“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.  As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. “
Acts 9:31-32

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JANUARY 13, 2025

Have you read books where the author switches back and forth between different characters’ perspectives, or even separate plot lines? Sometimes, I need to back up and re-read a section to remember where the author left off before. Let’s do that here in Acts.

After last week’s major event—the dramatic conversion of Saul/Paul—Luke switches back to the adventures of Peter. Where had we left him, before our Advent break? Peeking back to Acts 8, Peter and John had returned to Jerusalem after ministering in Samaria.

Now, Peter is traveling the country visiting the Lord’s people (saints in many translations.)
Where? Who?

Where: Peter was in the area of Lydda and Joppa. Joppa is modern-day Jaffa, right on the Mediterranean. Lydda (Lod) was on the way from Jerusalem to Joppa.  The Ben Gurion airport is close to modern Lod.

Who: How did there come to be “saints” in these areas quite far from Jerusalem? We studied Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian man in chapter 8 (seems like a long time ago!) The tail end of that passage mentions that Philip was whisked away and found himself  “…at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.” Many scholars believe that he may have preached in the areas of Lydda and Joppa on that journey, apparently successful in bringing the Gospel!

Although located in Judea, these towns would have a significant Gentile population. There would be more diverse ideas and customs. I wonder what Peter may have thought as, after a few years of ministering in a heavily Jewish area, he is now in a much less homogeneous setting. Why might that matter?

To answer that, let’s also peek ahead. In the next chapter, Peter is going to have a huge lightbulb moment and new understanding of who God’s grace is for. He’s not there yet, but keep your eyes open for clues that his growth in understanding grace may have already begun.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • What indicators do you see in our full passage (Acts 9:32-43) that God may be preparing Peter for a change?
  • What baby steps in Peter’s understanding of God’s grace might be in our full passage? What might it have been like for Peter to travel and preach during this time of peace?

 

Church Reading Plan: Genesis 14; Matthew 13