The Perspective & Pattern of Peter / Acts 9:31-43

Peter’s Gifting 32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all [quarters], he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Peter’s Gifting The apostles were unique in that they could perform sign gifts: miracles, healings, tongues, and interpretations of tongues.

Peter’s Gifting The apostles were unique in that they could perform sign gifts: miracles, healings, tongues, and interpretations of tongues. Mar 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him]; 4 God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Peter’s Gifting With the completion of God’s word, the sign gifts ceased 1Co 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

Peter’s Gifting Paul heals the crippled man in Lystra (Acts 14:10) Paul heals many people in Ephesus (Acts 19:12) Paul delivers the demonized girl in Philippi (Acts 16:18) Paul resurrects Eutychus after falling out of a window (Acts 20:9–10).

Peter’s Gifting Paul heals the crippled man in Lystra (Acts 14:10) Paul heals many people in Ephesus (Acts 19:12) Paul delivers the demonized girl in Philippi (Acts 16:18) Paul resurrects Eutychus after falling out of a window (Acts 20:9–10). Paul could not heal himself from the thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:8–9) Paul could not heal himself of the ailment in Galatia (Galatians 4:13–14). Paul couldn’t heal Timothy from his stomach ailments (1 Timothy 5:23) Paul couldn’t heal Epaphroditus from his deathly illness (Philippians 2:26–27) Paul couldn’t heal Trophimus when he left him in Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20).

Key Point #1 As long as the church has prayer, then there will be miracles and healings. (Jas 5:13)

Peter’s Focus Focused on Ministry 32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all [quarters], he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda 33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

Key Point #2 Any minister who desires to be used will be found busy serving.

Peter’s Focus Focused on Ministry Focused on Christ 34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole:

Peter’s Focus Focused on Ministry Focused on Christ 34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: 1Pe 4:11 If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Key Point #3 Any minister who desires to be used will focus on the glorification of Christ

Peter’s Focus Focused on Ministry Focused on Christ Focused on Healing ...arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Peter’s Focus Focused on Ministry Focused on Christ Focused on Healing ...arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. 1Co 9:19 For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. ... 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all [men], that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].

Key Point #4 Any minister who desires to be used will focus on the healing of people’s souls

Peter’s Heart to Go 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. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid [her] in an upper chamber. 38 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.

Peter’s Heart to Go 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. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid [her] in an upper chamber. 38 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. …39 Then Peter arose and went with them.

Key Point #5 A Mature Minister is never too busy to meet the pressing needs of others..

Peter’s Heart was to Listen 39b….When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

Peter’s Heart was to Listen Jhn 11:31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. 32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

Key Point #6 A Mature Minister desires to listen and empathize in order to understand.

Peter’s Heart was to Listen 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed;

Peter’s Heart was for Life 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning [him] to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her [his] hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

Peter’s Heart was for Life Mar 38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. 39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. 41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. 42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was [of the age] of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

Key Point #7 A Mature Minister sees the world in terms of life and death.

Peter’s Heart was for the Lost 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

Key Point #8 A Mature Minister exploits every opportunity to share the gospel.

Peter’s Heart Transcends Boundaries 43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Key Point #9 A Mature Minister doesn’t see people in worldly terms they see souls.

Peter’s Perspective and Pattern Peter was prone to serve the church and so should we. Peter was prone to glorify God and so should we Peter was prone to preach the gospel and so should we Peter was never too busy for people Peter listened and empathized with people’s pain Peter saw the world in terms of life and death Peter uses every opportunity to save souls Peter refused his natural bias to minister life