Lydda
Summary
An ancient town in the Sharon plain where Peter healed Aeneas, known in the Old Testament as Lod.
☩Location and History
Lydda (Greek form of the Hebrew 'Lod') was located in the tribe of Ephraim's territory, nine miles east of Joppa on the road to Jerusalem. Originally built by Benjamites (1 Chronicles 8:12), it was reinhabited after the exile (Ezra 2:33; Nehemiah 11:35). Demetrius Nicator later annexed it from Samaria to Judaea (1 Maccabees 11:34). The Romans later renamed it Diospolis, though its ancient name persisted.
☩Peter's Ministry
In Acts 9:32-35, Peter visited Lydda where he encountered Aeneas, a man paralyzed for eight years. Peter declared, 'Aeneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee: arise, and make thy bed.' The immediate healing resulted in all residents of Lydda and the Sharon plain turning to the Lord. This miracle occurred during Peter's circuit among the early Christian communities and shortly preceded his raising of Tabitha at nearby Joppa.
☩Later Significance
After Jerusalem's fall, Lydda became one of the most eminent seats of Jewish learning in Judaea, following Jabneh and Bether. It was presided over by Rabbi Gamaliel II around the time of the siege. The town also became connected with the veneration of St. George, who was traditionally born there and whose remains were brought back to his native place after his martyrdom. The modern town preserves its ancient name as Lod (or Ludd).
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Lydda," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Lydda," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).