The Acts of the Apostles, the history of the early church, by Luke the physician - Acts 9:32-43 comments: Peter and Tabitha

 

Acts 9:32 ¶  And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33  And there he found a certain man named Æneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34  And Peter said unto him, Æneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35  And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

 

Palsy, like leprosy, was a catch-all term in Early Modern English for a number of illnesses which we have since defined more specifically. Typically a weakness in part of or the whole body it is often described in such a way as to sound like a stroke with the person unable to use one side of their body and affecting the speech.

 

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. 37  And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38  And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 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. 40  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. 41  And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42  And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43  And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

 

Tabitha is an Aramaic name while Dorcas is a Greek name. Strong says that Tabitha and Dorcas both mean the same thing although he says they mean, “gazelle.” Matthew Henry states that the names refer to a “pleasant creature” like a deer.

 

Here, Peter is provided two things by God. First there is an opportunity to show the power of Christ through the Apostle at the raising of a great saint, beloved by many. Then, by the fame he gains in Joppa with many people believing in Christ as a result of Peter’s ministry he stays in Joppa many days which prepares him for another significant event to come next in the salvation of the Roman centurion. God sets us up to serve Him when we are willing and open to do so and puts opportunities in our path even when we are not. But, Peter is more than willing.