First ReadingActs 9:31-42
From the Acts of the Apostles
31So the assemblies throughout all Judea,Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were built up.They were multiplied,walking in the fear of the Lordand in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
32As Peter went throughout all those parts,he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.33There he found a certain man named Aeneas,who had been bedridden for eight yearsbecause he was paralyzed.34Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you.Get up and make your bed!”Immediately he arose.35All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him,and they turned to the Lord.
36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha,which when translated means Dorcas.This woman was full of good worksand acts of mercy which she did.37In those days, she became sick and died.When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.38As Lydda was near Joppa,the disciples, hearing that Peter was there,sent two men to him,imploring him not to delay in coming to them.39Peter got up and went with them.When he had come, they brought him into the upper room.All the widows stood by him weeping,and showing the tunics and other garmentswhich Dorcas had made while she was with them.40Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed.Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!”She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.41He gave her his hand and raised her up.Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.42This became known throughout all Joppa,and many believed in the Lord.