II. The Conversion and Early Labors of Saul. (continued) (9:1-31)
C. Saul preaches in Damascus (vv. 19-25)
v.19 "Certain days" indicates an indefinite period of time.
v.20 Saul begins preaching Jesus as the Christ, in the synagogues.
v.21 It should be obvious that the people would be amazed. The Jews had expected Saul to continue his persecutions against the Christians now he is one:
v.22 Saul continued to strengthen physically and more importantly spiritually. He was able to compare the prophets with the teaching of Jesus and make them agree. Confounded means confused and bewildered.
v.23 The preaching of Saul roused the anger in the Jews to the point that they were willing to commit murder. Gal. 1: 17, 18 would indicate that he went into Arabia during this time. Then he returned to Damascus, leaving three years later for Jerusalem. See Boles p. 149.
v.24 Saul finds out about the plot to kill him. 2 Cor. 11:32,33
v.25 "His disciples" refers to whose disciples? This basket would be large and sturdy woven out of reeds.
D. Saul returns to Jerusalem and is sent to Tarsus (vv. 26-30)
v.26 Could Saul have been surprised at this repulsion by the disciples? Obviously they had not heard of his conversion or they doubted his sincerity.
v.27 Barnabas presents Saul to Peter and James the Lord's brother. Peter is convinced that Saul is a true believer and takes him into his house for 15 days. Gal. 1: 18. How did Barnabas know these things?
v.28,29 Saul is finally accepted by the brethren at Jerusalem and begins disputing with the Hellenistic Jews. These are the very ones with which Stephen had been disputing with and of which Saul had been a member. Acts 6: 9. These now sought to kill Saul.
v.30 Acts 22:18-21. Saul escapes to Tarsus where he will continue to preach, reaching out into Syria and Cilicia, Gal. 1:21-24 , Acts 15:40,41. During this time Saul possibly preached to his own relatives, Rom. 16: 7,11,21,including his sister and her son, Acts 23: 16.
III. Peter Preaches in Judea and is Sent to the Uncircumcised (9:31-11:18)
A. The Church Enjoys Peace and Prosperity (v.31) Luke turns from the exploits of Saul for a time to recount the preaching of Peter.
v.31 The Churches in these three places were free of persecutions at this time. How did this edification come about? Why was there peace? A more stable government was in power and the Jews had other problems to deal with.
B. Peter, Evangelizing comes to Lydda (vv. 32-35)
v.32 See map. Lydda-Lod (O.T.) a day's journey from Jerusalem.
v.33 Aeneas had been bedfast for eight years with some type of paralysis.
v.34 Compare to Acts 3:6 and Jesus in Mk. 2:1-11.
v.35 The miracle confirmed the word in Lydda and the surrounding plain of Sharon.
C. Peter is called to Joppa (vv. 36-43)
v.36 Joppa, a seaport. Tabitha and Dorcas- translate gazelle. "By interpretation" means by translation.
v.37 The upper chamber- the highest room in the house.
v.38 Why would they send for Peter? Perhaps because of their knowledge of the miracles that Peter had been performing.
v.39 Peter went with the men at once. Widows- perhaps some of the ones that Dorcas had done almsdeeds for. Coats and garments- under and outerwear.
v.40 Peter wished to be alone while performing the miracle. Dorcas arose at the sound of Peter's voice.
v.41 Peter assisted in raising her up. The friends were recalled and presented to the resurrected Dorcas.
v.42 The miracle confirmed the word of the Lord, many believed.
v.43 "many days"- an indefinite period of time. What would be special about Peter staying at a tanner's house.
ADDENDA- Miracles in the book of Acts.
16) Peter heals Aeneas 9:32-35
17) Peter raises Dorcas from the dead 9:40-42