Unscheduled Faith

In Acts 9:32-35, we see Peter’s ministry unfolding in an unexpected way:

“Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.’ And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.” Acts 9:32-35, ESV

Peter makes it clear who deserves the credit for this healing. It wasn’t Peter but Jesus.

Noticing the Details

One detail that stands out in this story is how Luke emphasizes the length of Aeneas’s suffering:

“There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.” Acts 9:33, ESV

We don’t know Aeneas’s exact age, but the fact that he was bedridden for eight years implies that at one time, he was able to walk, run, and live freely. Then something happened that left him paralyzed.

This mirrors the experiences of many who are not just physically paralyzed but spiritually paralyzed. There are people who once had vibrant faith, were passionate about Jesus, and loved the church. But then, something happened that left them spiritually crippled.

Misguided Responsibility

Often, as Christians, we think it’s our job to “fix” spiritually paralyzed people. We try to heal them with persuasive speech, arguments, or by pointing out their shortcomings. Or worse, we ignore them or cut them off altogether.

The truth is, Aeneas sat paralyzed for eight years. Imagine how many people passed by him daily, yet never did anything to help. Then, along comes Peter.

Peter’s Intentional Search

“There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.” Acts 9:33, ESV

He found him. You can’t find something unless you are looking for it. Peter was actively seeking opportunities to minister.

We Have to Always Be Looking for Opportunities to Minister Because Paralyzed People Can’t Seek—They Have to Be Found.

Jesus Himself said, “You didn’t choose me, but I chose you.” It’s Jesus who finds people, and He wants to use us through the power of the Holy Spirit to do the same. Yet, too often, our own agendas get in the way.

Living Beyond Our Schedule

If we’re going to live out the Gospel, we have to be willing to live outside of our own plans. Peter had his own schedule:

“Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.” Acts 9:32, ESV

But he never let his schedule dictate someone else’s encounter with Jesus. Because of this, an entire community turned to the Lord.

The Person You’ve Overlooked Might Be the Key to Leading an Entire Community to Jesus.

Peter’s Adjusted Schedule in Joppa

Now, let’s continue reading in Acts 9. Remember, Peter was already busy, but then comes an interruption:

“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 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.’” Acts 9:36-38, ESV

Peter made an adjustment to his schedule and went to Joppa to see the dead Tabitha.

First, note that the Bible calls her a disciple. This challenges the notion that Scripture treats women as second-class citizens in God’s Kingdom. Tabitha was a true follower of Jesus, and she was known for her good works and charity.

When Your Life Ends, What Will You Be Known For?

Peter’s Prayer and Tabitha’s Resurrection

“But Peter put them all outside, 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. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.” Acts 9:40-42, ESV

The First Resurrection Miracle After Jesus

This moment is significant. It’s the first recorded resurrection miracle performed by a disciple after Jesus’ resurrection, validating that the same power Jesus had now lived in His followers through the Holy Spirit.

This miracle closely mirrors a miracle Jesus performed in Mark 5. Remember the story of Jairus’ daughter?

Jesus and Peter: Parallels in Ministry

Mark 5:22-43 recounts how Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter. Here’s a quick breakdown of the similarities:

Urgent Requests and Immediate Response:

“Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” And he went with him. Mark 5:23-24, ESV

“Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. (Acts 9:38-39, ESV)

Both Jesus and Peter responded to urgent needs, despite their schedules.

Women Raised from the Dead:

Jairus’ daughter and Tabitha were both women whose lives were restored. (Woman are important to the spread of the Gospel)

Sending Mourners Outside:

“He put them all outside.” Mark 5:40a, ESV

“Peter put them all outside.” Acts 9:40a, ESV

In Jesus’ case, the mourners were likely hired professionals. For Peter, there’s no indication they were hired, but he still removed them.

Similar Commands:

“Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” (Mark 5:41, ESV)

“Tabitha, arise.” Acts 9:40, ESV

Peter uses similar words to Jesus.

Instant Restoration:

“And immediately the girl got up and began walking.” Mark 5:42, ESV

“And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.” Acts 9:40, ESV

Faith Strengthened:

“They were immediately overcome with amazement.” Mark 5:42, ESV

“Many believed in the Lord.” Acts 9:42, ESV

Learning from Jesus

Why point out these similarities? Because Peter was modeling what he had learned from Jesus. He was in the room when Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter, and when the time came to perform the same miracle, he did what Jesus did.

Jesus Himself said, “The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing.” John 5:19, ESV We are called to imitate Christ.

The Takeaway

Peter didn’t let his plans get in the way of what God wanted to do. He stayed open, allowing God to use him in incredible ways.

What if we did the same?

Routines and schedules aren’t bad, but they should never be our god. We control our schedule; we shouldn’t let our schedule control us.

We control our schedule; we shouldn’t let our schedule control us.

Peter’s actions teaches us that sometimes, the greatest impact we can have is on the other side of an interruption. Be ready, and let God lead.