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Unlikely Leaders

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    The Gospel Goes to the Gentiles

    This chapter is based on Acts 9:32 to 11:18.

    In his ministry at Lydda, Peter healed Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and confined to his bed for eight years. “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you,” the apostle said. “Arise and make your bed.” “He arose immediately. So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.”ULe 50.1

    At Joppa, near Lydda, lived a woman named Dorcas, a worthy disciple of Jesus. She filled her life with acts of kindness. She knew who needed comfortable clothing and who needed sympathy, and she ministered freely to the poor and sorrowful. Her skillful fingers were more active than her tongue.ULe 50.2

    “But it happened in those days that she became sick and died.” Hearing that Peter was at Lydda, the believers sent messengers to him, “imploring him not to delay in coming to them. ... When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them.”ULe 50.3

    The apostle’s heart was touched with sympathy. Then, directing that the weeping friends leave the room, he knelt down and prayed for God to restore Dorcas to life. Turning to the body, he said, “‘Tabitha, arise.’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.” God saw fit to bring her back from the land of the enemy so that her skill and energy could still be a blessing to others.ULe 50.4

    While Peter was still at Joppa, he was called by God to take the gospel to Cornelius in Caesarea. This Roman centurion had been born to a noble family, and he held a position of honor. He had gained a knowledge of God from the Jews, and he worshiped Him with a true heart. He was widely known for his good deeds and righteous life. The Bible describes him as “a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.” He worshiped God and prayed in his home, for he did not dare to attempt to carry out his plans or to bear his responsibilities without God’s help.ULe 50.5

    Though Cornelius believed the prophecies, he had no knowledge of the gospel as revealed in the life and death of Christ. But the same Holy Watcher who said about Abraham, “I know him,” knew Cornelius and sent a message direct from heaven to him.ULe 50.6

    The angel appeared to him while he was praying. As the centurion heard himself addressed by name, he said, “What is it, lord?” The angel answered, “Send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” The angel even gave the occupation of the man with whom Peter was staying! Heaven knows all about the history and business of human beings, with the experience and work of the humble laborer as well as with that of the king on his throne.ULe 51.1

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