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This chapter concludes with a relation of a second miracle wrought by St. Peter at Joppa, in raising dead Dorcus to life.
Where note, 1. The person upon whom this miracle was wrought, Dorcas, a woman rich in good works, full of alms-deeds; yet neither her piety towards God, nor her liberality to the poor could preserve her either from death or from diseases.
A dear disciple may be diseased, and die; Behold he whom thou lovest is sick, Joh_11:3 yea, and dead too. Strength of grace, and dearness of respect, even from Christ himself, cannot prevail against diseases. Good Dorcas here lies dead, with her body washed not only to fit her for burial, but especially to shew their hope of the resurrection.
Note, 2. The doleful lamentation made by widows for the loss of this good woman, who used to clothe the naked with the labour of her hands: She did not spend her time in making rich apparel for herself, but in making garments for the poor; and it seems she had good store of them ready made by her for the poor's use, as their necessities did require; They shewed the coats and garments which Dorcas had made; the undoubted tokens and evidences of saints that can remain in honour of them when departed, are acts of piety towards God and of charity to the poor.
Note, 3. The manner of St. Peter's working this miracle.
1. He puts them all out of the room where the dead lay; partly to prevent interruption in the exercises of prayer, which he was now about to perform.
2. He kneeled down; which recommends to us that reverential posture in our prayers to the great God of kneeling before him.
3. He prayed; thereby owning and acknowledging, that the power of raising her was from God, not from himself.
Note, lastly, The effect of this miracle: Many believed in the Lord: She was raised more for the good of others than her own; for her restoring to natural life was the occasion of raising many to a life of faith; Upon the sight of this famous miracle performed by St. Peter, many believed in the Lord.