THE MIRACLE AT LYDDA AND JOPPA

THE MIRACLE AT LYDDA AND JOPPA

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 9:32-43

Key Verse: “And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.” (Acts 9:35)

Supporting Texts: Mark 16:17-18; James 5:15; John 11:25-26; Matthew 9:35; Psalm 103:2-3

Description: The power of God manifested through healing and miracles draws people to faith in Christ.

INTRODUCTION:
The passage in Acts 9:32-43 reveals two powerful miracles performed by the Apostle Peter: the healing of Aeneas at Lydda and the raising of Dorcas at Joppa. These miracles were not mere acts of compassion; they were demonstrations of the living power of Christ working through His servant.

Aeneas had been bedridden for eight long years, paralysed and hopeless. But a single word spoken in the name of Jesus restored his strength instantly. Likewise, Dorcas, a beloved woman known for her good works, died suddenly, and the grief of the believers drew Peter to Joppa. Through prayer and divine authority, Peter raised her from death, and the entire community rejoiced and believed in the Lord.

These events show that the ministry of healing is not just to relieve suffering but to bring glory to God and draw souls into His kingdom. The miracles at Lydda and Joppa remind us that Jesus still heals, restores, and revives through His faithful servants today.

1. DIVINE POWER FLOWS THROUGH A WILLING SERVANT
God works wonders through men and women who are surrendered to His will and filled with His Spirit.

a) Availability before ability (Acts 9:32): Peter was moving among the believers, ministering wherever he went. God uses those who make themselves available for His work.

b) Compassion for the afflicted (Acts 9:33): Aeneas had been sick for eight years, but Peter noticed his pain. Ministry effectiveness begins with genuine love for people.

c) The authority of Jesus’ name (Acts 9:34):  Peter declared, “Jesus Christ maketh thee whole.” It was not his power but Christ’s authority that healed Aeneas.

d) Immediate manifestation of God’s power (Acts 9:34b): The miracle was instant, Aeneas rose immediately. God’s power knows no delay when faith is active.

Biblical Example: The healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:1-8) also came through Peter’s declaration in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

2. MIRACLES GLORIFY GOD AND ATTRACT SOULS TO CHRIST
Every true miracle has a divine purpose: to reveal God’s glory and lead people to repentance and faith.

a) Visible testimony of divine power (Acts 9:35):  When the people of Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas healed, they turned to the Lord. Visible miracles produce visible conversions.

b) The miracle as a message (Mark 2:10-12): Jesus used miracles to confirm His authority to forgive sins. Likewise, every miracle points to the saving power of Christ.

c) Miracles draw the attention of unbelievers (John 11:45):  After Lazarus was raised, many believed in Jesus. God still uses signs to awaken hearts.

d) Revival through divine intervention (Acts 9:35):
The healing at Lydda sparked revival in surrounding towns. Genuine moves of God spread when His power is revealed.

Biblical Example: The healing of Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-15) led him to acknowledge the God of Israel as the only true God.

3. GOD HONOURS FAITH AND COMPASSION IN SERVICE
True ministry is driven by faith in God’s power and compassion for those in need.

a) Dorcas, a woman of good works (Acts 9:36): She was known for her charity and service to the needy. Her life reflected Christ’s love in action.

b) Grief of the saints (Acts 9:38-39):
The believers’ sorrow over her death revealed how deeply she touched lives. True service leaves an eternal impact.

c) Faith expressed through prayer (Acts 9:40):
Peter sent others out and prayed. Miracles begin in the secret place of prayer, not in public display.

d) Divine response to genuine faith (Acts 9:40-41):
Dorcas opened her eyes and sat up,  proof that faith-filled prayer moves the hand of God.

Biblical Example: Elijah raised the widow’s son through earnest prayer and faith (1 Kings 17:17-24).

4. THE POWER OF RESURRECTION STILL WORKS TODAY
The raising of Dorcas demonstrates that Jesus Christ still has power over death and impossible situations.

a) Jesus, the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26): Christ has conquered death, and His power flows through His followers.

b) God specialises in hopeless cases (Ezekiel 37:3-5):The valley of dry bones came alive at His command. No situation is beyond His reach.

c) Miracles confirm the living presence of Christ (Mark 16:17–18): Signs and wonders accompany those who believe. The Church today must still expect and demonstrate divine power.

d) Revival and multiplication follow miracles (Acts 9:42): Many believed in the Lord because of Dorcas’ resurrection. Miracles lead to harvest when Christ is glorified.

Biblical Example: Jairus’ daughter was raised from the dead when Jesus declared, “Talitha cumi” (Mark 5:41-42).

CONCLUSION:
The miracles at Lydda and Joppa teach us that the power of Jesus is not limited by time or distance. Healing, restoration, and even resurrection still occur when faith and obedience meet divine power. God uses ordinary believers to perform extraordinary works for His glory.

As we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit, we become channels of His love and power. The purpose of every miracle is to glorify Christ and bring souls into His kingdom. The same Jesus who healed Aeneas and raised Dorcas is alive today and still performing wonders among His people.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your healing power that is still active today.
2. Father, make me a vessel through whom Your power can flow.
3. Every form of paralysis in my life, receive divine healing now.
4. O Lord, let Your compassion fill my heart for those in need.
5. Revive every dead virtue and gift in my life.
6. Father, let Your name be glorified through the miracles in my life.
7. Lord, use my testimony to draw others to Christ.
8. Every situation that seems hopeless, receive resurrection power now.
9. O Lord, release revival in our church through signs and wonders.
10. Let every good work I do bring glory to Your name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall be a channel of divine healing and restoration!
2. Every long-standing affliction in your life is ending now!
3. The same Jesus who healed Aeneas will make you whole today!
4. Every dead thing in your life shall rise again by divine power!
5. You shall be known as a vessel of compassion and miracles!
6. Through your testimony, many shall turn to the Lord!
7. The power of resurrection shall operate continually in your life!
8. Your faith shall command visible miracles that glorify God!
9. You shall not die before your divine assignment is fulfilled!
10. Wherever you go, the presence and power of God shall accompany you!