I'm always struck by the difference between the Peter of the gospels and the Peter of Acts. The difference is the completed work of Christ on earth, and the sending of the Holy Spirit. Peter’s antics in the gospels are well known. The transformed Peter was a different animal entirely – a leader, a preacher, and a healer. It’s testament to the power of Christ’s redemption and the power of the Holy Spirit for those who accept that redemption and give themselves over to God.
Acts 9:32-42
32 As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda.
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed.
34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed." He got up at once.
35 And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated means Dorcas). She was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving.
37 Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid (her) out in a room upstairs.
38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay."
39 So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them.
40 Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, "Tabitha, rise up." She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up.
41 He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive.
42 This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord.
