King James Version

What Does Acts 9:35 Mean?

Acts 9:35 in the King James Version says “And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.”

Acts 9:35 · KJV

Context

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.

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. Dorcas: or, Doe, or, Roe

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. The widespread witness to Aeneas's healing produced mass conversions, demonstrating how miracles serve evangelistic purposes when accompanied by faithful proclamation.

All that dwelt suggests comprehensive geographic impact. Lydda and Sharon (coastal plain region) witnessed undeniable miracle—man bedridden eight years now walking. The verb saw indicates personal observation, not hearsay. This eyewitness testimony created evangelistic opportunity.

Turned to the Lord describes conversion—repentance and faith redirecting lives toward God. The miracle alone didn't save; it created platform for gospel proclamation that produced genuine conversions. Reformed theology distinguishes miracles as authentication from gospel as power unto salvation (Romans 1:16). Signs point to Christ; faith in Christ saves.

The corporate response (all...turned) suggests mass movement, though not every individual necessarily converted. Ancient narrative style often uses hyperbole for emphasis. The point: significant community-wide impact resulted from observable miracle plus faithful gospel proclamation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sharon plain stretched along Mediterranean coast, fertile agricultural region. Its population included Jewish, Samaritan, and Gentile communities. Mass conversions in this mixed area expanded Christianity's ethnic and geographic reach beyond Jerusalem-centered Judaism.

The healing occurred around 38-39 CE during Acts 9:31's peace period. Community-wide conversions created established Christian presence in strategic coastal region. This pattern repeated throughout Acts—miracles authenticate, proclamation explains, Spirit converts. Peter's ministry established churches preparing for Paul's later systematic Gentile mission. Sharon's conversion fulfilled prophetic imagery of fruitfulness (Isaiah 35:2, 65:10).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do miracles create evangelistic opportunities without being the gospel itself?
  2. What relationship exists between observable signs and faith-producing proclamation?
  3. In what ways do community-wide conversions differ from isolated individual conversions?
  4. How should modern evangelism balance miraculous authentication with Word-centered proclamation?
  5. What dangers exist in seeking miracles separate from faithful biblical teaching?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶδον2 of 15

“saw”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

αὐτὸν3 of 15

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πάντες4 of 15

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ5 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατοικοῦντες6 of 15

“that dwelt”

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

Λύδδαν7 of 15

“at Lydda”

G3069

lydda (i.e., lod), a place in palestine

καὶ8 of 15

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸν9 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Σαρῶναν,10 of 15

“Saron”

G4565

saron (i.e., sharon), a district of palestine

οἵτινες11 of 15

“and”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐπέστρεψαν12 of 15

“turned”

G1994

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

ἐπὶ13 of 15

“to”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸν14 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριον15 of 15

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 9:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 9:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 11:211 Chronicles 5:16Acts 9:42Isaiah 35:21 Chronicles 27:29Psalms 22:27

Places in This Verse

LodSettlement · Modern: Lod · 31.95°N, 34.90°E7 verses across 4 books
Sharon 1Region · Modern: Sharon Plain · 32.40°N, 34.88°E6 verses across 4 books
View all places in Acts 9 →

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