Acts 9:38 – “Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, ‘Please come at once!’”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse follows the death of Tabitha (Dorcas), a beloved disciple in Joppa who was known for her kindness and good works (Acts 9:36-37). After she passed away, the Christian community in Joppa faced a difficult moment. Instead of immediately burying her, as was the Jewish custom, they took an unusual step—they sent for Peter, who was in Lydda, a nearby town.

The disciples in Joppa sent two men with an urgent request: “Please come at once!” This suggests that they believed Peter could do something about the situation. While the Bible does not say exactly what they expected, their actions show a deep faith in God’s power. Whether they were hoping for comfort, guidance, or even a miracle, they knew they needed Peter’s presence.

This verse highlights the strong faith and unity of the early church. When tragedy struck, they didn’t just mourn alone—they acted in faith, seeking God’s help through one of His appointed leaders.

Historical Context

At this time, Christianity was still growing beyond Jerusalem and reaching surrounding areas like Judea, Samaria, and Galilee (Acts 9:31). Lydda was about 10 miles from Joppa, making it a short journey, even on foot. News about Peter’s miracles, including the healing of Aeneas in Lydda (Acts 9:32-35), would have spread quickly, so the believers in Joppa knew he was nearby.

Jewish burial customs required a quick burial, often within 24 hours of death. But instead of burying Tabitha immediately, they waited and called for Peter. This delay suggests they had hope that something miraculous could happen. It also shows that Peter was already recognized as a leader through whom God was working powerfully.

This event also mirrors how people responded to Jesus in times of crisis. When Lazarus was sick, his sisters sent word to Jesus (John 11:3), hoping for His help. Likewise, the believers in Joppa reached out to Peter, believing that God’s power was still at work through His followers.

Theological Implications

1. Faith Leads to Action – The disciples in Joppa didn’t just grieve; they acted in faith by seeking Peter. Faith is not just belief—it leads to action.
2. God Works Through His People – Peter was not a miracle worker on his own, but God used him as an instrument of His power.
3. The Church Is a Community of Support – Instead of facing their sorrow alone, the believers sought help from a spiritual leader, showing the importance of Christian fellowship.
4. God’s Timing Is Perfect – The fact that Peter was nearby was no coincidence. God was positioning people at the right place and time for His purpose.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, is known for giving specific geographical details, which helps readers understand the movement of the gospel. Here, he mentions that Lydda was near Joppa, showing the urgency of the situation and why the disciples acted quickly.

The phrase “Please come at once!” in Greek is a strong request, showing desperation and urgency. The wording mirrors similar pleas made to Jesus when people sought healing or miracles. This builds anticipation for what will happen next—God’s power is about to be displayed through Peter in an incredible way.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 9:32-35 – Peter had just healed a paralyzed man in Lydda, which likely encouraged the believers to call for him.
• John 11:3 – Lazarus’ sisters sent for Jesus when he was sick, showing a similar faith in God’s power.
• Matthew 8:5-7 – A Roman centurion urgently asks Jesus to heal his servant, showing that faith often leads to bold requests.
• James 5:14-15 – The early church believed in calling spiritual leaders to pray over those in need.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Faith Requires Boldness – When we face hardship, do we seek God with urgency like the believers in Joppa?
2. The Church Is Stronger Together – The disciples in Joppa didn’t suffer alone; they relied on each other and called for help. We should also lean on fellow believers in difficult times.
3. God Places People in the Right Places at the Right Time – Peter was nearby for a reason. Likewise, God positions people in our lives to help us in ways we may not immediately see.
4. God Is Not Limited by Circumstances – Even in the face of death, the believers still sought God’s intervention. We should never underestimate what God can do.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He provides help in times of crisis. He had already positioned Peter close by, ensuring that the believers in Joppa had someone to turn to. This shows that God is always working behind the scenes to provide what His people need.

God’s love is also reflected in how He cares about the grief of His people. Just as Jesus wept when Lazarus died (John 11:35), God sees and understands our pain. The events in Joppa remind us that He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18) and that even in loss, His power and presence remain.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus Is the Source of Hope – Just as people sought Jesus for healing, they now sought Peter, who carried Jesus’ power.
• Jesus Has Authority Over Life and Death – Peter would later raise Tabitha in Jesus’ name (Acts 9:40), proving that Christ’s power was still at work.
• Jesus Works Through His Followers – Peter’s ministry reflected the ongoing mission of Jesus, showing that His work didn’t stop after the resurrection.
• Jesus Calls Us to Rely on Him in Every Crisis – When faced with difficulty, we should respond as the disciples did—urgently seeking the Lord’s help.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. When you face a crisis, do you act in faith like the believers in Joppa, or do you try to handle things alone?
2. How can this story encourage you to reach out to others for spiritual support in difficult times?
3. Do you believe that God still works through people today, just as He worked through Peter? Why or why not?
4. How have you seen God’s perfect timing at work in your life?
5. What are some ways you can strengthen your church community by being there for others in their time of need?

This verse reminds us that God is always working, even in our darkest moments. The believers in Joppa didn’t let grief paralyze them—they acted in faith, seeking the power of God. Their story challenges us to do the same, trusting that God is near, His people are never alone, and His power is still at work today.