Peter Used by God in Joppa to Heal Beloved Dorcas
November 8, 2020
Commentary
The scene now shifts to Peter, who was visiting the churches in Palestine. He came to Lydia, a predominately Gentile city about 25 miles from Jerusalem (v. 32). Possibly the church in Lydia had been founded by disciples fleeing from Jerusalem at the time of fierce persecution when Stephen was stoned. At the time of his arrival, he met Aeneas, who had been confined to his bed for eight years with a disease that had paralyzed him (v. 33). Peter had the gift of healing, which was one of the validating gifts of the early church. He instantly healed this man in the name of Jesus (v. 34). Immediately the news flashed up and down the plains of Sharon. People came to see what had happened, and they went away saved (v. 35). Of course, this was the purpose of the healing miracle. Had healing been intended to be an end in itself, Peter would have healed all the sick people in town.
Ten miles northwest of Lydia in the seaport town of Joppa there was another group of Christians. One of the church’s members was Dorcas, a gracious woman filled with love and compassion for the poor (v. 36). She had died and when the Christians heard that Peter was only 10 miles away in Lydia, they sent for him (vv. 37-38). When he arrived in the upper room where Dorcas had been prepared for burial, he found a group of weeping widows (v. 39). Having prayed, he took Dorcas’ hand and commanded her to come to life. When she saw Peter, she sat up, and he presented her alive to the waiting people (vv. 40-41). When Peter healed Aeneas, he did not say, “I heal you”; he said, “Jesus Christ heals you.” Before he spoke to Dorcas (known as Tabitha in Hebrew), Peter prayed. It was not his own power on which Peter called; it was the power of Jesus Christ. This miracle became known throughout the area and was the cause of many turning to Christ (v. 42). Peter stayed in Joppa for a while with Simon the tanner (v. 43).
Application
What is the greatest miracle that God can do for us? Some would say the healing of the body but that is only temporary. The greatest miracle of all is the salvation of a lost sinner because it lasts for eternity. Thank you Lord for saving me when there are so many others who do not know You!!
Acts 9:32– 43 (NET)
32 Now as Peter was traveling around from place to place, he also came down to the saints who lived in Lydda. 33 He found there a man named Aeneas who had been confined to a mattress for eight years because he was paralyzed. 34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Get up and make your own bed!” And immediately he got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which in translation means Dorcas). She was continually doing good deeds and acts of charity. 37 At that time she became sick and died. When they had washed her body, they placed it in an upstairs room. 38 Because Lydda was near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter got up and went with them, and when he arrived they brought him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him, crying and showing him the tunics and other clothing Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all outside, knelt down, and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her get up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her alive. 42 This became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 So Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a man named Simon, a tanner.
Illustration: God Displays Himself through Believer’s Sufferings
Max Lucado tells a story in a book called “It’s Not About Me” about a friend of his who had cancer. Some well intentioned Christians had told him “If you have faith, then you will be healed”. But, no healing came, only a crisis of faith in that man’s life. Max suggested another answer to him, “It’s not about you”, I told him. “Your hospital room is a showcase for your Maker. Your faith, in the face of suffering, cranks up the volume of God’s song.” (Max Lucado, It’s Not About Me, pg.126)