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get up and witness
Acts 9:32-43 (JDV)
Acts 9:32 As Peter was traveling from place to place, he also came down to the devotees who resided in Lydda.
Acts 9:33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years.
Acts 9:34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed,” and immediately he got up.
Acts 9:35 So all who resided in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
Acts 9:36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated Dorcas). She was always doing good works and acts of charity.
Acts 9:37 About that time she became sick and died. After washing her, they placed her in a room upstairs.
Acts 9:38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to him who urged him, “Don’t delay in coming with us.”
Acts 9:39 Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him to the room upstairs. And all the widows approached him, weeping and showing him the robes and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was with them.
Acts 9:40 Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down, prayed, and turning toward the body said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up.
Acts 9:41 He gave her his hand and helped her get up. He called the devotees and widows and presented her alive.
Acts 9:42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
Acts 9:43 Peter stayed for some time in Joppa with Simon, a leather tanner.
get up and witness
Peter’s missionary work involved encouraging the new congregations that were sprouting up everywhere. People knew about his experiences with healing, and Luke includes two examples here. It is important to note that both of these people healed were apparently believers. They were both encouraged to get up — with the implication that once they were healed, they needed to witness to the healing so that those who noticed the change would recognize it as the work of the Lord, and glorify him for it.
The outcome of Aeneas’ healing: “all who resided in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord” (35).
The outcome of Tabitha’s resurrection: “This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord” (42).
Lord, forgive us our past dormancy. We commit to getting up and witnessing to what you have done for us.
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