A Bible Study on the Book of Acts Session 22
The Church of the Holy Apostles;
Based upon the Homilies of St John Chrysostom (SJC)
Study Guide – Acts 9.26-43, Homily 21
Chapter 9 v. 26-31 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Natural confusion about timeline between Galatians and Acts
Scripture is not necessarily history, but faith. SJC “For the historians for conciseness often omits incidents, and condenses the times. Observe how unambitious the writer is, and how he does not even relate that version, but passes it by.”
Paul refers to himself as a Disciple, not Apostles – humility – WE refer to him as Apostle
SJC “They believed not that he was a disciple; for truly that was beyond all human expectation.”
Paul debated the Hellenists because the Hebrews didn’t even want to see him. SJC “Fearing lest the issue should be the same as Stephen, they sent him to Caesarea.”
Barnabas is possibly an old friend to Paul
Paul does not have supernatural aid from God – SJC “And this departure is providentially ordered, that he might preach there also; and so likewise were the plots against him ordered by God’s providence, and his coming to Jerusalem, that the story about him might no longer by disbelieved.”
The Holy Spirit comforts them with miracles.
Chapter 9 v. 32-43 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put 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. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
Peter plays the role of commander – SJC “Like the commander of an army, he went about, inspecting the ranks, what part was compact, what in good order, what needed his presence. See how on all occasions he goes about, foremost. When an Apostle was to be chosen, he was the foremost.”
Not all miracles were given for proof, but his one is.
Not all miracles required faith first. Just like with Christ
SJC “For of the miracles, some were wrought for the purpose of drawing others to faith, some for the comfort of them that believed.”
Crowd didn’t ASK Peter for the miracle because they didn’t want to bother him with such matters. Let the man preach…
Dorcas is Greek for deer or antelope, which was providential to show her fullness of life.
Crowd was humble – Dorcas made the things together with the other women. NOW there is unity in mourning.
Peter sends the mourners away so he can concentrate. Not all miracles are easy. In this way God keeps the Apostles humble. SJC “Observe the intentness of his prayer. So did Christ to the daughter of Jairus.”
Peter is unassuming, living with a tanner rather than the elite. SJC “Mark the unassuming conduct, mark the moderation of Peter, how he does not make his abode with this lady, or some other person of distinction, but with a tanner: by all his acts leading men to humility, neither suffering the mean to be ashamed, nor the great to be elated!
Teaching on the Proper Mourning – (see Homily 21, p 139-140)
- Tears have no place at miracles
- IF we understood the joy of death, we would not mourn
- Death of sinners is worthy of tears
- If we REALLY want to help sinners, do it now while they are still alive
- We should pray and offer alms for the dead.
Life Application – Perform your Alms with a Holy Purpose (Homily 21, p 140-141)
- The greatness of alms is not in the quantity by purpose
- Oblations for the dead benefit both the dead AND us
- It is a great honor to be named in the presence of God