36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas ); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did . 37 And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died ; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room . 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa , the disciples , having heard that Peter was there e , sent two men to him, imploring him, "Do not delay in coming to us." 39 So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived , they brought him into the upper room ; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt e down e and prayed , and turning to the body , he said , " Tabitha , arise ." And she opened her eyes , and when she saw Peter , she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows , he presented her alive . 42 It became known all over Joppa , and many believed in the Lord . 43 And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 9:36-43
Commentary on Acts 9:36-43
(Read Acts 9:36-43)
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.