Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:39
Then Peter arose and went with them. 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.
39. Then [ And ] Peter arose and went with them ] We may be sure that the Apostle knew, by the Spirit, that it would please God to do something for the help of the distress at Joppa, when he set out with the messengers.
and all the widows stood by him weeping ] These were the women who, with the dead Dorcas, had been busy in the good works to which they were all devoted. The petition of such a company was sure to have power with the Apostle, and their action shews how they place the good deeds of her whom they had lost far above their own.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Then Peter arose – See the notes on Luk 15:18.
And all the widows – Whom Dorcas had benefited by her kindness. They had lost a benefactress; and it was natural that they should recall her kindness, and express their gratitude, by enumerating the proofs of her beneficence. Each one would therefore naturally dwell on the kindness which had been shown to herself.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 39. Showing the coats and garments] , the outer and inner garments. These, it appears, she had made for the poor, and more particularly for poor widows, in whose behalf she had incessantly laboured.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
It was strange that Peter should be sent for, or that he should go on such an account, viz. to raise one that was dead; but God, who had ordered this miracle for the manifestation of his truth and glory, so wrought in their hearts, that they did this out of faith; though if others should think to imitate it, it would be but presumption.
Weeping; here needed no mourning women to be hired; the death of this good woman was acommon loss: these coats were made by Dorcas in her lifetime, to clothe the poor and naked with.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
39. all the widowswhom shehad clad or fed.
stood by him weeping, andshowing the coats and garments which Dorcas had madethat is,(as the tense implies), showing these as specimens only of what shewas in the habit of making.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Then Peter arose and went with them,…. After the messengers had delivered their message, and made their request to Peter in the name of the brethren, he at once agreed to go with them, and accordingly did; whether he went to restore Dorcas to life, whose death the messengers had informed him of, and whether this was the view of the brethren with respect to that, is not certain. However, he might go with them on other accounts, as to comfort them under the loss of so valuable and useful a person, and to strengthen and establish them in the faith, and to exhort and animate them to the discharge of their duty.
When he was come; that is, to Joppa, and to Dorcas’s house there:
they brought him into the upper chamber; where the corpse of Dorcas lay:
and all the widows stood by him weeping; these were poor widows, to whom Dorcas had been very liberal and beneficent, who stood about the apostle lamenting the death of their benefactress, and by their tears expressing their desire of her return to life, if it could be:
and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them; the Vulgate, Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, “which Dorcas made for them”; and the Syriac version renders it, “which Tabitha gave unto them, while she was alive”; which last clause aptly explains, “while she was with them”; for now she was not, with respect to her better part, her immortal soul: the coats and garments were the inner and upper ones, wore in these countries; and it seems that she did not buy these garments, and give them unto them, but that she made them up herself for them, or at least wrought with them in making of them; which shows her diligence and industry, as also her humility, as well as her beneficence: and these the widows produced, and are shown as proofs of the same; which was expressive of gratitude in them, and was done with a design to move Peter to be concerned for restoring so useful a life.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Stood by him ( ). Second aorist active indicative, intransitive, of ). Vivid picture of this group of widows as they stood around Peter, weeping () and showing (, present middle as belonging to themselves, pointing with pride to) the very inner garments () and outer garments (), like the Latin tunica and toga, which she made from time to time (, imperfect active, repeated action). It was a heart-breaking scene.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Coats and garments. See on Mt 5:40.
Which [] . Lit., as many as.
Made [] . The imperfect : was accustomed to make.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Then Peter arose and went with them,” (anastas de Petros sunelthen autois) “Then Peter arose and went hand-in-hand with them, or in a spirit of colleague with them, from Lydda to Joppa, a distance of some ten or twelve miles to the northwest of Lydda.
2) “When he was come,” (hon paragenomenon) “Whom having arrived,” or when he was there, had come to the home in Lydda.
3) “They brought him into the upper chamber: (anegagon eis to huperoon) “They led him (by direction) into the upper room,” where the dead body of Tabitha had been washed and laid awaiting his coming before burial, Act 9:37.
4) “And all the widow’s stood by him,” (kai parestesan auto pasai ha cherai) “And all the widows stood by his side,” in the upper room, where the corpse of Dorcas lay; Note the contrast with the widows of Act 6:1.
5) “Weeping, and shewing,” (kiaiousai kai epideik numenai) “Weeping aloud and continually holding up or showing to one another,” reminding one another, that she had shown her faith by her works of charity to them, Jas 2:18.
6) “The coats and garments which Dorcas made,” chitonas kai himatia osa epoie) “Tunics and garments which she (Dorcas) had made,” perhaps for them as widows in or among her charities and alms deeds, Act 9:36.
7) “While she was with them,” (met’ auton ousa he Dorcas) “While Dorcas was (yet) with them,” before she died, before her labors and good deeds ended on earth; It appears that she labored right up to the hour of death, Joh 9:4; Eph 2:10; Mat 7:20.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
39. And Peter arose. It is doubtful whether the messengers declared to Peter the (matter and) cause why they fet [sent for] him; yet it is more like to be true, that they requested him absolutely that he would come to work a miracle. But there ariseth another question, whether he knew God’s purpose or not? First, if he should mistrust the success, he should go with them unadvisedly? I answer, although he did not yet know what the Lord would do, yet can he not be blamed for yielding to the request of the brethren. Also, there were other reasons why he should come; to wit, to mitigate their sorrow; to strengthen them with godly exhortations, lest they should faint, being discouraged with the death of one woman; to establish the Church, which was as yet tender, and but as it were an infant. Lastly, this one thing ought to have been sufficient for him, because in refusing he should have been thought proudly to despise his brethren, notwithstanding we must know this also, that so often as the Lord determined to work some miracle by his apostles, he did always direct them by the secret motion of the Spirit. I do not doubt but that although Peter were not yet certain of the life of Tabitha, yet did he undoubtedly perceive that God was his guide and conductor in that journey, so that he addressed himself to go not unadvisedly, though being uncertain of the event. (639)
All the widows. Luke expresseth in this place the cause for which Tabitha was raised from death; to wit because God pitied the poor, and did at their desire restore the woman to life. There were also other ends. For seeing she liveth two lives, those virtues which Luke commended before are adorned in her person, but the chief end is, that the glory of Christ may be set forth. For God could have kept her alive longer; neither doth he change his purpose, as being moved with repentance when he doth restore her to life again, but because many of the disciples were weak and novices, who had need of confirmation, God declareth by the second life of Tabitha, that his Son is author of life. Therefore God did respect the poor and widows in such sort, that, by relieving their poverty, he established in their minds the faith of his gospel; for in this miracle he gave ample matter of profiting.
(639) “ Suspensus licet atque… incertus,” though in suspense and uncertain.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(39) All the widows stood by him weeping.We have apparently the same organisation of charity as that which prevailed in the Church at Jerusalem. The widows of the Church were the object of a special provision. (See Note on Act. 6:1.) The coats, were the close-fitting tunics worn next the body, the garments the looser outer cloaks that were worn over them. (See Note on Mat. 5:40.) These were now exhibited by those who were mourning over the loss of their benefactress. It is probable that the garments were for the use of men and boys, as well as women, and that the widows had been fellow-workers with her in making them. She was, as it were, at the head of a Sisterhood of Mercy.
Which Dorcas made.More accurately, used to make.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
39. Widows Many, as if some war or desolation had slain many husbands.
Coats and garments The Gazelle seems to have been unmarried, for no husband weeps for her or is named; she seems to have been not poor, as she was not compelled to be industrious for her own sake. But if wealthy, she was neither too indolent to work, nor too proud to work for the poor. The coats and garments may some of them have been upon the persons showing these, others laid up for bestowal.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And Peter arose and went with them. And when he had 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.’
At their plea Peter went with them. And when he came to Tabitha’s house and entered the death room he found may weeping widows, and the fruit of Tabitha’s good life laid out for all to see. The widows would be among those who would most miss her ministry, for they benefited by it. They were ‘naked and she clothed them’ (Mat 25:36).
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Act 9:39. Shewing the coats and garments; &c. “Shewing some of the under and upper garments, which she, with her own hands, had made, to clothe the naked and relieve the poor.” The Vulgate reads, which she had made for them.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Act 9:39 . The widows, the recipients of the . . ., Act 9:36 , exhibit to Peter the under and upper garments, which they wore [252] as gifts of the deceased, who herself, according to the old custom among women, had made them, the eloquent utterance of just and deep sorrow, and of warm desire that the apostolic power might here become savingly operative; but, according to Zeller, a display calculated for effect.
] The proper name expressed in Greek is, as the more attractive for non-Jewish readers, and perhaps also as being used along with the Hebrew name in the city itself, here repeated, and is therefore not, with Wassenberg, to be suspected.
[252] Observe the middle . (only here in the N. T.), they exhibited on them selves . There lay a certain self-consciousness , yea, a grateful ostentation, in their being able to show the pledges of her beneficence. See on the distinction between the active and middle of ., Khner, ad Xen. Mem. ii. 1. 21. Comp. also Ast, Lex. Plat. I. p. 772.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
DISCOURSE: 1764
DORCAS RESTORED TO LIFE
Act 9:39-40. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
HOWEVER careful the ministers of Christ may be in stating the great doctrine of salvation by faith, their adversaries will represent them as enemies to good works. The denying to good works the office of justifying men before God, is thought to destroy every inducement to perform them. But if we look at the conduct of the first Christians, we shall see in that an ample refutation of this error. Dorcas, for instance, was a Disciple, looking for salvation through the merits of a crucified Redeemer: but was she therefore regardless of good works? Did she not rather abound in them? and was not this the foundation of that high esteem in which she has been held by the Church of God in all ages? That we may be stirred up to follow her example, let us consider the account here given of her:
I.
Her character
What was her condition in life we do not exactly know; but we suppose that she was in a middle state, between poverty and riches: but of the use that she made of her time and property, we are fully informed: she employed herself much in administering to the necessities of the poor, and particularly in making garments for them. In a word, her character was,
1.
Most lovely in itself
[The doing of good in any way is amiable; but her mode of doing it was peculiarly so; inasmuch as it argued a habit of consideration, compassion, diligence, and self-denial. The bestowing of money is a small act of love in comparison of hers: for though money will procure necessaries for the poor, yet her mode of disposing of it made it go farther, if we may so speak, than if it had been expended by the poor themselves; and at the same time, it kept alive in her heart a constant principle of love. By this practice of hers the poor were continually, as it were, before her eyes; she thought for them, acted for them, worked for them, and sought her own happiness in contributing to theirs. As her Lord and Master went about doing good, so she made it her daily business and occupation to diffuse blessings all around her: she not only did good works, but was full of them, and made the exercises of benevolence her habitual practice [Note: This is the real force of the words , ver. 36. Compare 1Jn 3:9. in the Greek.].]
2.
Most acceptable to God
[Doubtless, if her actions had proceeded from an ostentatious or self-righteous principle, they could not have been pleasing to God; for without faith it is impossible to please him: but if they were the fruits of faith in Christ, they were most truly acceptable unto God. See how strongly this is declared in different parts of Holy Writ [Note: Heb 13:16. Php 4:18.] In speaking on this subject, many religious persons feel a very undue degree of jealousy: they are afraid of declaring all that God says respecting the value of such works in his sight, lest they should appear to countenance a self-righteous spirit: but, if only we carefully exclude the idea of their being meritorious, or availing any thing for our justification before God, it is scarcely possible to state too strongly the delight which God takes in them, or the certainty of their being most richly recompensed in the eternal world [Note: 1Ti 6:17-19.]: every one of them is a loan lent to the Lord [Note: Pro 19:17.]; and he would consider himself unjust, if he should forget so much as one of them in the great day of final retribution [Note: Heb 6:10.]: not even a cup of cold water given for his sake, shall pass unnoticed, or lose its reward [Note: Mat 10:42.].]
Her piety however did not exempt her from the common lot of mortality. We are next called to contemplate,
II.
Her death
Like others, she fell sick and died. But though disease and death were permitted to cut her off even as the wicked, and thereby to shew that all things come alike to all, yet there was an immense difference between her and others in the regret experienced for the loss of her
[A tear or two is all the tribute that is paid to the greater part of mankind, except by those who are their near relatives, or immediate dependents. But at the loss of her, all the Church at Joppa mourned; and the greatest solicitude was expressed to have her restored to them from the dead. They had heard of Peter healing by a word a man who had been confined to his bed for eight years [Note: ver. 33, 34.]: they deputed therefore two persons to wait upon him, (for he was only about six miles off,) to request his interposition with God in their behalf: and, when he came, they expressed their grief in the most affecting manner; shewed him at the same time the fruits of her industry and benevolence, that so they might interest his feelings, and engage his prayers for her restoration to life.
What a blessed testimony was this! how much better than the fulsome eulogies of panegyrists, or the funeral pomp of kings! yes, the tears of the godly, and the lamentations of the poor, are the noblest monuments that departed worth can have. O that we may all so live, as to be thus regretted by the Lords people, and to have our memory engraven in the hearts of all who knew us! And let us take care that the survivors may have substantial proofs of our piety to exhibit. We are not all able to do good in the same way, or to the same extent: but we may all have some works to praise us in the gates [Note: Pro 31:31.], and some fruits to evince the sincerity of our faith and love.]
The success of their application to Peter leads us to notice,
III.
Her restoration to life
Peter having been introduced into the chamber where the corpse lay, desired all to depart, that he might not be interrupted in his supplications to the Deity: and, when he had obtained his request, he presented her alive again to her friends.
What an unspeakable benefit was this to the world!
[Whilst her own immediate friends had the comfort of her society, and the poor enjoyed the benefit of her pious labours, the whole Church of God were edified with her bright example. It is astonishing what one person may do, by the mere influence of his own example; how many he may stimulate, how many he may encourage. We may well suppose, that, where her conduct was so highly admired, she was the means of promoting many acts of benevolence in others, who without such an example would either never have exerted themselves at all, or never to so great an extent. Even to the ungodly world her restoration to life was an unspeakable blessing; since many, by means of it, were stirred up to inquire into the truth of Christianity, and to believe in that Jesus whom they had before despised [Note: ver. 42.].]
Nor was it any other than a blessing to herself
[We cannot suppose that there was left in her mind any remembrance of her felicity in her disembodied state, at least any such remembrance as should cause regret: we take for granted that she was restored to all her former habits of mind, with the same disposition to enjoy the society of her friends, and to abound in every good work. What a comfort then must it be to her to behold those who had so bitterly bewailed her loss! With what redoubled energy would she betake herself to her former labours of love; knowing now, from experience, how short her time might be either for the benefiting of the poor or the glorifying of her God! And these renewed labours would of necessity be recorded, like all her former works, and would follow her when she should rest from them, and augment her weight of glory to all eternity. Surely all this must be considered as a blessing to her soul. As Paul, though desirous to die and be with Christ, was yet content to live that he might serve and honour God in the work of the ministry; so might she be well content to live on earth again, seeing that her opportunities of benefiting the poor, and honouring God, and advancing her own eternal welfare, would be thus prolonged.]
Address
1.
Those who are living for themselves
[This is the state of mankind at large; all men seek their own, and not the things of Jesus Christ [Note: Php 2:21.] But this is highly criminal: our time, our talents, our very bodies and souls, are the Lords, and must be altogether employed for his glory [Note: 1Co 6:19-20.] All profession of religion unaccompanied with activity in good works, is vain [Note: Jam 2:13-17, Mat 7:21.]. The very intent of the Gospel is to make us diligent in the performance of them [Note: Tit 3:8-9; Tit 3:14.]; nor can we ever answer the design of our Lords sufferings, if we do not live, not unto ourselves, but unto Him that died for us and rose again [Note: 2Co 5:15 and Rom 14:7-9.].]
2.
Those who profess to be living unto God
[Study, like Dorcas, how you can be most useful to the poor: consider their wants, and how you may most effectually relieve them. In bearing the burthens of others, you fulfil the law of Christ; and, in truth, you best consult your own happiness. Who that reads the character of Job [Note: Job 29:11-13.], must not envy his happiness, as well as admire his piety? Verily there is a delight in acts of benevolence, which cannot be procured by any other means. Let all then who profess religion, shew forth their faith by their works. The poor may do their part, as well as the rich [Note: Eph 4:28.]; and shall be accepted according to their respective abilities [Note: 2Co 8:12.].]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
Ver. 39. They brought him ] Love is officious, and thinks not too much of any labour.
And showing him the coats and garments ] A worthy employment for a wealthy woman. The like is reported of Queen Anne Boleyn. And I knew a very gracious matron (one mistress Alice Smith of Stratford-upon-Avon) that found herself thus usually busied; being one of those few that both lived and died with honour.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
39. . ] The widows of the place, for whom she made these garments.
] ‘ was making ,’ i.e. used to make (i.e. weave): not ‘ had made .’
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Act 9:39 . It is not said that they sent for St. Peter to work a miracle, but his near presence at Lydda would naturally make them turn to him in a time of sorrow. : a characteristic Lucan expression (Weiss), see above Act 5:21 . .: here the article would naturally be used on referring to the chamber, cf. Act 9:37 , in which the body lay. : they may have been the poor of the Church, Act 6:1 , whom Dorcas had befriended, or those who had been associated with her in good works (see also Plumptre’s suggestive note). In connection with St. Luke’s marked sympathy with women, we may note that the word is used by him no less than nine times in his Gospel, three in Acts. , cf. Luk 7:13 ; Luk 8:52 , Hamburger, u. s. (Act 9:37 ). .: only here in middle voice, perhaps as pointing to the garments which they were themselves wearing (so Blass, Wendt, Felten, Grimm-Thayer), which Dorcas had given them. : “coats,” close-fitting undergarments; the word was used in classical Greek of men and women, more perhaps like a dressing-gown or cassock; “Coat,” “Dress,” Hastings’ B.D. , the long flowing outer robes. : “all which,” i.e. , so many (Blass, Page, Hackett, Knabenbauer); see reading in [233] (Blass), critical notes. : imperfect as denoting her customary mode of action.
[233] R(omana), in Blass, a first rough copy of St. Luke.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
coats. Greek. chiton. = tunic or under-garment.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
39. .] The widows of the place, for whom she made these garments.
] was making, i.e. used to make (i.e. weave): not had made.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Act 9:39. , came with them) An indication of his humility. Comp. Act 9:43.- , when she was with them) i.e. before she died.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
widows
Contra, Act 6:1.
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
and all: Act 9:41, Act 8:2, 2Sa 1:24, Pro 10:7, 1Th 4:13
and showing: Act 9:36, Act 20:35, Job 31:19, Job 31:20, Pro 31:30, Pro 31:31, Mat 25:36-39, Mat 26:11, Mar 14:8, Joh 12:8, 2Co 8:12, Eph 4:28, 1Th 1:3, Jam 2:15-17, 1Jo 3:18
while: Ecc 9:10, Mat 17:17, Luk 24:44, Joh 17:12
Reciprocal: Exo 35:25 – General 2Ch 28:15 – clothed Job 29:13 – The blessing Pro 11:16 – gracious Pro 31:13 – worketh Pro 31:20 – she reacheth Ecc 3:7 – time to rend Isa 23:18 – for them Isa 32:8 – the liberal Mat 9:23 – the minstrels Mar 5:38 – and seeth Luk 7:12 – a widow Luk 14:13 – call Act 6:1 – their Rom 16:2 – for 2Co 8:4 – the ministering Phi 2:27 – but God 1Ti 2:10 – with 1Ti 5:3 – widows 1Ti 5:10 – if she have relieved Tit 2:5 – good Phm 1:5 – toward the Lord
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
9
Act 9:39. Widows stood by. These were the ones for whom the “alms-deeds” of verse 36 were done. Their weeping was a sincere expression of appreciation for what Dorcas had done for them. While she was with them. Her body lay in their presence as they did this, which is another proof that there is something in a human being that leaves the body and the world when death occurs.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Act 9:39. The coats and garments. Coats, better translated tunics, the inner clothing, the word rendered garments signifying the outer mantle worn above the tunic.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Act 9:39-41. Then Peter arose and went with them Doubtless God inclined him so to do, intending to work an extraordinary miracle by him, for the manifestation of his truth and glory. And when he was come To Tabithas house; they brought him into the upper chamber Where she was laid out. And all the widows Who had been relieved by her benevolence; stood by him weeping, showing the coats, &c. Here was no need of mourning women to be hired: the death of this woman was a common loss; these coats were made by her in her life-time, to clothe the poor and naked therewith. But Peter put them all forth That he might with the more freedom pour out his soul before God in prayer on this occasion, and not be disturbed with their mournful lamentations. And he kneeled down and prayed In his healing Eneas there was an implicit prayer; but in this greater work he addressed himself to God in solemn prayer, as Christ did when he raised Lazarus; but Christs prayer was with the authority of a Son, who quickens whom he will; Peters with the submission of a servant, who is under direction, and therefore he kneeled down when he offered it. And then rising, and turning to the body, he said As with the voice of authority, in the name and presence of his great Lord, the Sovereign of life and death; Tabitha, arise Words which were immediately accompanied with a divine power, so that she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up Showing that she was really and truly alive. And when he had called the saints and widows Who were all in sorrow for her death, and were near the chamber, waiting impatiently for the event; he presented her alive And in perfect health, as all were that were miraculously cured. Who can imagine the surprise of Dorcas, when called back to life? or of her friends, when they saw her alive? For the sake of themselves, and the poor, there was cause of rejoicing; and much more for such a confirmation of the gospel. Yet to herself it was matter of resignation, not joy, to be called back to these scenes of vanity: but, doubtless, her remaining days were still more zealously spent in the service of her Saviour and her God. Thus was a richer treasure laid up for her in heaven, and she afterward returned to a more exceeding weight of glory, than that from which so astonishing a providence had recalled her for a season.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
See notes on verse 36
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
Luke told this story with much interesting detail. Peter accompanied the two men who came for him to Lydda (cf. Act 10:7; Act 10:23). The widows were evidently wearing the clothing Tabitha had made for them. The middle voice of the Greek verb translated "showing" in Act 9:39 suggests this. She had made clothes for the poor widows. This was her ministry.
"She had the gift of sewing. Do you mean to tell me that sewing is a gift of the Holy Spirit? Yes, it was for this woman. May I suggest seeking a gift that is practical? [Note: McGee, 4:552.]