This verse from Acts 9:39 describes a poignant scene that highlights the impact Dorcas (also known as Tabitha) had on her community. Let's break it down:
"Peter got up and went with them." - People from Joppa had sought out Peter, who was in Lydda, to come and see Dorcas, who had died. Peter, an apostle, was known for his healing and ministry. His willingness to travel to Joppa shows the importance of this situation and the community's faith in his ability to help.
"When he had come, they brought him into the upper room." - Dorcas' body was likely being kept in an upper room, a common practice for mourning in that time.
"All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them." - This is the heart of the verse. The widows are mourning the loss of Dorcas and emphasizing her kindness. By showing Peter the garments she made, they were illustrating her charitable work and her dedication to helping those in need.
In essence, this verse illustrates:
Dorcas's Charity: Dorcas was a compassionate and generous woman who used her skills to provide clothing for the poor, particularly widows.
Her Impact: Her death left a void in the community, and the widows mourned not only her loss but also the loss of her practical support.
Peter's Importance: Peter's presence was seen as a source of hope and comfort in a time of grief.
The Power of Good Deeds: The focus on Dorcas's acts of kindness served as a testament to the lasting impact of selfless service.
The scene sets the stage for the miracle that follows, where Peter raises Dorcas from the dead, demonstrating the power of God and affirming the importance of charitable works.
This verse from Acts 9:39 describes a poignant scene that highlights the impact Dorcas (also known as Tabitha) had on her community. Let's break it down:
"Peter got up and went with them." - People from Joppa had sought out Peter, who was in Lydda, to come and see Dorcas, who had died. Peter, an apostle, was known for his healing and ministry. His willingness to travel to Joppa shows the importance of this situation and the community's faith in his ability to help.
"When he had come, they brought him into the upper room." - Dorcas' body was likely being kept in an upper room, a common practice for mourning in that time.
"All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them." - This is the heart of the verse. The widows are mourning the loss of Dorcas and emphasizing her kindness. By showing Peter the garments she made, they were illustrating her charitable work and her dedication to helping those in need.
In essence, this verse illustrates:
Dorcas's Charity: Dorcas was a compassionate and generous woman who used her skills to provide clothing for the poor, particularly widows.
Her Impact: Her death left a void in the community, and the widows mourned not only her loss but also the loss of her practical support.
Peter's Importance: Peter's presence was seen as a source of hope and comfort in a time of grief.
The Power of Good Deeds: The focus on Dorcas's acts of kindness served as a testament to the lasting impact of selfless service.
The scene sets the stage for the miracle that follows, where Peter raises Dorcas from the dead, demonstrating the power of God and affirming the importance of charitable works.