New Life to Those in Need Acts 9:32.43 SS Lesson for 04/26/2009 Devotional Scripture: Isa 57:14-18 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS NEW LIFE THROUGH HEALING (ACTS 9:32-35) Healing only through Jesus (34) Healing through Jesus because it is one of the signs of those who believe (Mark 16:17-18) Healing through Jesus because it is the only power that heals (Acts 4:7-10) Healing through Jesus, but it cannot be used by human will (Acts 19:13-16) Healing through Jesus and the faith that comes through Him (Acts 3:16) Healing along with faith (34) Healing that comes from faith to seek God and turn from our wicked ways (2 Chron 7:14) Healing that comes from faith in a God that strengthens our inner being (Eph 3:16-19) Healing received from a faith that Jesus' wounds and stripes heals (1 Peter 2:24) Faith in a healing that is done inwardly (2 Cor 4:16) Faith in a healing that heals the heart (Ps 147:3) Faith in a healing that cleanses (Heb 9:14) Healing should result in turning to God (35) Healing should result in turning to God because we should never forget God's benefits (Ps 103:1-3) Healing should result in turning to God because we should always give thanks to God for His unfailing love (Ps 107:20-21) Healing should result in turning to God because it is appropriate and right (Luke 17:15-18) Healing should result in turning to God because it promotes praising God (Luke 18:42-43) NEW LIFE THROUGH THE RESURRECTION (ACTS 9:36-43) Good life before death (36-37) God created us to live a good life (Eph 2:10) A good life is obvious (1 Tim 5:25) A good life includes being generous and willing to share (1 Tim 6:18) We should encourage each other to live a good life (Heb 10:24) A good life results in the glorification of God (1 Peter 2:12) A good life so that others will praise God (Matt 5:16) A good life so that we are a good example to others (Titus 2:7-8) A good life is doing things done out of a pure and loving attitude and spirit (Luke 6:45) A good life begins by practicing and using the truth of God's word (John 3:21) A good life is always helping others (Heb 6:10) Hope of the resurrection (38-39) Hope of the resurrection because Jesus' resurrection was witnessed by many (Acts 2:32) Hope of the resurrection because through it saints will be united (Rom 6:5) Hope of the resurrection because of the power of God (Acts 2:23-24) Hope of the resurrection because of the promise to the saints to meet Jesus in the air (1 Thess 4:17) Hope of the resurrection because of the promise that it will result in change (1 Cor 15:52) Hope of the resurrection because it is based on Scripture (1 Cor 15:3-4) Hope of the resurrection because of being united with Jesus (Rom 6:5) Hope of the resurrection through preaching (1 Cor 15:12-14) Hope of the resurrection through a new birth and living hope (1 Peter 1:3-4) New Life to Those in Need Page 1 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/26/2009
Hope of the resurrection through baptism (1 Peter 3:17-21) The reality of the resurrection (40-43) A reality because Jesus was the firstfruit of the resurrected (1 Cor 15:20-23) A reality because it is a goal (Phil 3:10-11) A reality because the resurrected body will be imperishable (1 Cor 15:42) A reality because it is an elementary doctrine (Heb 6:1-3) A reality because it is a trustworthy truth (2 Tim 2:11) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR The healing of Aeneas (Acts 9:32-35) The resurrection of Dorcas (Acts 9:36-43) New Life to Those in Need Page 2 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/26/2009
Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The concept of the outline of the lesson came from the Bible Expositor and Illumnator. The lesson teaches about New Life. The study's aim is to show that when people experience new life in Christ, it will result in the outreach of the Church. The study's application is to experience the vibrant new life in Christ and show it to others by reaching out to those in need. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary The Wall Street Journal of July 31, 2007 featured an article titled Bibliotherapy: Reading Your Way to Mental Health. The idea is that some self-help books can measurably improve mental health. An online search reveals that scores of self-help books have been published in recent years. Such books constitute one of publishing s hottest categories. Common topics include building one s self-esteem, overcoming past failures, and taking life by the horns. Skill-oriented books teach one how to cook, represent oneself in court, get rich, and even write one s own self-help book. Perhaps the most telling sign that self-help mania has secured a strong market share is the publication of a book that gathers 50 classics of self-help literature. Christian writers have also joined the crusade. In addition to countless books identifying certain Bible passages or principles as the ultimate source of self-help, one may choose from a variety of self-help editions of the Bible. Christians are so deeply enmeshed in self-help philosophy that a bibliography has been compiled that briefly introduces 700 of the 5,000 Christian self-help books that were available during a mere 15-year period. The common proverb God helps those who help themselves has apparently struck a chord. The astute Bible reader knows, however, that this influential proverb is not only absent from Scripture, but it rubs deeply against Scripture s grain. God has called his people to be both fully dependent on him and heavily reliant on one another. This much is clear in 1 Corinthians 12, which reminds us that no part of Christ s body can claim it doesn t need the help of others. Such interdependence does not mean that self-discipline and motivation have no place (see, for example, 2 Thessalonians 3:6 10). Rather, God s Word motivates all believers to use their gifts to help others. In today s reading from Acts 9, we see healthy interdependence in action. In Acts 1:8 Jesus told his disciples that after God poured his Holy Spirit on them, they were to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. That passage thus serves as something of a table of contents for the book of Acts. Chapters 2 7 show the spread of the gospel in Jerusalem and Judea. Chapter 8 demonstrates the church s beachhead in Samaria, and chapters 13 28 document the gospel s spread throughout the Mediterranean area. Chapters 9 12 offer us some important transition points in the gospel s progress. Before the good news could be taken afar, God had to teach Jewish Christians to embrace Gentile (non-jewish) believers fully as Christian brothers and sisters. Chapter 9 begins with the conversion of Saul, who would later become the foremost apostle to the Gentiles. Then in chapter 10 God graphically demonstrated to Peter that it was time to make Gentiles converts. Sandwiched between these pivotal conversions is today s text, namely Acts 9:32 43. In this passage Peter ministered on the fringes of Jewish society, in towns located away from the Jewish power structure of Jerusalem. Out there God used Peter to help the needy, enlist helpers, and tap into the divine help necessary for catching the next wave of the Spirit s work into the world beyond Jerusalem. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator The early chapters of Acts reveal exciting years in which the church thriven. At this point the narrative of Acts focuses on the ministry of Peter. This gifted and energetic apostle had been prominent in the Jerusalem church. But God was preparing him for a wider outreach that would carry him beyond the confining bonds of his narrow Judaism. He would eventually be used to open wide the door of salvation to the Gentiles. The experiences detailed in this week's lesson were part of Peter's preparation. Going beyond New Life to Those in Need Page 3 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/26/2009
the environs of Jerusalem gave him the opportunity to take Jesus' message of life to those in need and situated him in a place where God could call him to even broader service. It is really easy to tell a dead church from one that is vibrant with the new life in Christ. Find out what the church is doing to impact those around them who are in need. A person who has the indwelling Holy Spirit has a heart that is sensitive to the needs of others around him. A church that is only reaching inward is a body of believers that is not likely to grow. While reaching inward is not bad, the church of Jesus was planned for growth. We are to reach out to others with the new life. Our lesson this week takes us to a home where Peter met real human needs and the people around got to hear the good news of new life in Christ as a result. Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) New Life through Healing (Acts 9:32-35) 32 Now as Peter was traveling through all {those regions} he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Immediately he got up. 35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Healing only through Jesus (34) Healing through Jesus because it is one of the signs of those who believe (Mark 16:17-18) 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." Healing through Jesus because it is the only power that heals (Acts 4:7-10) 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Healing through Jesus, but it cannot be used by human will (Acts 19:13-16) 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 [One day] the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. Healing through Jesus and the faith that comes through Him (Acts 3:16) 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. New Life to Those in Need Page 4 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/26/2009
Healing along with faith (34) Healing that comes from faith to seek God and turn from our wicked ways (2 Chron 7:14) 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Healing that comes from faith in a God that strengthens our inner being (Eph 3:16-19) 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Healing received from a faith that Jesus' wounds and stripes heals (1 Peter 2:24) 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. Faith in a healing that is done inwardly (2 Cor 4:16) 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Faith in a healing that heals the heart (Ps 147:3) 3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Faith in a healing that cleanses (Heb 9:14) 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Healing should result in turning to God (35) Healing should result in turning to God because we should never forget God's benefits (Ps 103:1-3) 103 Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, Healing should result in turning to God because we should always give thanks to God for His unfailing love (Ps 107:20-21) 20 He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. 21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Healing should result in turning to God because it is appropriate and right (Luke 17:15-18) 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him and he was a Samaritan.17 Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Healing should result in turning to God because it promotes praising God (Luke 18:42-43) 42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. New Life to Those in Need Page 5 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/26/2009
New Life through the Resurrection (Acts 9:36-43) 36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated {in Greek} is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. 37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, "Do not delay in coming to us." 39 So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner {named} Simon. Good life before death (36-37) God created us to live a good life (Eph 2:10) 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. A good life is obvious (1 Tim 5:25) 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden. A good life includes being generous and willing to share (1 Tim 6:18) 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. We should encourage each other to live a good life (Heb 10:24) 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. A good life results in the glorification of God (1 Peter 2:12) 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. A good life so that others will praise God (Matt 5:16) 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. A good life so that we are a good example to others (Titus 2:7-8) 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. A good life is doing things done out of a pure and loving attitude and spirit (Luke 6:45) 45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. New Life to Those in Need Page 6 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/26/2009
A good life begins by practicing and using the truth of God's word (John 3:21) 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." A good life is always helping others (Heb 6:10) 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hope of the resurrection (38-39) Hope of the resurrection because Jesus' resurrection was witnessed by many (Acts 2:32) 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Hope of the resurrection because through it saints will be united (Rom 6:5) 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. Hope of the resurrection because of the power of God (Acts 2:23-24) 23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Hope of the resurrection because of the promise to the saints to meet Jesus in the air (1 Thess 4:17) 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Hope of the resurrection because of the promise that it will result in change (1 Cor 15:52) 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. Hope of the resurrection because it is based on Scripture (1 Cor 15:3-4) 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, Hope of the resurrection because of being united with Jesus (Rom 6:5) 5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. Hope of the resurrection through preaching (1 Cor 15:12-14) 12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. Hope of the resurrection through a new birth and living hope (1 Peter 1:3-4) 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you, New Life to Those in Need Page 7 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/26/2009
Hope of the resurrection through baptism (1 Peter 3:17-21) 17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, The reality of the resurrection (40-43) A reality because Jesus was the firstfruit of the resurrected (1 Cor 15:20-23) 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. A reality because it is a goal (Phil 3:10-11) 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. A reality because the resurrected body will be imperishable (1 Cor 15:42) 42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; A reality because it is an elementary doctrine (Heb 6:1-3) 6 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. A reality because it is a trustworthy truth (2 Tim 2:11) 11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Peter and Tabitha teach us valuable lessons about helping others in Jesus name. Peter does so as a highprofile traveling evangelist. Tabitha does so as a low-profile seamstress who probably seldom left town. Peter demonstrated faithful service by spreading the gospel to new territory, strengthening believers, following the Spirit s lead when inconvenient, imitating the example of Jesus, giving all glory and credit to God, and accepting the hospitality of outcasts. Tabitha demonstrated faithfulness by using the practical skills God gave her to help others and by ministering consistently to an extremely needy segment of the population, a segment close to the Father s heart. Both lives were extraordinary in their impact. Both lives were blessed by God in significant ways. Some of the Christian s spiritual gifts are high profile, others are not. No gift set is more Christian than another. We all need to find our niche of service in the body of Christ. We all need to serve faithfully, walking in the steps of the first-century examples, even as they walked in the steps of Jesus. Rather than learning that God helps those who help themselves, today s passage has shown us that God blesses those who obey his call to be a blessing to others. New Life to Those in Need Page 8 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/26/2009
Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Someone has wisely said, "Live so that when you die you will be missed." A believer named Tabitha (Dorcas) practiced that principle, for when she died she was deeply missed by the people of her church. Dorcas was a believer who had the talent of sewing. She used that talent for the Lord, making coats and garments and giving them to the poor (Acts 9:36, 39). The beginning days of the church were characterized by supernatural signs, which confirmed the authenticity of the new revelation that God was giving. The apostles and those closely associated with them did mighty miracles. These identified them as the Lord's chosen messengers. One of these sign miracles was performed by Peter on Dorcas when Peter raised her from the dead. The Scripture text records this awesome miracle. The news of the miracle spread throughout the area, and many became believers as a result of it (Acts 9:42). Today many are still hearing about this miracle. A practical challenge that we can glean from this event is the need to expect great things from God. The early church certainly had the faith to have great expectations concerning Dorcas. They immediately sent for Peter, who was at Joppa at the time. They instructed the two messengers to tell Peter to come at once (Acts 9:38). The most natural way to understand this incident is as a request and expectation for Peter to raise Dorcas from the dead. If not, why send for Peter at this time and request that he come at once? We need to realize that up until this event we have no record of a resurrection in the early church. Yet these believers had the expectation that Peter could and would raise her from the dead. This was the equivalent of expecting the Flood when, at the time, it had never rained. To say the least, these believers were pushing the envelope when they expected Peter to raise Dorcas from the dead. Even though it could have turned out that it was not God's will to raise Dorcas from the dead, we must credit these believers with a bold faith that God honored. It may not be that God plans to raise people from the dead today, but that should not keep us from expecting staggering things from God. Jeremiah said, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things" (Jer. 33:3). Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. God always sends His messengers to just the right place at just the right time (Acts 9:32-33) 2. God's work, done both God's way and in God's name, will produce God's intended results (vs. 34-35) 3. Even for a believer, sickness and death are a reality of living in a sin-cursed world (vs. 36-37) 4. Grieving the death of loved ones is not un-christian (Acts 9:38-39; John 11:35; 1 Thess.4:13) 5. Prayer reminds us of who is really in control of every situation (Acts 9:40-41) 6. Changed lives and God's increased glory are the best evidence of the authentic work of God (vs. 42-43) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator The action in this week's lesson focuses on two miraculous episodes in the ministry of the Apostle Peter. A paralytic was healed, and a woman was raised from the dead. The names of the two individuals are given to show the reality of the accounts. In each episode there were people with greater spiritual needs who turned to Christ in faith due to the miracle that occurred. The healing of Aeneas (Acts 9:32-35) While engaged in an itinerant mission around the region of Judea, Peter went to Lydda to visit believers living there. During his visit Peter healed a man named Aeneas of his paralytic condition, which had incapacitated him for eight years. The Lord had chosen Aeneas to be the recipient of His grace. The Lord is compassionate toward us and our physical maladies. Aeneas's life was never the same after his deliverance from a debilitating illness. Peter exercised the gift of healing, commanding Aeneas to rise from his bed. This man was healed by the power of Jesus Christ at that moment. Christ performed many miracles during His earthly ministry. These miracles authenticated Him as Israel's Messiah (Matt. 4:23-24; Acts 2:22). The miracles performed by the apostles authenticated their witness to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:31-32,36,43). The news of the instant healing of Aeneas spread rapidly over an area of about fifty miles, stretching northward from Lydda along the seacoast as far as Mount Carmel. This public healing was designed to draw many people to place their faith in Christ. These were people who were in even greater need than Aeneas, for they needed new spiritual life. God often works in special and extraordinary New Life to Those in Need Page 9 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/26/2009
ways to accomplish His gracious purpose. We should never underestimate God's power to accomplish that which brings glory to His name. The resurrection of Dorcas (Acts 9:36-43) Dorcas was a well-known and beloved believer for her deeds of charity to the poor in Joppa. When she died, her body was not fully prepared for burial. The believers in Joppa had faith that Peter could heal her. They were well aware of the miracles that Peter had performed. The apostle was nearby at Lydda, where they sent for him to come in their hour of sorrow and distress. God's blessings prompt us not only to rejoice in the great things He accomplishes but also to expect Him to continue to shower His grace on those in need. There are no boundaries of grace for whatever God wills to do. His power and His love are unlimited. Dorcas had a special ministry of providing for widows, who were among the most needy in ancient times. She supplied them with tunics and other clothing that she had made. Her death was a real loss to them. Peter recognized the need for Dorcas to continue her beneficent work for the poor. He could not act on his own, but he asked the Lord to intervene with His sovereign power and grace. God heard Peter's prayer in a special way by raising Dorcas from the dead. This was a triumphant moment of faith for the believers and for Peter. As a result of Dorcas's resurrection, there were many in Joppa who, having heard of it, turned to the Lord in faith. Both the healing of Aeneas and the resurrection of Dorcas were for the purpose of not only meeting specific individual needs but also spreading the gospel to those with spiritual needs. Both miracles were powerful messages pointing to the provision of new life in Jesus Christ. New Life to Those in Need Page 10 of 10 SS Lesson for 04/26/2009