This became known all over JoppaJoppa, known today as Jaffa, is an ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast, significant in biblical history. It was the port from which Jonah attempted to flee from God's command (
Jonah 1:3). In
Acts 9, the miracle of raising Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead by Peter became widely known in this city. The spread of this news highlights the early church's reliance on signs and wonders to authenticate the message of the Gospel. The miracle served as a testament to the power of God working through the apostles, reinforcing the truth of the resurrection and the authority of Jesus Christ.
and many people believed in the Lord
The phrase indicates a significant turning point for the inhabitants of Joppa. The miracle led to a spiritual awakening, as many turned to faith in Jesus Christ. This reflects the pattern seen throughout Acts, where signs and wonders often lead to conversions (Acts 2:41,Acts 4:4). The belief in the Lord here is not just intellectual assent but a transformative faith that acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah and Savior. This event also underscores the fulfillment of Jesus' promise that His followers would do greater works (John 14:12), as the apostles continued His ministry on earth. The growth of the early church in Joppa is a testament to the power of the Gospel to transcend cultural and religious barriers, drawing people from diverse backgrounds into the faith.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JoppaAn ancient port city on the Mediterranean Sea, known today as Jaffa, part of modern-day Tel Aviv. It was a significant location for trade and cultural exchange, and it played a crucial role in the early spread of Christianity.
2.
PeterOne of Jesus' twelve apostles, who performed the miracle of raising Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) from the dead, which led to many in Joppa believing in the Lord.
3.
Tabitha/DorcasA disciple in Joppa known for her good works and acts of charity. Her resurrection by Peter was a pivotal event that demonstrated the power of God and led to many conversions.
4.
The LordRefers to Jesus Christ, whose power and message were being spread through the apostles' works and miracles.
5.
The MiracleThe resurrection of Tabitha, which was a testament to the power of God working through Peter and served as a catalyst for faith in the community.
Teaching Points
The Power of TestimonyThe miracle in Joppa became widely known, leading many to believe. Our testimonies of God's work in our lives can have a powerful impact on others.
Faith and WorksTabitha was known for her good works, which complemented her faith. As believers, we are called to live out our faith through acts of love and service.
The Role of MiraclesMiracles in the early church served to authenticate the message of the Gospel. While we may not always witness miracles, the transformative power of the Gospel remains evident in changed lives.
Community ImpactThe event in Joppa shows how a single act of God's power can influence an entire community. We should seek to be vessels through which God can work to impact those around us.
Belief in the LordThe ultimate goal of the apostles' ministry was to lead people to faith in Jesus. Our lives should similarly point others to Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Acts 9:42?
2.How does Acts 9:42 demonstrate the power of witnessing in evangelism?
3.What role does faith play in the events described in Acts 9:42?
4.How can we apply the example of Acts 9:42 in our community today?
5.What connections exist between Acts 9:42 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
6.How does Acts 9:42 encourage us to share testimonies of God's work in our lives?
7.How does Acts 9:42 demonstrate the power of faith in Jesus?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in Acts 9:42?
9.How does Acts 9:42 influence the understanding of miracles in Christianity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 9?
11.Who was Dorcas in the Bible?
12.What is Joppa's significance in the Bible?
13.Who was Cornelius in the Bible?
14.What is Joppa's significance in the Bible?What Does Acts 9:42 Mean
This became knownActs 9:42 opens with, “This became known…,” pointing back to Peter’s raising of Tabitha (Acts 9:36-41). News of God’s power does not stay hidden.
• Similar moments: the crowd spread word of Jesus resurrecting the widow’s son (Luke 7:16-17) and of Lazarus (John 12:17-18).
• Each time, the miracle itself is real and historical, serving God’s purpose of revealing His glory (John 11:4).
• Scripture consistently shows that testimony—whether of the shepherds (Luke 2:17) or of the healed demoniac (Mark 5:20)—is God’s chosen vehicle for spreading truth.
all over JoppaThe reach is city-wide: “…all over Joppa….”
• Joppa, a major port (Jonah 1:3;2 Chronicles 2:16), teemed with travelers, making it strategic for the gospel.
• God often stages His works where they will ripple outward: Pentecost drew nations to Jerusalem (Acts 2:5-11), and the Ethiopian eunuch carried the message southward (Acts 8:27-39).
• Peter remains in Joppa afterward (Acts 9:43), underscoring the city’s importance in the unfolding mission (Acts 10).
and many people believedThe result: “…and many people believed….”
• Miracles validate the messenger (Hebrews 2:3-4), but belief rests on hearing the word (Romans 10:17). Peter’s message always directs attention to Christ, not to himself (Acts 3:12-16).
• Earlier patterns—3,000 at Pentecost (Acts 2:41), 5,000 at Solomon’s Colonnade (Acts 4:4)—show that God multiplies faith through public witness.
• Belief here is genuine, evidenced later by a thriving church that hosts Peter (Acts 9:43) and welcomes Cornelius’s messengers (Acts 10:5-6).
in the LordSaving faith is fixed “in the Lord.”
• The phrase centers belief on the risen Jesus (Acts 2:36;1 Corinthians 12:3).
• It signals repentance and surrender, echoing Paul’s later summary: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
• By tethering faith to the Lord, Luke distinguishes true conversion from mere amazement at miracles (John 2:23-25).
summaryThe raising of Tabitha became public knowledge, spread throughout a strategic port city, and led many to authentic faith in Jesus. God orchestrated the miracle, the publicity, and the belief, demonstrating again that He uses visible acts of power to point people to the invisible yet living Lord who saves all who trust in Him.
(42)
Many believed in the Lord.--Here the word is obviously used definitely for the Lord Jesus as the specific object of their faith.
Verse 42.- It became known for
it was known, A.V.;
on for
in, A.V. As in ver. 35, the result of the healing of the palsied man at Lydda was that very many "turned to the Lord," so here the like effect was produced at Joppa by the restoration of Dorcas to life.
Many believed on the Lord. And St. John tells us (
John 20:31) that the very purpose of the record which he wrote of the miracles of Christ is "that
we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing
we may have life in his Name."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[This] becameἐγένετο(egeneto)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.knownΓνωστὸν(Gnōston)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1110:Known, an acquaintance. From ginosko; well-known.allὅλης(holēs)Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3650:All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; 'whole' or 'all', i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb.overκαθ’(kath’)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).Joppa,Ἰόππης(Ioppēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2445:Joppa, a coast town of Judea, west-north-west of Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Joppe, a place in Palestine.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.many [people]πολλοὶ(polloi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.believedἐπίστευσαν(episteusan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4100:From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.inἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Lord.Κύριον(Kyrion)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.
Links
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Acts 9:42 BibleApps.comActs 9:42 Biblia ParalelaActs 9:42 Chinese BibleActs 9:42 French BibleActs 9:42 Catholic Bible
NT Apostles: Acts 9:42 And it became known throughout all Joppa (Acts of the Apostles Ac) 
