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Acts 9:36-43
Fourth Sunday of Easter C (First Lesson) May 3, 1998
Acts 9:36-43
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was
always doing good and helping the poor. [37] About that time she became sick and died, and
her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. [38] Lydda was near Joppa; so when the
disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him,
"Please come at once!"
[39] Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the
widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas
had made while she was still with them.
[40] Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed.
Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes,
and seeing Peter she sat up. [41] He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then
he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. [42] This became
known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. [43] Peter stayed in Joppa for
some time with a tanner named Simon.
(NIV)
Acts 9:36-43 (Dorcas raised to life)
Many are full of good words, who are empty and barren in good works; but Tabitha was a great doer, no great talker. Christians who have not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity, working with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. Those are certainly best praised whose own works praise them, whether the words of others do so or not. But such are ungrateful indeed, who have kindness shown them, and will not acknowledge it, by showing the kindness that is done them. While we live upon the fulness of Christ for our whole salvation, we should desire to be full of good works, for the honour of his name, and for the benefit of his saints. Such characters as Dorcas are useful where they dwell, as showing the excellency of the word of truth by their lives. How mean then the cares of the numerous females who seek no distinction but outward decoration, and who waste their lives in the trifling pursuits of dress and vanity! Power went along with the word, and Dorcas came to life. Thus in the raising of dead souls to spiritual life, the first sign of life is the opening of the eyes of the mind. Here we see that the Lord can make up every loss; that he overrules every event for the good of those who trust in him, and for the glory of his name.
(Matthew Henry Concise Commentary)