Acts 9 38

Acts 9:38 kjv

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 9:38 nkjv

And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.

Acts 9:38 niv

Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!"

Acts 9:38 esv

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."

Acts 9:38 nlt

But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, "Please come as soon as possible!"

Acts 9 verses

Acts 9 38 Meaning

This verse describes Peter, upon hearing about Dorcas's resurrection, immediately departing to visit her and her believers. It signifies a swift and urgent response to the news, indicating the importance placed on Dorcas's life and ministry, and Peter's authority as an apostle.

Acts 9 38 Context

The context is that Peter, the apostle, is traveling through the region of Lydda. He had just performed a miracle, healing a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed for eight years. News of this miraculous healing reached Joppa, where a beloved disciple named Dorcas had died. Dorcas was known for her extensive good works and almsgiving, particularly to the poor. The believers in Joppa, having heard of Peter's ability to heal, sent two men to ask him to come to Joppa without delay, expecting that he would revive Dorcas. This verse marks Peter's immediate departure from Lydda to Joppa, indicating the urgency and faith placed in him by the community. The surrounding narrative shows the expanding reach of the Gospel and the miraculous power of God working through the apostles, impacting individuals and communities.

Acts 9 38 Word analysis

• And (Greek: Καὶ, kai): A conjunction, here linking Peter's immediate action to the plea of the disciples. It emphasizes the sequence of events.
• Peter (Greek: Πέτρος, Petros): Refers to the apostle Simon Peter. His presence and actions are central to the narrative.
• rising (Greek: ἀναστάς, anastas): Aorist participle of ἀνίστημι (anistēmi), meaning "to rise up," "to stand up." It describes Peter getting to his feet, indicating readiness and promptness.
• went (Greek: ἐπορεύετο, eporeueto): Imperfect middle indicative of πορεύω (poreuō), meaning "to go," "to journey." The imperfect tense suggests a continuous action of going or a progressive movement towards Joppa.
• with (Greek: σὺν, syn): A preposition meaning "with." It indicates that Peter was accompanied.
• them (Greek: αὐτοῖς, autois): Refers to the two men sent from Joppa.
• and (Greek: δὲ, de): A particle often used to indicate a contrast or a transition. Here it introduces the new action of Peter going with the messengers.
• when (Greek: ὡς, hōs): Adverb meaning "as," "when."
• he (Greek: αὐτός, autos): Refers to Peter.
• was (Greek: ἦν, ēn): Imperfect indicative of εἰμί (eimi), "to be."
• come (Greek: ἐλθόντι, elthoni): Aorist participle of ἔρχομαι (erchomai), meaning "to come." It signifies the completion of the arrival in Joppa.
• to (Greek: εἰς, eis): Preposition indicating motion into.
• Joppa (Greek: Ἰόππην, Ioppēn): The name of the coastal city where Dorcas resided.
• they (Greek: αὐτοὶ, autoi): Refers to the disciples in Joppa.
• brought (Greek: εἰσήγαγον, eisēgagon): Aorist active indicative of εἰσάγω (eisagō), meaning "to bring in," "to lead in."
• him (Greek: αὐτόν, auton): Refers to Peter.
• into (Greek: εἰς, eis): Preposition indicating motion into.
• the (Greek: τὸν, ton): Definite article.
• upper (Greek: ὑπερῷον, hyperōon): Noun meaning "upper room," "garret." This often served as a more private or special room in a house, where significant events sometimes took place.
• room (Greek: ὑπερῷον, hyperōon): Consistent with the previous word.

Phrase analysis:

• Peter rising with them: This signifies a unified and swift departure, reflecting the collective urgency of the situation. The phrase "rising with them" emphasizes that Peter didn't delay but immediately joined the messengers.
• when he was come to Joppa: This highlights the completion of the journey and the arrival at the destination, setting the stage for the subsequent events.
• they brought him into the upper room: This action of being led into the upper room shows the reverence and respect the disciples had for Peter. Upper rooms were often associated with significant gatherings or private meetings.

Acts 9 38 Bonus section

The geographical movement from Lydda to Joppa is significant, illustrating the network of early Christian communities spreading throughout Judea. Upper rooms, as mentioned in the text, have historical and theological significance, appearing in key biblical events such as the Last Supper (Luke 22:12) and the descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:13; Acts 2:1-2). This particular upper room in Joppa becomes the stage for another demonstration of divine power through the apostles. The act of being "brought in" suggests the believers welcomed and trusted Peter, inviting him into their inner circle to help in their time of crisis.

Acts 9 38 Commentary

The disciples' plea for Peter's immediate arrival shows their deep faith and hope in his apostolic authority and God's power through him. Peter's prompt response, rising and traveling with them, demonstrates his obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and his commitment to serving those in need. The destination, the "upper room," is often where important events or meals occurred, and here it serves as the location where Peter would minister to the grieving community and perform the miracle of resurrection. This verse sets the scene for the profound event of Dorcas's return to life, a powerful testament to the resurrection power of Christ extending through His apostles.