The Sunday School

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 18, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 11.

The Sunday School

International Series

LESSON I.—SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 1897.

Peter Working Miracles.

NOTE.—The lessons of the present quarter will take up portions of the Acts, Romans, James, and 2 Timothy. The time of this lesson is probably about A.D. 40. This is accounted for by the fact that during the years 39 and 40 A.D., Petronius, the governor of Syria, was attempting to set up the statue of the emperor Caligula in the temple at Jerusalem. This caused great consternation among the Jews, and so filled their minds with their own affairs that they had little time to persecute the Christians, which would account for the rest which the church enjoyed at this time, as mentioned in the verse preceding the present lesson scripture. The Jews declared that they would never submit to such an outrage as that contemplated by Petronius, and made such a demonstration that the project was finally dropped. The church was enjoying rest, but it was not the rest of indolence or drowsiness. It was a rest by which they were “edified” and their numbers “multiplied.”

Lesson Scripture, Acts 9:32-43, R. V.

32 “And it came to pass, as Peter went throughout all parts, 33 he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Æneas, which had kept 34 his bed eight years; for he was palsied. And Peter said unto him, Æneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee; arise, and make thy 35 bed. And straightway he arose. And all that dwelt at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. 36 “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas; this woman was full 37 of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she fell sick, and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And as Lydda was nigh unto Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men unto him, intreating him, 39 Delay not to come on unto us. And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, 40 while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw 41 Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her 42 alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa; and many 43 believed on the Lord. And it came to pass, that he abode many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.”

Golden Text.—“Jesus Christ maketh thee whole.” Acts 9:34.

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.

(1) In what work was Peter engaged? Verse 32, first part. (2) In pursuing this work what city did he reach? Ib., last clause. (3) Whom did he find at Lydda? Verse 33, first part. (4) What was his condition? Ib., last part. Note 2. (5) What statement and command did Peter address to him? Verse 34, first part. (6) What did he do? Ib., last clause. Note 3. (7) To how many did this miraculous cure become known? Verse 35, first part. (8) What effect did it have upon their attitude toward Christianity? Ib., last clause. (9) What noted woman was living at Joppa? Verse 36, first part. (10) What is recorded of her life? Ib., last clause. Note 4. (11) What befell this good woman? Verse 37, first part. (12) What disposition was made of her body? Ib., last part. (13) What gave hope to the friends of Dorcas? Verse 38, first part. (14) What request did they send to Peter? Ib., last part. Note 5. (15) What did Peter do? Verse 39, first clause. (16) On going into the upper chamber, what did Peter find? Ib., last part. (17) What worthy tribute were the widows paying to her memory? Ib. Note 6. (18) Having put them all out of the room, what did Peter do? Verse 40, first part. Note 7. (19) What was the result of Peter’s prayer? Ib., last part, and verse 41. (20) To what extent did the news of this restoration to life spread? Verse 42, first clause. (21) What was the result of the miracle? Ib., last clause. (22) With whom did Peter tarry while in Joppa? Verse 43. Note 8.

NOTES.

1. Passed throughout all quarters.—The persecution of the early Christians had scattered them abroad, and they went everywhere preaching the Gospel. As a result of this work churches were raised up in various quarters, and Peter was now engaged in the work of confirming them. Lydda was the Lud mentioned in the Old Testament, situated about a day’s journey northwest of Jerusalem, and was a city of considerable size.

2. Sick of the palsy.—The length of time which this man had suffered from the incurable disease made the miraculous nature of his cure more evident. The word “palsy” was used by the ancient physicians to include not only paralysis, but also catalepsy and tetanus, which are very painful and dangerous.

3. Maketh thee whole.—This condition of wholeness meant a perfect healing from all diseases; a restoration to perfect health. There was no hesitancy on the part of the former palsied man. The words which Peter spoke to him had in them the power of God. He felt that power, realized the change which was worked in him, and “immediately” obeyed the command.

4. Full of good works.—The life of this good woman was true Christianity truly lived out. Her special work seemed to have been in making garments for the poor widows, who, in that country, were a most unfortunate class. It was real home missionary work, Christian help work. The poorest of the poor were not below her attention. Praise is frequently given by the nobles and the wealthy, and seems an important thing at the time; but the praise of the common people is a praise that lives. The person who would be full of good deeds must be constantly giving out such deeds.

5. Desiring that he would not delay.—Lydda was nigh to Joppa, about nine or ten miles away, or about two hours’ journey. The friends of Dorcas desired that there should be no delay, lest decay should set in before Peter arrived.

6. Showing the coats and garments.—The form of the original word here indicates that the coats and garments which they showed as evidence of the good works of Dorcas were upon themselves. They were wearing them at the time. The original also indicates that it was her custom to make these garments for the poor.

7. Put them all forth.—In thus doing Peter followed the example set by the Master when he raised Jairus’ daughter. He desired an uninterrupted season of prayer, that he might concentrate his mind upon the will of the Lord. It was in keeping with the occasion that he should be alone with the subject of his prayer.

8. Simon, a tanner.—“The trade of a tanner was held as abominable by the Jews. A wife, it is said, could claim a divorce from a husband who became a tanner.”—Cambridge Bible. While we can not say just what reasons Peter had for taking up his abode where he did, it certainly shows that he was departing from the Jewish customs and traditions which were incompatible with the spirit of Christianity. The Gospel and true Gospel workers are no respecters of persons.