David Hathaway

In Acts 9, Peter encountered a man named Aeneas who had been paralysed for eight years. Recognising his need, Peter did not anoint him with oil or lay hands on him. Instead, he simply declared, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Immediately, Aeneas got up. There was no gradual recovery, no delay; the healing was instantaneous. The miracle demonstrated the power and authority of Jesus Christ working through His servant. Later in the same chapter, we read of another remarkable miracle. A faithful believer named Tabitha (also called Dorcas) had died. Peter sent all the mourners out of the room, then knelt down and prayed. Only after praying did he turn to the body and say, “Tabitha, arise.” At once she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. These miracles remind us that the power displayed was not Peter's own. He acted in complete dependence on the Lord, speaking and acting in faith as the Holy Spirit directed him. The same Jesus who healed the sick and raised the dead durin