Acts 9:36-43

AT JOPPA. Acts 9:36-43.

Acts 9:36

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

Acts 9:37

And it came to pass in those days, that she fell sick, and died: and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber.

Acts 9:38

And as Lydda was nigh unto Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men unto him, entreating him, Delay not to come on unto us.

Acts 9:39

And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

Acts 9:40

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up,

312.

How is Mark 16:20 explained in this healing?

Acts 9:41

And he gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

Acts 9:42

And it became known throughout all Joppa: and many believed on the Lord.

Acts 9:43

And it came to pass, that he abode many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Acts 9:36-38 While Peter was healing the infirm among the saints at Lydda there was one among the believers in the town of Joppa who was near the door of death. Yea, before Peter finished his work in Lydda she had departed this life. This woman was one of the true saints of Joppa. Luke gives us her name in two languages. In the Aramaic her name was Tabitha. In the Greek she was called Dorcas. Her name in English would be translated Gazelle.

In her passing she had left the best memorial, the deeds of a Christian life. Luke very carefully describes the passing of Tabitha; he says she was sick before her death, and that after she died her body was washed and laid out in an upper chamber. The preparations for burial were made as quickly as they were because of the warm climate. The need for an immediate burial was the reason for the note of urgency in the message of the two men that were sent for Peter. After Dorcas had died why did the disciples of Joppa wish Peter to visit them? It was possibly a desire for his understanding sympathy: a feeling on their part that the man of God would have some word of comfort or inspiration for them. When the text says that Lydda was nigh unto Joppa we must understand this to mean about a three or four hours-' walk or about fifteen miles.

Acts 9:39-43 When the two returned with Peter they had no idea what the apostle would say or do. But Peter knew. We are told of his unhesitating action upon arriving. Peter was guided by the messengers up into the upper room where lay the body of Dorcas. There in the room were a number of widows gathered around the deceased. These women were in great sorrow as were the rest, but the widows were, especially grief-stricken at the death of their beloved friend. Their actions tell why; we are told that they held up to Peter the coats and garments or the tunics and the mantles, which Dorcas had made for them. Evidently these women were too poor to secure garments in any other way and if it had not been for this unselfish soul they would have suffered. Peter gave directions that all should leave the room, to leave him and the body of the departed alone. What a beautiful scene is portrayed for us. Peter first kneels down and prays the prayer of faith, and then turning to the body he spoke but two words Tabitha, arise. Once again life flowed into the body, the eyes were opened. Seeing Peter in the room she sat up. Without a word Peter gave her his hand and she stood up. Then came the glad call for the saints and the widows. What unspeakable joy there must have been in that upper chamber on that memorable day.

Word of this incident, like the healing in Lydda, soon spread and wherever news of it was taken it helped to create faith in the word and work of the apostles. And many believed on the Lord.
Because of the good results from the raising of Dorcas, Peter stayed some number of days in this place. While remaining here he lived with one Simon a tanner whose house was by the seaside.

313.

Who was dying while Peter was healing?

314.

Why the careful description of the death of this one?

315.

Why the immediate preparations for burial?

316.

Why did the saints of Joppa send for Peter?

317.

How far from Lydda to Joppa?

318.

Do you believe Peter knew what he was going to do when he arrived in Joppa? If so, why?

319.

Why were the widows especially grief stricken at the death of Dorcas?

320.

Give in your own words an accurate account of the raising of Dorcas.

321.

What incident do you believe was in the mind of Luke when he first began to describe the work of Peter?