And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

ACTS 9:42KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 9:42 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:42 mean?

Acts 9:42 reports that news about what happened in Joppa spread widely, and as a result, many people came to believe in the Lord. The verse highlights the impact of a public event that led to a significant number of new believers in Jesus.

Acts 9:42 comes right after the account of Peter raising Tabitha (also called Dorcas) from the dead in the town of Joppa. The people of Joppa witnessed or heard about this miracle, and the story quickly became known throughout the whole city. The verse notes that this event led many to put their faith in the Lord, showing how such signs could draw people to believe in Jesus during the early days of the church.

The Greek behind Acts 9:42

  • γνωστόν (gnōston, "known"): This word means something that became public or widely recognized. The verse emphasizes that the news about Tabitha’s resurrection was not kept secret but became common knowledge in Joppa.
  • ἐπίστευσαν (episteusan, "believed"): This Greek word is often understood as putting trust or faith in someone. Here, it refers to many people in Joppa deciding to trust in the Lord because of what they heard or saw.
  • κύριον (kurion, "Lord"): In this context, "the Lord" refers specifically to Jesus. The use of this title shows the early Christian belief in Jesus’ authority and divinity.

Why Acts 9:42 matters

  • Acts 9:42 clarifies that the miracles performed by the apostles, like Peter raising Tabitha, were not just private events but had a wide-reaching effect, leading to many new believers.
  • The verse connects the miracle to its purpose: not just to help one person, but to point many people to faith in Jesus.
  • Acts 9:42 helps the reader see how the early Christian message spread, not only through preaching but also through powerful acts that caught the attention of entire communities.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“known” Greek G1110 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
  • Acts 1:19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
  • Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

“all” Greek G3650 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Mark 15:16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
  • Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren: