Jesus Is Alive and at Work — Acts 9:32–43
Oct 20, 2026 16
What do Peter’s miracles show us? In Acts 9:32–43, they point beyond Peter to Jesus Christ, who is alive and at work.
Acts 9:34
[34] And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. (ESV)
Peter is travelling around, visiting believers. In Lydda, he meets Aeneas, who has been paralysed and bedridden for eight years. Peter’s words make clear where the healing comes from: “Jesus Christ heals you.”
Peter isn’t the one with the power to bring healing. The miracle points to Jesus, the risen Lord. The same Jesus who was put to death on the cross has been raised, and he is still at work.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
In Joppa, Peter meets Tabitha, a disciple known for doing good and helping the poor. She becomes ill and dies. Peter kneels and prays, then says, “Tabitha, arise.” She opens her eyes, and Peter presents her alive to the believers and widows who are gathered there.
Acts 9:42
[42] And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. (ESV)
The signs point beyond themselves. Aeneas’s healing and Tabitha’s return to life show that Jesus is alive. And people turn to him.
These miracles are not about making Peter look impressive. He is the one who denied Jesus three times. The power belongs to Jesus. The signs point to the risen Christ and call people to believe.
The Good News is…
The healings in Lydda and Joppa point us to the risen Jesus, who is still at work calling people to himself. He died on the cross for our sins, but God raised him from the dead. Jesus is alive, and everyone who turns to him can find forgiveness, life, and hope.
Like and share so others can see Jesus clearly.
Further reading: Acts 9:32–43
Reflection
What do these signs show you about Jesus? How might you respond to him today?
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited