It’s easy to look at all the news of the day and lament our world’s seemingly endless descent into darkness. The fallen nature of our world and our flesh is a continual reminder that things are not the way they should be. Whether we are talking about worldwide conflicts, a degrading sinful culture, or the ordinary trials and tribulations each of us experiences in this life, things are not the way they should be.
In Acts 9:31-43, now that Saul has been shipped off to Tarsus, Luke turns our focus back to the Apostle Peter and the continuing works that Jesus is doing through him. The end of Acts 9 records two seemingly isolated miracles that eventually lead Peter to preach to Cornelius the Roman Centurion (in chapter 10). Acts 9:31-43 show us a paralytic being healed and a woman who passed away being raised back to life. We will examine these miracles and ask, "Why are they here?" "Why does the Spirit inspire Luke to record these specific miracles for the reader?" As we examine the text, we will see that Luke’s point is to show us how the church was being built up and multiplying (Acts 9:31). The response to both miracles is that many people believe in Jesus and turn to the Lord. Acts 9:31-43 teaches us something that we desperately need to remember in troubling times. Jesus is still working through His people and the kingdom of God is indeed breaking in. Despite the fallen world and the ever growing darkness, the words of Christ are true today: "on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell won’t prevail against it." The kingdom of God is here - and it is also coming in its fullness. Jesus is building His church and the instrument He has chosen to use...is you!
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