Gospel Grace Church Sermon Audio

Psalm 131 - Speaker: Jon Kopp - The book of Psalms is a beautifully diverse book. Some Psalms give voice to our trouble like the one we heard last week. Others are packed with adoration and thanksgiving and invite us to join in. There are Psalms that exalt the rule of our king and proclaim what loyalty to Him looks like. Then, there are even Psalms that are so filled with emotion at injustice–even anger and frustration–that they overflow to the only One who can do anything about it. Psalm 131 is in a different vein from all those. Most of it is what one author called “holy eavesdropping.” Reading this Psalm is like listening to the experiences of a person who has discovered something incredibly profound about being with the Lord, and as he does, he just can't keep it to himself. In a world that rarely stops to catch its breath, Psalm 131 whispers an invitation to our restless hearts. Charles Spurgeon said of Psalm 131 that it is “one of the shortest psalms in the Psalter, but one of the longest to learn.” In this brief Psalm we a find profound message for the hurried, noisy age we live in. In the striving and distraction and restlessness of our world and our hearts, this psalm lifts up quiet humility and calm surrender in the care of the Lord. It confronts us and it comforts us. It calls us out, and it invites us in to find our rest and peace in the care of our faithful God.

Psalm 9 - Speaker: Josh MacAvoy - Have you ever experienced a moment of pain and confusion that left you asking, “Where do I go?” or “What do I do now?” God's Word doesn't shy away from these difficult moments. Instead, it addresses them directly and offers guidance for how to respond. Throughout the Bible, we see faithful believers lamenting the brokenness of life—crying out to God, choosing to trust Him, and ultimately returning to praise. Psalm 9 follows this same biblical pattern. At first glance, it appears to be mainly a psalm of praise. But just beneath the surface, we encounter deep expressions of pain and adversity. As we study this passage, we're reminded of a powerful truth: when life hurts, turn to the King. As you prepare for our time together on Sunday, take time to read through Psalm 9. Pay close attention to the many references to suffering and opposition. Also notice how often the psalm highlights God's works, His character, and His role as our righteous King and Judge.

- Speaker: Jake Larkin - Jesus is rightly considered the most well known and influential person in all of human history. Yet we live in a world that is filled with competing narratives about who he really was. Some speak as though they are unsure Jesus even existed. Others speak about Jesus as just a man who gained a large following and then died unremarkably. Similarly, some claim he was a good person whose life was at least worth emulating. Some even go as far to say that he was a remarkable person, a prophet to be listened to. Yet each of these fail to address the wealth of historical evidence for Christ. What's more they fail to capture the identity claims of Jesus himself in the New Testament. This class will equip you with a compelling case for Christ—His existence, His divine claims, His resurrection, and His unmatched influence on history. Maybe you are someone seeking to understand Jesus for yourself. Maybe you wonder if Jesus really did exist, and if so what was he like? Or perhaps you know the Jesus of the Bible personally, but you wonder how to respond to incorrect or incomplete claims about Christ that echo all around you. Wherever you are in your faith, we invite you to join us as we consider the most important question of all time: Who is Jesus?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 - Speaker: Briley Hughes - It's really not enough to just understand that the Bible is historically trustworthy. When Christians say that we trust the Bible, we don't mean that we have a strong historical confidence in it (even though we do). We mean that we believe it is the Word of God, and that it is absolutely true in everything it says. That goes way beyond confidence in historical accuracy! Is the Bible God's word – is it truly inspired by God? That's what we want to discuss today.

Psalm 136 - Speaker: Christopher Hile - In Psalm 136, the psalmist does not complete a single sentence without rejoicing in praise that God's steadfast love endures forever. After calling his readers to give thanks to the LORD, he rehearses major events in the biblical narrative and grounds each of these wondrous deeds on a single cause: the enduring steadfast love of God. That is, every act of God on behalf of his people is linked to his unwavering commitment to his promises. But lest we think that God's steadfast love endured for them and not for us, the psalmist concludes by bringing himself and his audience into the story and rehearses God's deliverance of them, too. As we encounter God's works in his word, we see his steadfast love on display––not only for past generations of believers, but for us, too.

- Speaker: Isaac Gagarinas - Our class which has considered the transmission and canon of the Bible now turns to its history; is the Bible historically reliable? However, to answer this question, we will specifically consider the reliability of the resurrection. The resurrection is potentially the most important event in the Christian faith. Further, the authority of Scripture rests on the authority of Christ, and the authority of Christ rests on his resurrection. Therefore, this class asks the question, can we have confidence that Jesus actually rose from the dead? And if He did, does this increase our confidence in the Bible?

Ephesians 4:4-16 - Speaker: Christopher Hile - This week, we're exploring an important question that every Christian should ask and answer: Is the church really necessary for me? Sure, we can see the way God has used his people, but why does it matter whether or not I am connected to a local church? We explore this question from a biblical perspective to see that the church is God's means of growing his people into Christlikeness--that is, the church is how God makes disciples of Jesus.

- Speaker: Jake Larkin - Jesus is rightly considered the most well known and influential person in all of human history. Yet we live in a world that is filled with competing narratives about who he really was. Some speak as though they are unsure Jesus even existed. Others speak about Jesus as just a man who gained a large following and then died unremarkably. Similarly, some claim he was a good person whose life was at least worth emulating. Some even go as far to say that he was a remarkable person, a prophet to be listened to. Yet each of these fail to address the wealth of historical evidence for Christ. What's more they fail to capture the identity claims of Jesus himself in the New Testament. This class will equip you with a compelling case for Christ—His existence, His divine claims, His resurrection, and His unmatched influence on history. Maybe you are someone seeking to understand Jesus for yourself. Maybe you wonder if Jesus really did exist, and if so what was he like? Or perhaps you know the Jesus of the Bible personally, but you wonder how to respond to incorrect or incomplete claims about Christ that echo all around you. Wherever you are in your faith, we invite you to join us as we consider the most important question of all time: Who is Jesus?

Acts 28:17-31 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - We are at the end of the book of Acts! It has been a wonderful journey. We have seen the continued Acts of our resurrected Lord. We've learned about how Jesus is building his church, and how his name is still spreading from neighbors to nations. In this final segment of chapter 28 we discover Paul's commitment to serve the Lord until he sees the Lord. It's a challenge to all of us. Wherever we are, tell whoever will listen, for as long as we have, that Jesus is King.

- Speaker: Jake Larkin - Jesus is rightly considered the most well known and influential person in all of human history. Yet we live in a world that is filled with competing narratives about who he really was. Some speak as though they are unsure Jesus even existed. Others speak about Jesus as just a man who gained a large following and then died unremarkably. Similarly, some claim he was a good person whose life was at least worth emulating. Some even go as far to say that he was a remarkable person, a prophet to be listened to. Yet each of these fail to address the wealth of historical evidence for Christ. What's more they fail to capture the identity claims of Jesus himself in the New Testament. This class will equip you with a compelling case for Christ—His existence, His divine claims, His resurrection, and His unmatched influence on history. Maybe you are someone seeking to understand Jesus for yourself. Maybe you wonder if Jesus really did exist, and if so what was he like? Or perhaps you know the Jesus of the Bible personally, but you wonder how to respond to incorrect or incomplete claims about Christ that echo all around you. Wherever you are in your faith, we invite you to join us as we consider the most important question of all time: Who is Jesus?

- Speaker: Isaac Gagarinas - The Bible is a composition of 66 books. But why these books? Why not other books? The goal of this class is to consider the criteria used for including certain books in the biblical canon (specifically focusing on the New Testament) and not others. As we explore, it is evident that the early church did not subjectively or forcefully choose the books in our Bible. Rather, they accepted and received them as inherently authoritative. The church had faithful reasons to do so, and you do too.

Ephesians 3:7-12 - Speaker: Christopher Hile - Where does the church fit in God's plan to redeem and restore the world through Christ? The Bible pushes us to consider that the church is not a superfluous feature of God's creation; instead, it is indispensable: it is God's chosen instrument to proclaim the gospel to a lost and broken world. As such, the church is necessary for the world. This week, we will explore the mission of God, the church's place in God's mission, and your place in the church.

Acts 27:1-28:16 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - At the end of the Book of Acts, Paul makes a treacherous journey to Rome. He's transported as a prisoner by boat from Caesarea to the capitol of the empire and center of the known world. The trip, however, is filled with chaos and catastrophe. Paul is shipwrecked, nearly killed by Roman guards, and bitten by a poisonous snake along the way. The only consolation throughout the difficult trek is that God always showed up. The Lord was Paul's constant companion through thick and thin. And the truth is, God is our constant companion as well. May we trust him in the storms of life that come our way.

- Speaker: Jake Larkin - Jesus is rightly considered the most well known and influential person in all of human history. Yet we live in a world that is filled with competing narratives about who he really was. Some speak as though they are unsure Jesus even existed. Others speak about Jesus as just a man who gained a large following and then died unremarkably. Similarly, some claim he was a good person whose life was at least worth emulating. Some even go as far to say that he was a remarkable person, a prophet to be listened to. Yet each of these fail to address the wealth of historical evidence for Christ. What's more they fail to capture the identity claims of Jesus himself in the New Testament. This class will equip you with a compelling case for Christ—His existence, His divine claims, His resurrection, and His unmatched influence on history. Maybe you are someone seeking to understand Jesus for yourself. Maybe you wonder if Jesus really did exist, and if so what was he like? Or perhaps you know the Jesus of the Bible personally, but you wonder how to respond to incorrect or incomplete claims about Christ that echo all around you. Wherever you are in your faith, we invite you to join us as we consider the most important question of all time: Who is Jesus?

- Speaker: Christopher Hile - Before we can answer the question of the church's necessity, we should first consider: what is the church? In our context especially, misconceptions about the nature and function of the church run rampant. Therefore, this class aims to address this foundational question by constructing a biblical definition of what the church is.

- Speaker: Isaac Gagarinas - Can you trust your Bible? Before one considers the claims of the Bible, one must first consider the reliability of the Bible. The transmission or copying of the Bible is central to its trustworthiness. The aim of this class is to show that Scripture has not been corrupted over thousands of years, as some may object. Rather, through God's providence, the Bible has been faithfully and reliably preserved.

Acts 25:1-26:32 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - In Acts 25-26, Paul stood before the Roman governor Festus and King Agrippa II. Festus couldn't figure out what charges to put down against Paul before shipping him off to Rome. So, he had King Agrippa listen to the Jewish accusers as well as Paul's defense. While the path of obedience hadn't been easy, and although many people resisted the message of God's grace, Paul wouldn't be silenced. He used every opportunity to speak about the resurrected Savior. Only Jesus can turn people from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, from sinful enslavement to freedom. So Paul proclaimed Christ to all who would hear. May the Lord use his word to encourage each of us to walk in his will and share his message of grace.

Acts 24:1-27 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Critics of Christianity can say all kinds of things. Paul understood this. In Acts 24 he was accused of being a public menace, the leader of a religious sect, and a desecrater of the temple. But amidst the accusations, he acknowledged one thing - belief in the resurrection. Paul denied false charges, but he did confess that he was a follower of the Way and a proclaimer of the good news. The fact is, the risen Lord can't be ignored. You can accept him or reject him, but you can't ignore him. He is risen! He is risen indeed! Our living and loving Savior longs to seek and save the lost this Easter. So, prepare your hearts to worship and pray that unbelievers would saved.

Isaiah 53:1-12 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - In the days when Jesus walked the earth, people looked for a king with a scepter, a deliverer with a crown of gold. Our Lord however wore a crown of thorns. His scepter was reed shoved into his hand by soldiers who mocked him. He had no throne on this earth, only an old rugged cross. And do you know why? It's because he didn't come to display military might or win some political victory. Jesus came to conquer sin and crush the works of Satan. He came to seek and to save the lost. As you prepare for our Good Friday service, take some time to reflect on the cross. Remember that Jesus' death was your payment for sin. He was condemned so you wouldn't have to be. He was forsaken so you could be forgiven. On Good Friday we'll gather to declare and delight in the saving death of Christ. We'll celebrate communion, sing about his cross-work on our behalf, and glory in the cross of our Lord.

Acts 22:30-23:35 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Acts 23 recounts Paul's final days in Jerusalem. He stands before the Sanhedrin and explains his hope in the resurrection of the dead. But that infuriates many of the council members such that he's nearly torn apart. Thankfully, God delivers him from the lion's mouth, so to speak, and Paul is safely transported to Caesarea where his trial continues. The text challenges us to stand up for Christ even in the face of danger. And if we do, Jesus will stand by us all the way to the end.

Acts 21:15-22:29 - Speaker: Jotham Manoranjan - This week, we enter a pivotal moment in the life of the Apostle Paul. As he returns to Jerusalem, we witness a man walking knowingly into suffering. Paul would live out the rest of his life as a prisoner. With rumors flying, tension brewing, and the fragile fabric of Jew-Gentile relations under strain, Paul agrees to a plan that inadvertently leads to his arrest. Why? Because for Paul, gospel clarity and church unity were worth the cost—even his freedom. This week we will be challenged by Paul's humility, his discernment of what matters most, and his desperate love for the very people who sought to destroy him.

Acts 20:1-21:14 - Speaker: Jon Kopp - In Acts 20–21, we find several narratives of Paul's travels, complete with lists of various names and places. Nestled within these accounts is a lengthy and heartfelt message from Paul to a group of elders whom he deeply loves. It seems to be a randomly assembled collection of Paul's activities and teachings as he finishes his third missionary journey. But, our text today is far from random. One activity ties it all together. From the beginning of our text and all the way through, Paul is gathering Christians to minister to them. This is a unique turn in the Book of Acts. Up to this point, the predominant focus hasn't been on Christians. It has been on telling those who aren't Christians about Jesus. Paul has been in synagogues with Jews and in public places with Gentiles proclaiming the gospel. He has had great success, and he has suffered. But, the primary focus of the accounts has been on his evangelism. But now as we come to Acts 20, Paul's focus has changed. And as it does, a theme starts to emerge: the life of the Christian. As we watch Paul minister and hear him teach, he is showing Christians what life should be about.

Acts 19:1-41 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - In Acts 19 we get a picture of what Paul's ministry in Ephesus was like. Luke gives us three little vignettes to help us understand the city and the people. Paul meets 12 (likely Jewish) men who hadn't ever heard of the Holy Spirit. He hears about 7 exorcists who try to use a second-hand version of Jesus and get beat up as a result. And finally, Paul is in the middle of a city riot because the idol-makers don't like the impact Christianity is having on their sales. Ephesus was a huge city with the cult of Artemis right in the center. But they desperately needed the gospel of the grace of God. What we discover in our text this weekend, is that the word of Lord prevailed. May it prevail in our hearts and our city as well.

Acts 18:1-28 - Speaker: Will Galkin - In Acts 18, we see that God is faithful, and the gospel is fruitful even amidst opposition. God sovereignly provides gospel partners like Aquila and Priscilla, turning negative circumstances, such as Emperor Claudius's expulsion of Jews from Rome, into opportunities for ministry expansion. Despite initial rejection by the Jews, Paul's ministry bears remarkable fruit, reaching unlikely converts like Crispus, the synagogue ruler. Furthermore, God protects Paul through the unlikely means of Roman governor Gallio's indifference, granting Paul freedom to preach without fear of persecution. Ultimately, Acts 18 emphasizes God's faithfulness in preparing new laborers, as evidenced by the rise of Apollos, who was discipled by Aquila and Priscilla and powerfully carried the gospel forward.

- Speaker: Will Galkin - Christian parenting begins with the end in mind. Children must eventually leave their parents so that they, too, can participate in the creation and Christian mandate. Notice how Paul quotes Genesis 2:24 in Ephesians 5:31, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is why Christian parents must be intentional in prepping their children for adulthood.

- Speaker: Lukus Counterman - A Mobilizer is someone who connects God's people to God's purposes for the nations.

Mark 1:15 - Speaker: Bill Kelly -

Acts 17:16-34 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - To the unbelieving world, riddled with skepticism, anti-supernaturalism, rationalism, mysticism, and the vacuous despair each produces, Christianity offers the only message of hope. There is a God, who is both the creator of the universe and its sovereign ruler. Not only does he exist, but he is knowable and has revealed himself in his inspired and incarnate Word. Jesus came and lived a perfect life, he died a substitutionary death, and he victoriously rose from dead to offer life to all who believe. May we turn from the emptiness of idolatry and embrace new life found in the living and loving Savior, Jesus.

- Speaker: Josh Lankford - Join us as we cover our fifth tool for understanding the New Testament--how to personally study an individual New Testament book.

2 Peter 1:1-8 - Speaker: Jon Kopp - In a world where identity questions are constantly shifting based on culture, emotions, and external influences, Christians face the vital task of guiding the next generation toward a biblical understanding of who they are. This involves not only instructing but also shepherding the hearts of children, helping them process their unique experiences, gifts, and struggles through the lens of biblical truth. May God help us to equip and lead the next generation to find their true worth in Christ.

- Speaker: Lukus Counterman - A goer intentionally crosses barriers for the sake of the Name to establish and strengthen churches, especially in places where gospel light is dim.

Acts 15:36-17:15 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Acts 16-17 record Paul's second missionary journey. Unfortunately, it begins with a falling out with his longtime friend, Barnabas. The Lord however uses the split for good and out of one team came two. They go in different directions but share the same mission. Along the way, opponents accuse Paul of saying that “there is another king, Jesus.” And so there is. In this second missionary journey we see how King Jesus advances his message, guides his workers, changes lives, but demands allegiance from all who follow him. May we submit to our Lord and follow his lead.

2 Corinthians 12:9 - Speaker: Josh MacAvoy -

- Speaker: Josh Lankford - In this Gospel Growth class, we continue our series by learning how the New Testament tells its story with typology.

Acts 15:1-35 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Acts 15 is usually referred to as “The Jerusalem Council” because it records a gathering of apostles, elders, and the church to wrestle with an important question. Many Gentiles were being saved and added to the church, but some people thought they had to become Jews before they could become Christians. In other words, they needed to have faith in Jesus, but they also needed to follow the Mosaic Law. Thankfully, God's Spirit and God's Word led the church, and they concluded that salvation requires no works of the Law. But they also concluded that salvation changes our lives (for the better). Gentiles didn't need to become Jews to be saved. But they couldn't live like pagans either. People who turn to God don't need to turn to works, but they should turn from their idolatrous past. Christ alone is the basis of our salvation, and he graciously transforms our lives. May he be praised both now and forever.

- Speaker: Lukus Counterman - A sender partners to support and resource someone who goes out for the sake of the Name.

- Speaker: Bill Kelly - Identifying the author's perspective and understanding the genre can help you to interpret the New Testament.

- Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Global Christians understand the importance of prayer. An intercessor is someone who prays fervently and expectantly for Gospel advance among the nations.

Proverbs 4:23 - Speaker: Jon Kopp - What Makes an Ideal Family? It can be easy to envision an ideal family in a way that overlooks life's most crucial realities. If we're not careful, our idea of a perfect family might assume a world where no one sins—eliminating the need for a Savior. But the truth is, every person's greatest problem (and that includes children) is sin. And because of that, everyone's greatest need is Jesus. If a child's deepest struggle is sin, and their ultimate need is a Savior, then an ideal family is not one without flaws, but one where the rhythms of home life reflect the rhythms of the gospel. In such a home, the language and practices of everyday life consistently point to grace, repentance, forgiveness, and faith in Christ.

Acts 14 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - In Acts 14 we read final installment of Paul's first missionary journey. He visits more cities, stops in some synagogues, and shares the gospel with various people. Along the way he's driven out of town, receives death threats, and is pummeled with stones because of his gospel ministry. But at the end of the day, Paul felt compelled to preach the good news even if it caused division, even if the audiences were varied, all so that churches could be established. In the wake of Paul's travels were new communities of faith, new bodies of believers assembling in the name of Jesus bearing witness to his great salvation. Now, we can give our lives to a great many things, but what could be more worthwhile than giving ourselves to Christ's body the church? May the Lord extend his name and fame through us!

- Speaker: Jotham Manoranjan -

- Speaker: Josh Lankford - Join us as we consider the value of understanding the overarching storyline of the New Testament as an aid to our study of specific New Testament passages!

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 - Speaker: Josh MacAvoy - Many parents want to instill positive character in their children. But as Christians, our goal should be in developing character that is shaped by God and His Word. Ultimately, parenting is about intentionally fostering a “soul stamped by God,” so that both the children and the parents are shaped in their spiritual growth.

Revelation 7:9-17 - Speaker: Adam Groza - Life is filled with discouragement. In our passage this week, the Apostle John is giving us a glimpse of glory to encourage our walk with Christ and give us joyful endurance.

Romans 1:1-3 - Speaker: Josh Lankford - In this first lesson in our series, we cover the purpose for the class and the first tool in our New Testament tool belt: Understanding the Storyline of the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - Speaker: Will Galkin - Parenting is all of grace. We need to start with the foundational concepts that children are a blessing, a responsibility, and an opportunity. They are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3-5) and should be nurtured with gratitude. Parents have the responsibility to disciple their children in God's truth (Ephesians 6:4) and integrate faith into daily life (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Ultimately, parenting is an opportunity for gospel impact, raising disciples who will love and follow Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Through faith, discipline, and reliance on God's grace, parents shape their children's hearts for His kingdom.

- Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Global Christianity starts where God has placed us. The Great Commission and Great Command need to be lived out in harmony.

Acts 13 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - The gospel spread from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and by Acts 13, it was beginning to extend to the “ends of the earth.” When persecution scattered the Christian community, people witnessed about Jesus, the exalted Lord. At first, the message was just to the Jews, but then it spread to Gentiles. The beautiful result was the first multi-ethnic church in Syrian Antioch. Barnabas was sent to see what God was doing, and while he ministered in Antioch, more and more were saved. The power of God's word produced such a harvest, that Barnabas went and got help from Saul. The two of them became teachers in the church… that is, until the Holy Spirit called them to missionary service. The Spirit set them apart, the church sent them out, and soon the gospel was spreading to Cyprus, Antioch of Pisidia, and finally the region of Galatia. Acts 13 recounts Paul's first missionary journey and helps us understand key principles associated with the spread of the gospel around the world. May the Lord teach us about missions and may his message of salvation extend to the neediest places on earth.

Acts 12:1-25 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Have you ever felt the pressure of spiritual opposition? Have you ever experienced pushback from the world in your attempts to please God? Well, the early church knew what that was like. In Acts 12, James is martyred, and Peter is imprisoned. Herod the king initiated a violent persecution against believers and things quickly became dark and dangerous. Amidst all the trials however, the church persevered in prayer. They called out to the One who could deliver them. And in a miraculous turn of events, Peter was freed, and Herod was struck down. No will could outwill God's will to glorify himself. So, the word of God increased and multiplied. May the Lord use this text to bolster our trust in God and remind us of the power of prayer.

Acts 11 - Speaker: Josh MacAvoy - As the early church grew in number and spread to new cities, there was an opportunity for great rejoicing but also great criticism. People who used to never interact, had generational hatred and deep suspicion towards each other are joining the same faith. Now they are being called to worship and work together. And this fertile soil for gospel growth is also a space for potential criticism, isolation and suspicion. But if criticism and factions are allowed to grow in the fledgling church, it will have a disastrous effect. Disunity amongst believers will get in the way of God's great rescue plan and His mission to make one new people of faith. So, what is needed? Gospel Unity. And in Acts 11, we find the early church being called to that very thing. Through His Word and by His Spirit, God is calling His people to hold tightly to the Gospel and not anything else. Read Acts 11 in preparation for our time together tomorrow.

Acts 9:32-10:48 - Speaker: Lukus Counterman - Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.