And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

ACTS 9:35KJV
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Acts 9:35 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:35 mean?

Acts 9:35 describes how everyone living in the towns of Lydda and Saron saw the man who had been healed and, as a result, turned to the Lord. The verse highlights the widespread impact of this healing, showing that it led many people in those areas to believe in and follow Jesus.

In the context of Acts 9, Peter has just healed a paralyzed man named Aeneas in Lydda. The news of this miracle spreads quickly, and the people who witness or hear about it respond by turning to the Lord. This verse emphasizes how visible acts of healing served as powerful signs that led entire communities to faith in the early days of the church.

The Greek behind Acts 9:35

  • "ἐπέστρεψαν" (epestrepsan, translated "turned"): This Greek word often means to turn back or to change direction, and in this context, it carries the sense of turning toward God or converting. It suggests a decisive change in belief or allegiance.
  • "Κύριον" (Kurion, translated "the Lord"): This word refers specifically to the Lord, a title for Jesus in Acts. Its use here shows that the people were not just becoming religious but were specifically turning to Jesus as Lord.
  • "εἶδον" (eidon, translated "saw"): This word means to see or perceive. The idea is that the people did not just hear about the healing—they witnessed it, which made the impact even stronger.

Why Acts 9:35 matters

  • Acts 9:35 shows that the miracles performed by the apostles were not just for the benefit of individuals but had a ripple effect, leading whole communities to faith.
  • The verse clarifies that the response was not limited to a few people but included "all" who lived in those regions, emphasizing the scale of the impact.
  • This moment connects to the wider narrative in Acts, where the spread of the gospel is often linked to visible demonstrations of God's power, helping explain how the early church grew so rapidly.

Where else these words appear

“Lydda” Greek G3069 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 9:32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
  • 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.

“turned” Greek G1994 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
  • Luke 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
  • Acts 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

“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?

“and” Greek G3748 · used in 148 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • John 8:53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
  • Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,