Acts 9:23-43

Modern English Version

Saul Escapes from the Jews

²³ After many days had passed, the Jews arranged to kill him. ²⁴ But their scheme was known by Saul. They watched the gates day and night to kill him. ²⁵ But the disciples took him by night, and lowered him in a basket through the wall.

Saul in Jerusalem

²⁶ When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples. But they all feared him, not believing he was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him, and led him to the apostles, and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had boldly preached in Damascus in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ So he stayed with them while coming in and going out of Jerusalem. ²⁹ And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists. But they tried to kill him. ³⁰ When the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus.

³¹ Then the churches throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and were built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

The Healing of Aeneas

³² As Peter passed through every region, he came down also to the saints who lived in Lydda. ³³ There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. ³⁴ Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Rise up and make your bed.” And immediately he rose up. ³⁵ All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

Dorcas Restored to Life

³⁶ In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and almsgiving. ³⁷ In those days she became ill and died. And when they had washed her, they placed her in an upper room. ³⁸ Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, pleading, “Do not delay to come to us.”

³⁹ Peter rose up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

⁴⁰ Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. ⁴¹ He gave her his hand and lifted her up. And when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. ⁴² It became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. ⁴³ He remained in Joppa for many days with Simon, a tanner.