c. Beginning to Preach
Multiplication of the Church
a. To Lydda
- And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, that this One is the Son of God.
- And all who heard him were amazed and said, Is this not the one who ravaged those who call upon this name in Jerusalem and came here for this, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests?
- But Saul was all the more empowered, and he confounded the Jews dwelling in Damascus by proving that this One is the Christ.
- And as a considerable number of days were being fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to do away with him;
- But their plot was made known to Saul. And they also watched the gates closely, both day and night, so that they might do away with him.
- But his disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.
- And when he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; yet all feared him, not believing that he was a disciple.
- But Barnabas took hold of him and led him to the apostles, and he related to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.
- And he was with them, going in and going out in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
- And he spoke and disputed with the Hellenists, but they attempted to do away with him.
- But when the brothers realized it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Multiplication of the Church
- So then the church throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it was multiplied.
a. To Lydda
- Now as Peter was passing through all those parts, he came down also to the saints dwelling at Lydda.
- And he found there a certain man named Aeneas, who for eight years had been lying on a mat, for he was paralyzed.
- And Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Rise up and make up your own bed. And immediately he rose up.
- And all those dwelling in Lydda and Sharon saw him; and they turned to the Lord.
- Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas); this woman was full of good works and alms which she did.
- And in those days she became ill and died; and they bathed her body and laid it in an upper room.
- Now because Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there, and they sent two men to him, entreating him, Do not delay to come through to us.
- And Peter rose up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him up into the upper room. And all the widows stood by him, weeping and showing him tunics and garments, all of which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
- And Peter put them all outside; and kneeling down, he prayed; and he turned to the body and said, Tabitha, rise up. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
- And giving her his hand, he raised her up. And when he had called the saints and the widows, he presented her alive.
- And it became known throughout all of Joppa and many believed on the Lord.
- And he remained a considerable number of days in Joppa with a certain Simon, a tanner.
