Unstoppable! 'Extending the Ministry of Jesus (Part 1)' — Acts 9:32-35

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Meanwhile, Peter traveled from place to place, and he came down to visit the believers in the town of Lydda. There he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!" And he was healed instantly. Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas walking around, and they turned to the Lord.

— Acts 9:32-35 NLT

Key Thought

With Saul now away from Jerusalem because of the threats on his life (Acts 9:23-30), Luke turned to the apostle Peter for his story of the unstoppable power of the Good News of Jesus. Peter went to visit fellow believers in the small town of Lydda. There he met Aeneas, a man who had endured eight years of paralysis. Peter healed him in the name of Jesus Christ. The matter-of-fact way that Luke reported this miracle reminds us of the power of Jesus during his earthly ministry to heal the broken, as well as the power he gave his disciples to restore others with broken bodies. Luke wanted us to realize that Jesus might not have been physically present, but the Lord's presence was still known and felt as his disciples called on him to do mighty works in his name.

Note: The theme of this devotional is continued in a few days in another devotional: "Extending the Ministry of Jesus (Part 2)."

Today's Prayer

O Father, give us faith and courage to believe that Jesus still longs to bless others today as we call on his mighty name as our Christ and Lord to help us. I ask for the Holy Spirit to fill us and move us to a more expectant faith. In Jesus' name and for Jesus' glory, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 5:17-26
  • Luke 10:2-9, 17-19

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 9:32-35 NLT — Meanwhile, Peter traveled from place to place, and he came down to visit the believers in the town of Lydda. There he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!" And he was healed instantly. Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas walking around, and they turned to the Lord.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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