Acts 9:32-42 - Peter Raises Dorcas from Death

Summary

Peter goes to Lydda where he heals Aeneas, a paralyzed man, and raises Dorcas from the dead.

Analysis

This passage marks the first time in Luke-Acts that anyone other than Jesus raises another human being from death. The passage establishes even more profoundly that God's power to save is granted to Jesus' followers by Jesus through the Spirit. It also establishes Peter as the most trustworthy leader in the community. In scenes to come, it will be Peter who makes the move to include Gentiles, not only among the baptized, but also in the community that eats and prays together. Establishing Peter as trustworthy and Spirit-filled is the necessary precursor to the passages that follow this one.