32 Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. 35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas.[d] She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics[e] and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, 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. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. (ESV)

These two little cameos from Peter’s roving ministry are so like the gospel stories. They have that feel, that atmosphere and tone. Jesus is alive and still ‘doing’ and ‘teaching’, with the same sort of impact The ministry of Jesus continues through people like Peter, and other followers. But it’s still Christ’s ministry. The ‘Tabitha story feels so much like that of Jairus’s daughter.

Notice again the importance of the one. Ministry to individuals leads to wider impact.

‘John Stott in his book “The Contemporary Christian” writes:  The Book of Acts has a central figure.  It is not Paul, nor the other disciples.  It is the Holy Spirit who is the central actor in the book of Acts, demonstrating God’s power through the apostles.’ Clarence Eisberg

PRAYER: Lord, in your grace and mercy, please take me and use me in the story you are writing, for your glory.