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 9:38KJV
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Acts 9:38 (KJV)

What 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.

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 9:35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

“Joppa” Greek G2445 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
  • Acts 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
  • Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

“nigh” Greek G1451 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
  • Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

“come” 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.