What can we learn from the disciples' faith in Acts 9:38? Text of Acts 9:38 “Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to implore him, ‘Come to us without delay.’” Setting the Scene Tabitha (Dorcas) has died in Joppa. Instead of preparing only for burial, the believers send for Peter, whom God has been using powerfully (Acts 9:32–35). Their action is the spark that leads to Tabitha’s resurrection (Acts 9:40–41). What the Disciples’ Faith Looked Like • They acted immediately—“without delay.” • They sent two men, showing organized, united effort. • They believed God still had something to say even after death had spoken. • They recognized and honored the ministry God had entrusted to Peter. • They refused to be paralyzed by grief; faith moved them to action. Lessons for Today 1. Faith Moves First • Like Jairus who “came and knelt before Him” when his daughter was dying (Matthew 9:18–19), these disciples took decisive steps. • True faith is kinetic; it refuses to sit on its hands (James 2:17). 2. Faith Refuses to Put Limits on God • They sought help after the finality of death—echoing Jesus’ words, “Only believe” (Mark 5:36). • “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14) becomes a lived conviction. 3. Faith Honors God-Ordained Leadership • Calling Peter mirrors the pattern, “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders…” (James 5:14). • They recognized God works through human vessels (Acts 3:6–8). 4. Faith Functions in Community • The church at Joppa acted together. Collective faith amplifies courage (Matthew 18:19–20). • Shared burdens forge stronger hope (Galatians 6:2). 5. Faith Acts with Urgency • “Without delay” reveals a heart convinced that every moment matters (Ephesians 5:16). • Hesitation often partners with unbelief; urgency partners with expectation. Practical Applications • When crisis strikes, rally believing friends and take immediate, prayer-soaked action. • Refuse to accept apparent finality as the last word; God often writes surprise endings. • Seek help from trusted, Spirit-filled leaders without embarrassment or procrastination. • Stand together; where faith is shared, hope multiplies. • Cultivate an expectation that God can redeem even the most irreversible situations. Takeaway The disciples in Joppa teach us that genuine faith is active, expectant, communal, respectful of God-given authority, and urgently engaged. Emulating their response positions us to witness the same resurrection power at work in our own generations (Ephesians 1:19–20). |
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