John Calvin Commentary Acts 9:32

"And it came to pass, as Peter went throughout all parts, he came down also to the saints that dwelt at Lydda." — Acts 9:32 (ASV)

Luke sets down how the Church was increased by miracles. And he recounts two miracles: that a man who had been bedridden for eight years, having paralysis, was suddenly healed; and that a certain woman was raised from death. First, he says, that as Peter walked throughout all, he came to Lydda.

And by 'all,' understand not Churches, but the faithful, because it is in Greek in the masculine gender, though that does not matter much for the meaning. It was fitting that the apostles, who had no fixed place of residence, should wander here and there as opportunity arose. Therefore, while they were all occupied in various parts, Peter undertook this charge.

By this, the foolishness of the Papists is refuted, who infer Peter's primacy from the authority he had to visit, as if the rest of the apostles lived idly in Jerusalem like private citizens while Peter visited the Churches. Again, even if we grant that Peter was the chief apostle, which the Scripture often shows, does it therefore follow that he was the head of the world? Would that the bishop of Rome, who claims to be Peter's successor, would travel as Peter did to encourage the brethren, and would everywhere truly prove that he is the apostle of Christ. Now, he who from his throne oppresses all the Churches with more than tyrannical lordship, claims that Peter visited the Churches with great effort.

Which dwelt at Lydda. Lydda, which was afterwards called Diospolis, was situated not far from the Mediterranean Sea, being a renowned city both for its antiquity and for its many advantages. Joppa was near this city, which had a famous harbor, though very full of rocks. The city itself stood upon a high cliff, from where they could see Jerusalem.

Today there is nothing to be seen there but the ruined walls of the old city, except that the harbor remains, which is most commonly called Japhet. It seems that Luke names Assaron as some town or city. Jerome mentions Saron, and thinks that this refers to the whole plain lying between Caesarea and Joppa.

But because Jerome shows no reason why he should change the reading that is commonly used, I willingly accept what Luke’s text shows me, namely, that it was a nearby city. But I do not argue about this matter, as I do not ambitiously gather those things that might serve for a vain boast, because it will be sufficient for godly readers to know those things that pertain to Luke’s meaning.