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.
ACTS 9:38KJVWhat does Acts 9:38 mean?
Acts 9:38 describes how, because the town of Lydda was close to Joppa, the disciples in Joppa sent two men to ask Peter to come quickly to them after hearing he was nearby. The verse shows the disciples’ urgent desire for Peter’s presence and help.
The setting is in the early days of the Christian movement, after Jesus’ resurrection. Peter, one of Jesus’ main followers, was staying in Lydda when believers in Joppa heard about his presence. The disciples in Joppa sent two men to Peter, asking him not to delay, because they needed his help—this request sets up the story of Peter raising Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead in the following verses.
The Greek behind Acts 9:38
- The word "disciples" (μαθηταί, mathētai) refers specifically to followers or learners of Jesus, showing that the Christian community was already established in Joppa.
- The word "desiring" (παρακαλοῦντες, parakalountes) is often understood as "urging" or "pleading," which emphasizes the strong sense of need and urgency in their request to Peter.
- The phrase "not delay" (μὴ ὀκνήσῃς, mē oknēsēs) carries the sense of not hesitating or wasting time, highlighting how important and immediate the situation was for the disciples.
Why Acts 9:38 matters
- Acts 9:38 highlights the close connections between early Christian communities and their reliance on key leaders like Peter for support and miracles.
- The urgency in the disciples’ request reveals their faith in Peter’s ability to help, setting the stage for the significant miracle that follows.
- This verse connects the stories of Lydda and Joppa, showing how news about the apostles spread quickly and how their presence was highly valued among believers.