In Luke's gospel he associates "the word" with nature images with potential life e.g. seed, a child asking the Father for an egg, the womb and the action of receiving and keeping the word. He also draws contrasts by using negative images of containers c/f a tomb, dirty dishes, a body described as a house with evil spirits in it etc. In Acts with the coming of the Holy Spirit we find 'the word' is not only something distinct. It engenders new life into those who receive it. In a sense the 'word' with a small letter becomes the "Word" with a capital letter. In Acts Luke develops understanding of "the Word" as being alive. John will later on take the theology of "the Word" much further. In the previous paragraph here, the Lord Jesus describes Saul as a "chosen vessel". This fits in with both the imagery and the ideas that are being developed. Also note the phrase used before someone proclaims 'the word' i.e. "He opened his mouth"

5. . Encourage movement

9:32-35

Lydda

Peter & Aeneas

9:32-34 Now it happened that Peter was passing through here and there and he came down to the saints who were living in Lydda. He found a certain man there called Aeneas who had been lying on a mattress for eight years

because he was paralysed. Peter said to him "Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you. Get up and dress yourself. Immediately he rose up. (When) all those who lived in Lydda and Saron saw him, (all of them) turned to the Lord.

6. . Be oriented towards re-birth

9:35-43

Joppa

Peter and Dorcas

9:35-43 Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple who was called Tabitha. This is being translated here as Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of charity. It happened that at time she was ill and died. Having washed her they put her in an upstairs room. Now Lydda was near to Joppa. The disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to him asking "Come to us straight away." Peter went with them. On their arrival they led him up into the upper room. All the widows stood beside him

weeping and showing (him) tunics and garments that Dorcas had made with them. Putting them all outside Peter knelt down and turning to the body he said "Tabitha. Get up." She opened her eyes and seeing Peter she sat up. He gave her a hand and raised her up. (Then) calling the saints and the widows he presented her to them alive. (This) became known throughout all of Joppa. Many believed in the Lord. (Peter) remained many days in Joppa staying with a tanner called Simon.