Introduction

In the previous passage, Saul’s story was temporarily paused, and now we enter the account of Peter’s ministry. This record sets the stage for Saul’s role as the apostle to the Gentiles. The last time Peter appeared was in Acts 8:25: “So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.” After Saul moved to Tarsus, a peaceful period lasted for several years (Acts 9:31). During this time, Peter traveled through the towns of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, building up the church.

Peter’s itinerant mission

“Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions…” (1) Peter’s ministry was primarily focused on evangelizing Jews. Luke records Peter’s ministry in two cities, Lydda and Joppa. The nature of his ministry brings to mind the ministry of the Lord Jesus. Also, it is important to note the similarities between Peter’s ministry and Paul’s ministry. (2) Beyond his ministry in Lydda and Joppa, it is likely that Peter continued his itinerant mission over a wide area. (a) 1 Corinthians 9:5 states, “Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?” Cephas is another name for Peter. (b) 1 Peter 1:1 states, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen.” (3) The evangelism in the regions that Luke focuses on here was pioneered by Philip. (a) Acts 8:40 states, “But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.” (b) Luke specifically mentions two cities as the locations of Peter’s ministry. In Lydda and Joppa, great signs were performed by Peter. These signs bring to mind the works of the Lord Jesus. The ability to perform miracles and “signs” is a proof of being a true apostle. “The distinguishing marks of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs, wonders, and miracles” (2 Cor. 12:12). The mission of the apostles is to build up the universal church (Eph. 4:11-13). Since the apostles form the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:20), the apostolic office has neither been lost nor needs to be restored. Let’s learn to distinguish between historical events and truths that are universally applicable.