And there he found a certain man named AEneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
Acts
The Book of Acts records the birth, growth, and expansion of the early church following the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by Luke, Acts serves as the historical continuation of the Gospel of Luke, tracing how the message of Christ moved from Jerusalem to the ends of the known world.
Acts opens with the risen Christ commissioning His followers and promising power through the Holy Spirit. This promise is fulfilled at Pentecost, where the Spirit empowers the apostles to preach boldly and cross cultural and linguistic boundaries. The church is not formed through strategy or organization alone, but through divine empowerment and shared devotion.
The early chapters focus on the leadership and witness of Peter and the Jerusalem church. Miracles, teaching, prayer, and community life demonstrate the transforming power of the gospel. At the same time, opposition quickly arises. Arrests, persecution, and martyrdom reveal that faithfulness carries cost, yet the church continues to grow rather than retreat.
A major turning point in Acts is the conversion of Paul. Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul becomes the primary messenger to the Gentile world. His missionary journeys form the backbone of the book’s second half, carrying the gospel throughout Asia Minor and into Europe. Acts shows the gospel breaking ethnic, cultural, and social barriers as Jews and Gentiles are united in Christ.
Acts also addresses internal challenges. Disagreements over leadership, doctrine, and inclusion test the unity of the church. The Jerusalem Council stands as a key moment, affirming that salvation comes by grace through faith, not by adherence to the Mosaic Law. The church is guided not by tradition alone, but by discernment and the work of the Spirit.
Throughout Acts, God’s sovereignty is unmistakable. Imprisonments lead to witness, opposition opens new regions, and hardship advances the mission rather than halting it. The message spreads not through ease, but through faithful obedience under pressure.
The book ends without a traditional conclusion. Paul reaches Rome and continues preaching under guard, symbolizing that the story of the gospel is ongoing. Acts closes with movement rather than resolution, reminding readers that the mission of the church did not end with the apostles—it continues through every generation.
The Book of Acts reveals a living faith empowered by God, carried by ordinary people, and unstoppable in purpose. It calls believers to witness boldly, live faithfully, and trust God as His work advances through history.
Acts 9:34
And Peter said unto him, AEneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
Acts 9:35
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
Acts 9:36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Acts 9:37
And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
Acts 9:38
And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
Acts 9:39
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
Acts 9:4
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Acts 9:40
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Acts 9:41
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
Acts 9:42
And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Acts 9:43
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
Acts 9:5
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Acts 9:6
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Acts 9:7
And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
Acts 9:8
And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
Acts 9:9
And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.