And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

ACTS 9:32KJV
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Acts 9:32 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:32 mean?

Acts 9:32 describes how Peter, one of Jesus’ main apostles, traveled through different regions and visited the believers—called “saints”—who lived in the town of Lydda. This verse sets the stage for what Peter will do next among these early followers of Jesus.

The book of Acts is telling the story of the early Christian movement after Jesus’ resurrection. Here, the focus shifts to Peter as he moves from place to place, caring for and encouraging groups of Christians. “Saints” in this context refers to ordinary believers, not special figures, and Lydda was a real town northwest of Jerusalem.

The Greek behind Acts 9:32

  • “Saints” (ἅγιοι, hagioi) means “holy ones” or “set apart ones.” In Acts, this word is used for all followers of Jesus, not just a select few, showing that every believer was considered part of God’s special people.
  • “Passed throughout” (διερχόμενον, dierchomenon) carries the sense of traveling through or going from place to place. This highlights Peter’s active role in visiting and supporting various Christian communities.
  • “Dwelt” (κατοικοῦντας, katoikountas) means “living” or “residing.” The verse is clear that there was an established group of believers living in Lydda, not just passing through.

Why Acts 9:32 matters

  • Acts 9:32 shows that the early Christian movement was spreading beyond Jerusalem, with leaders like Peter visiting and strengthening believers in other towns.
  • The use of “saints” for ordinary Christians helps clarify that all followers of Jesus were viewed as set apart, not just church leaders or famous figures.
  • This verse connects to the following stories in Acts, where Peter performs miracles in Lydda and nearby areas, showing how the message and power of Jesus continued to reach new places through his followers.

Where else these words appear

“Lydda” Greek G3069 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 9:35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
  • Acts 9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

“down” Greek G2718 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 4:31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
  • Acts 12:19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
  • Acts 18:22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.

“as” Greek G1330 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
  • Acts 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

“dwelt” Greek G2730 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
  • Acts 7:48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
  • James 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?