WeekLy BooK oF Acts 9 21-43

 ⭐️  a paraphrased study

21 - And all who heard Saul/Paul were amazed and said, “Isn’t this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon the name of Jesus? And didn’t he come here to arrest and bring them in chains before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and put to confusion the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

     23 When many days had passed, the leaders plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to him. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a basket, through an opening in the wall.

     26 Then when he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples. But they were afraid of him, and didn’t believe he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So then he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists (Greek culture Hebrews). But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him to Tarsus.

     31 So the church/faith throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the reverence of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, the faith was multiplying.

     32 Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he went down also to the believers who lived at Lydda. 33 And there he came across a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Rise and take up your bed.” And immediately he rose. 35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him as healed, and they turned to the Lord.

     36 And there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She had done many good works and acts of charity. 37 And in those days she became ill and died, and when they had prepared her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 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.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood there weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, and then he knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes. When she saw Peter she sat up, 41 and he took her by the hand and helped her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her to them alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner who lived by the sea.

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