Acts 9:31-35
 
Acts 9:31 (KJB)
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
 
Once Saul was dispatched to Tarsus, the churches then had rest in all of Israel. It was time for learning and growing in the faith. They were able to continue learning because with no persecution going on at this point, they were able to grow in their studies of the Scriptures and were walking in obedience to the Lord and that was resulting in the comfort and encouragement of the Holy Spirit. This time of peace had also allowed many other congregations to be formed. It seems that both the region around Galilee and Samaria were well evangelized at this time.
 
Acts 9:32 (KJB)
And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
 
Peter was now able to leave the city of Jerusalem since there was now peace from all the persecution. He had now gone to visit the Saints in Lydda which was about 25 miles (40 KM) northwest of Jerusalem. Peter had visited all the areas they had evangelized which would have included Galilee and Samaria.
 
Acts 9:33 (KJB)
And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
 
While Peter was in Lydda he came across a man named Aeneas which means “praise.” He had been a paralytic for eight years. The term “palsy” is an old word meaning “paralysis.” Jesus had never avoided a case like this and neither did Peter as he was the instrument that Christ used to heal the lame man at the Gate Beautiful at the Temple. When someone is paralyzed for 8 years, it is likely that friends and family would give up any notion that they will get any better. It is just like those who are unsaved for 40 or 50 years, and many think that it is too late to save them but that mindset is proven wrong all the time.
 
Acts 9:34 (KJB)
And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
 
Peter then speaks to the man with the confidence of the Lord exuding from him. Peter tells the man that Jesus Christ heals him. Peter then commands him to arise and to make his bed. When one is finished sleeping, they make their bed. Peter is basically telling this man to make his bed because he will not be using it in the same manner anymore because he will be able to walk. The man then arose immediately. He didn’t wait around for a second command. He got up from his bed of infirmity.
 
Acts 9:35 (KJB)
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
 
Just as in the miracle at the Temple, people saw this miracle of healing and had believed and turned to the Lord. Not only was this miracle known in the town of Lydda but also the entire Plain of Sharon which was on the west coast of Israel had now become aware of this miracle and as a result many who saw and knew this man had become saved by turning to the Lord. The nation of Israel was becoming very evangelized at this time with just a minimum of Christians doing the evangelism. Never believe that idea that because you are just one, you do not count.

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