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Acts 9:38 meaning

In this passage, we find an illustrative moment in which the early church sought divine intervention through the apostle Peter. After the death of Tabitha, a beloved disciple known for her good works and charity, her friends acted in faith. They reached out to Peter, who was nearby, eager for his presence and hopeful for a miracle. This demonstrates the communal support and reliance on leaders within the early Christian community, as they believed in the sustaining power of faith and God's miraculous possibilities amid grief.

When Peter arrived, he was greeted by widows who mourned Tabitha's passing, showing the depth of her impact on the community. The urgency in their request to Peter—expressed through their tears and the clothes she made for them—reveals the pillars of hope they entertained, suggesting a strong belief that Peter could indeed perform a miracle. This narrative not only shows the faith of the early Christians but also highlights the theme of resurrection that is emblematic of Jesus’ ministry. The scripture relating to this account emphasizes that even in death, hope persists through faith in God’s power to restore life.

This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]

Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:

  • Acts 9:36-43 meaning. There is a believer in the coastal city of Joppa named Tabitha. She is well known to be charitable and kind. But she falls ill and dies. The disciples of Joppa send for Peter, who is not far in the town of Lydda. He comes to Joppa and prays for Tabitha. He tells her to arise, and she wakes up from death. Her resurrection becomes well known throughout the city, and many believe in Jesus because of it. Peter remains in Joppa for a time.

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • Acts 9:1-9 meaning. Saul the Pharisee continues his aggressive campaign against believers. He sets out on a journey to Damascus in Syria to arrest any disciples of Jesus there. When he has almost arrived to his destination, a light from heaven flashes and knocks him down, blinding him. The voice of Jesus asks Saul why he is persecuting Him. Saul goes into the city, still blind, and does not eat or drink for three days.
  • Acts 13:38-43 meaning. Paul explains that through faith in Jesus, anyone who believes will be forgiven of their sins and freed from the power of sin in their lives. Through Jesus we are seen as righteous in God’s sight. Paul warns his listeners to believe, lest they suffer God’s wrath toward those who scoff at Him. Paul’s audience begs Barnabas and him to return a week later to preach again. Paul encourages the Galatians in their new faith.
  • Acts 20:25-38 meaning. Paul tells the Ephesian elders they will never see him again. He warns them to be on guard for themselves and the people in their church, because false teachers will come in to corrupt the truth, like wolves attacking a flock of sheep. The elders’ job is to protect the flock and trust in Christ. Paul reminds them to remember his example, and to faithfully live out God’s word in their lives so that they might receive the inheritance of Christ. Lastly, he reminds them to give generously and bless those who are needy. The elders weep and embrace Paul, and see him off to his ship.

Acts 9:38