31So the assembly throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it was multiplying. [9:32] Now it came about that Peter, passing through all regions, came down also to the holy ones who lived at Lydda. [9:33] He found there a man named Aeneas who had lain on a bed for eight years — he was paralyzed. [9:34] Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Anointed heals you — rise and make your own bed." And immediately he rose. [9:35] All who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
ACT 9:31-35
The Healing of Aeneas
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st century, Lydda was a Jewish town in Judea, situated along a major trade route, making it a hub of activity. The mention of Aeneas, a paralyzed man lying on a (a simple mat or pallet), reflects the humble living conditions of many in this region. Paralysis was often seen as a divine punishment or a result of impurity, and such individuals were marginalized, relying on others for survival. Peter’s healing of Aeneas in Jesus’ name would have been understood as a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ authority over illness and impurity, challenging prevailing assumptions about divine retribution. The term here refers to the growing community of Jesus-followers, which was expanding beyond Jerusalem into Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, despite regional tensions. The use of (being built up) and (encouragement) suggests this community was strengthening internally through mutual support and the Holy Spirit’s work, even as it faced external pressures.
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How other translations render this
ACT 9:31
- KJV
- 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.
- BSB
- Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
- Koinōnos
- So the assembly throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it was multiplying.
ACT 9:32
- KJV
- And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
- BSB
- As Peter traveled throughout the area, he went to visit the saints in Lydda.
- Koinōnos
- Now it came about that Peter, passing through all regions, came down also to the holy ones who lived at Lydda.
ACT 9:33
- KJV
- And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
- BSB
- There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years.
- Koinōnos
- He found there a man named Aeneas who had lain on a bed for eight years — he was paralyzed.
ACT 9:34
- KJV
- And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
- BSB
- “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and put away your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up,
- Koinōnos
- Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Anointed heals you — rise and make your own bed." And immediately he rose.
ACT 9:35
- KJV
- And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
- BSB
- and all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
- Koinōnos
- All who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
ACT 9:31
- church:The word translated 'church' referred to a formally assembled gathering of citizens, often for civic or political purposes, not exclusively a religious body.
- being edified:The term translated 'being edified' literally means 'to build a house' or 'to build up,' suggesting a process of construction and strengthening, not just moral improvement.
- comfort:The word translated 'comfort' carried a broader sense of encouragement, exhortation, or even summoning someone to one's aid, not just soothing consolation.
ACT 9:33
- a bed:The word translated 'a bed' often referred to a simple, portable pallet or mat used for sleeping, rather than a more elaborate piece of furniture.