Join us as we read the scriptures and a daily devotion written by Don Crisp. We pray these messages will bless us all at this time.
Acts chapter 9:36-43:
Categories: Don’s Daily Devotions
Acts chapter 9:36-43:
V36: We learn of a Christian woman, named Tabitha ( in Aramaic ) or Dorcas ( in Greek ) She was well known for her acts of Christian charity and love to many in Joppa, where she lives.
V37-38: She becomes very ill, and dies, causing great grief among the believers. Joppa is near to Lydda, and knowing that Peter is there, they send urgently for him.
V39: Coming at once, he finds many widows who had been the particular focus of Dorcas’ acts of charity, mourning in the room where her body has been laid.
V40: Putting them out of the room, Peter kneels by her body and prays. Then – prompted it must be by the Holy Spirit – he calls to her to “get up” – above all, he is calling on the Lord to restore her, of course. Her eyes open, she sees Peter and sits up – restored indeed by the power of the Lord of Life, working through His servant, another seal on the witness of those early days when Christ is establishing His Church.
V41-42: Peter calls the believers, including the widows who had so grieved for her, and restores her to them. This has a great gospel impact in Joppa, people not only amazed, but coming to true faith as they see the power of Jesus at work and are pointed to Him. Here, as in Lydda in v35, Peter must surely have declared the gospel as well as been instrumental in healing.
V43: The chapter ends by telling us Peter then stays some time in Joppa, lodging with Simon, a tanner by trade. This is to prepare for the significant events in chapter 10 to follow.