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SAUL SENT TO TARSUS

Act 9:30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him
forth to Tarsus.

Just as the believers had at Damascus, the believers at Jerusalem now help Saul escape with his
life.

Act 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were
edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were
multiplied.

This was the immediate purpose for Saul’s conversion. The chief leader of the persecution is
now a believer and the Jews have to go home, lick their wounds, and regroup. During this time
there is great peace in the body of Christ and souls are won and discipled with little or no
persecution.

9:31 comfort, paraklesis (par-ak-lay-sis); A calling alongside to help, to comfort, to give
consolation or encouragement. The paraklete is a strengthening presence, one who
upholds those appealing for assistance. Paraklesis (comfort) can come to us both by the
Holy Spirit (verse 31) and by the Scriptures (Romans 15:4).

AENEAS AND TABITHA (32-43)

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

Lydda is the same place as Lud in 1 Chronicles 1:17.

Act 9:33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years,
and was sick of the palsy.

Aeneas has been paralyzed for eight years and is bedfast. Since verse 32 says Peter passed
through and came to the “saints” at Lydda, it seems Aeneas is already a believer.

Act 9:34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy
bed. And he arose immediately.

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh (Greek: has made) thee whole: arise, and
make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

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