The Cure Of Aeneas And the Visit To Dorcas; Acts 9:32–43–Part 3

Church History:Her Christian friends sent for Peter to come to them with all speed, not to attend the funeral, but, if it might be, to prevent it. Lydda, where Peter was, was near Joppa, and the disciples at Joppa had heard that Peter was there, and that he had raised Aeneas from a bed of languishing; and therefore they sent him two men, to make the message more solemn and respectful, asking him to come to them; not telling him the occasion, fearing he might decline coming upon so great an errand as to raise the dead. Their friend was dead, and it was too late to send for a physician, but not too late to send for Peter. Post mortem medicus, a physician after death, is an absurdity, but not Post mortem apostolus, an apostle after death.
Peter arose and went with them. Though they did not tell him what they wanted him for, yet he was willing to go along with them, believing it was upon some good account or other that he was sent for. He found the corpse laid in the upper chamber, and attended by widows, probably such as were in the communion of the church, poor widows; there they were.
They were here lamenting the loss of her: The widows stood by Peter, weeping. Peter did not want a public display; they came to see, but he did not come to be seen. He sent them from the room, that he might have more freedom to pour out his soul before God in prayer upon this occasion, and not be disturbed with their noisy and clamorous lamentations. In his healing of Aeneas there was an implied prayer, but in this greater work he addressed himself to God by solemn prayer, as Christ when he raised Lazarus; but Christ's prayer was with the authority of a Son, who quickens whom he will; Peter's with the submission of a servant, who is under direction, and therefore he knelt down and prayed.
When he had prayed, he turned to the body, and spoke in his Master's name, according to his example: "Tabitha, arise; return to life again." Power went along with this word, and she came to life, opened her eyes which death had closed. Thus, in the raising of dead souls to spiritual life, the first sign of life is the opening of the eyes of the mind. When she saw Peter, she sat up, to show that she was really and truly alive; and he gave her his hand and lifted her up, not as if she labored under any remaining weakness, but it was to welcome her to life again, and give her the right hand of fellowship among the living, from whom she had been cut off. And, lastly, he called the saints and widows, who were all in sorrow for her death, and presented her alive to them, to their great comfort, particularly of the widows; to them he presented her, as Elijah (1Kings 17:23), and Elisha (2Kings4:36), and Christ (Luke 7:15), presented the dead sons alive to their mothers. The greatest joy and satisfaction are expressed by life from the dead.
Many were convinced of the truth of the gospel, realizing that it was from heaven, and not of men, and believed in the Lord. The news of the event was soon known throughout Joppa. Finding that a door of opportunity was opened for him there, Peter stayed there many days, until he was called to another place. He didn’t stay in the house of Tabitha, though she was rich, lest he should seem to seek his own glory; but he took up his lodgings with one Simon a tanner, an ordinary tradesman, which is an instance of his condescension and humility: and hereby he has taught us not to mind high things, but to condescend to those of low estate, (Romans 12:16).