonder if Saul’s conversion was the main reason that the church had peace. Certainly he was a dominant figure in the early persecution of the Christians, but had he been the ringleader, the acknowledged head of the opposition? Also intriguing…!
Now as Peter went here and there among them all… (v. 32) Peter, a modern-day bishop, visiting “congregations” throughout the region… What a remarkable turnaround for the man who had denied Jesus!
Slava Bohu!
“Notice what you notice!”
So today I also noticed Acts 9:31 where it said the church “enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.” So the Holy Spirit encouraged them, and they were able to witness for Christ because they had a “fear of the Lord” – they submitted to Him and His will and trusted Him to be with them.
BUT I also contrasted this with verses we read a week ago: Acts 8:1,4: “…On that day a great persecution broke out against the church…and all…were scattered… Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”
So whether hard times or times of peace, God is building His church. My take away: whether we are in difficult circumstances (ones that even seem “wrong”) or in a time of blessing and peace, in any circumstances God is working for our good, to build and strengthen us and His church!
Boh praci! (Czech for “God is working!”)