Word+ Walk: Servants Still- The Paralytic, the Seamstress, and the Tanner
✝️ Sermon Recap: Servants Still – The Paralytic, the Seamstress, and the Tanner
Text: Acts 9:32–43
Big Idea: The gospel spreads through both mighty apostles and ordinary servants. God’s mission does not only need the well-known. It needs us all.
I. The Paralytic (vv. 32–35)
Peter, though a leading apostle, was not above visiting believers in Lydda. There he found Aeneas, paralyzed for eight years, lying on a temporary bed. Peter declared, “Jesus Christ heals you,” and the man rose.
God used one healing of one forgotten man to turn an entire region to Christ. Even when we feel stuck in a painful temporary place, God has not lost sight of us.
Reflection: Where do you feel stuck in a season that seems endless? How can waiting on the Lord deepen your faith?
II. The Seamstress (vv. 36–42)
In Joppa lived Tabitha (Dorcas), a disciple full of good works, especially caring for widows. When she died, her community wept and showed Peter the garments she had made.
Peter knelt to pray, then spoke: “Tabitha, arise.” She opened her eyes, sat up, and was restored. Her resurrection brought many to faith.
Her story reminds us that ordinary service such as clothes sewn, meals cooked, or kindness given outlives us and bears witness to Christ.
Reflection: What kind of legacy of service are you leaving behind?
III. The Tanner (v. 43)
Peter stayed in Joppa with Simon the Tanner, a man considered ritually unclean. This detail foreshadows the gospel breaking barriers in Acts 10.
Peter’s lodging choice teaches us that Jesus is still breaking down walls, still calling us to cross boundaries, and still moving His mission forward through unexpected people.
Reflection: Who might be the Simons the Tanner in our lives, people we hesitate to associate with, yet God is preparing us to reach?
🙏 Walk It Out: 5-Day Devotional
Day 1 – Seen in the Small Things
📖 Acts 9:32–35; 1 Corinthians 1:27–29
God uses the overlooked and forgotten to display His glory.
Day 2 – God’s Glory in Temporary Places
📖 Psalm 40:1–3; Acts 9:33–34
Even when stuck in painful places, God sees us and works in His timing.
Day 3 – A Life of Good Works
📖 Acts 9:36; Titus 2:14
Faith is lived out in simple, consistent acts of mercy.
Day 4 – Praying Before Acting
📖 Acts 9:40; James 5:16
True power in ministry begins on our knees.
Day 5 – Crossing Barriers for the Gospel
📖 Acts 9:43; Acts 10:28
Jesus calls us to break cultural walls for the sake of His mission.
🗣️ Adult Bible Class and Family Discussion Questions
Why does Luke include Aeneas’ healing, though we never hear of him again?
→ Follow-up: How does this challenge how we value people?
📖 Luke 12:6–7What does it mean that Peter says, “Jesus Christ heals you”?
→ Follow-up: How do we keep ministry Christ-centered?
📖 John 15:5Why do you think a small act like Aeneas’ healing brought a whole region to faith?
→ Follow-up: What small act has inspired your faith?
📖 Matthew 5:16How is Tabitha remembered, and what does that teach us about legacy?
→ Follow-up: What will people remember about our service?
📖 Revelation 14:13Why is it important Peter knelt to pray before raising Tabitha?
→ Follow-up: Where do you need to pause and pray before acting?
📖 James 1:5How does Tabitha’s story give us hope about resurrection?
→ Follow-up: How should resurrection hope shape how we face death and grief?
📖 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14Why is Peter’s stay with Simon the Tanner significant?
→ Follow-up: Who might be our Simons today?
📖 Matthew 9:11–13How might God use small, hidden choices in your life to prepare you for bigger opportunities?
→ Follow-up: What choice today might set up tomorrow’s mission?
📖 Proverbs 16:9How does this passage show that God needs all kinds of servants, not just apostles?
→ Follow-up: Whose quiet service in our congregation do we need to honor?
📖 Romans 12:4–8The adversary tells us we are not useful. How does this story refute that?
→ Follow-up: What unique gift has God given you for service?
📖 Ephesians 2:10How does Acts 9:32–43 show that the Church is unstoppable?
→ Follow-up: What does that truth demand of our obedience?
📖 Matthew 16:18If we are “Servants Still,” what practical steps can we take as a church this week?
→ Follow-up: How can you personally serve the overlooked around you?
📖 Galatians 5:13
🧾 Quick Scripture Reference List
Acts 9:32–43 – Healing Aeneas, raising Tabitha, staying with Simon
Luke 12:6–7 – God values the overlooked
John 15:5 – Apart from Christ we can do nothing
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine
Titus 2:14 – Zealous for good works
Revelation 14:13 – Their deeds follow them
James 1:5 – Ask God for wisdom
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 – Hope in the resurrection
Matthew 9:11–13 – Jesus eats with sinners
Proverbs 16:9 – The Lord directs our steps
Romans 12:4–8 – Many gifts, one body
Ephesians 2:10 – God prepared good works for us
Matthew 16:18 – The Church will not be overcome
Galatians 5:13 – Serve one another in love