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The miracle at Joppa:
v. 36. Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas; this woman was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did.
v. 37. And it came to pass in those days that she was sick and died; whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
v. 38. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
v. 39. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber; and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them.
v. 40. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and, turning him to the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
v. 41. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and, when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
v. 42. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
v. 43. And it came to pass that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon, a tanner.
Peter may well have stayed at Lydda for some time, confirming the disciples and establishing the congregation. But he was suddenly called away to a house of mourning in Joppa, the seaport of Jerusalem. In this city there was a woman disciple, whose Aramaic name was Tabitha (splendor, beauty), given by Luke in the Greek form Dorcas (doe). She may have been known by both names. The preaching of the Gospel, probably through the efforts of Philip, who traveled through this country, chap. 8:40, had had a wonderful effect in the case of this woman. She was full of, she abounded in, good works and in deeds of mercy, in the giving of alms which she practiced. She gave evidence of the power of the Gospel which lived in her heart, with the love toward Christ and her neighbor breaking forth at all times. But this good woman, about this time, took sick and died, and the people that had witnessed and enjoyed her goodness made the first preparations for her burial by washing her and laying her out in the upper room of the house. Meanwhile it had occurred to some friend that Peter, according to the general report, was in Lydda, and the disciples of Joppa resolved to dispatch two men to him with the earnest entreaty: Do not delay to come to us. The urgency of the matter should be emphasized. Whether the disciples had any definite plan as to the probable bringing back of Dorcas to life, or whether they simply wished the presence of Peter to comfort them in their sorrow, is not stated. At any rate, Peter lost no time in accompanying them, and they had about three hours' time to discuss the situation with him as they traveled back to Joppa. Upon Peter's arrival they immediately took him up to the upper room where the deceased sister lay. If anything was to be done, hurry was imperatively demanded, since the climate makes a speedy burial necessary. As is usual upon such occasions, all the widows that had received any kindness at the hands of Dorcas, crowded around Peter, bitterly weeping and exhibiting to him the undergarments, or gowns, and the mantles that Dorcas had made while she was still alive with them. Such works of charity, though usually hidden before the eyes of men, are valued highly in the sight of God. The simple works of Christian service, done in all simplicity of heart, the care of the household, sewing, mending, cooking, and the little helps shown to neighbors, if done for the love of Christ, are recorded with God for a reward of merit in His day. Peter, first of all, removed all these people from the room; he wanted to be all alone in prayer with his heavenly Father and with his Lord Jesus Christ. Throwing himself upon his knees, he laid the matter before God in prayer, and then, turning to the dead body, commanded: "Tabitha, arise!" And by the power of the Lord the miracle was performed. The woman that had been dead opened her eyes and, seeing Peter, sat up. And he, assisting her to her feet, called the members of the congregation and especially the widows that were so deeply grieved, and presented her alive. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Life, that had returned Aeneas to perfect health, called also this woman back to life, in order that she might continue her works of mercy in their behalf. Life and death of all Christians is in the hands of their Lord. The miracle was soon spread forth throughout the city, and many believed on the Lord. The power necessary to bring a dead person back to life impressed them, and the Gospel won their hearts for Jesus. And Peter stayed in Joppa for some time, his presence at this time being especially fortunate. A man by the name of Simon, a tanner by trade, was his host. The trade was commonly detested by the Jews, but Peter was rapidly learning to discard the old prejudices and serve all men, become all things to all men.
Summary
Saul, on his way to Damascus to persecute the disciples, is concerted by an appearance of the Lord, and begins his work of testifying for Jesus, while Peter, in the course of his missionary journeys, heals a paralytic at Lydda and brings a dead woman back to life at Joppa.