Acts 9:39

KJV

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 shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} Peter {G4074} arose {G450} and went with {G4905} them {G846}. When he {G3739} was come {G3854}, they brought him {G321} into {G1519} the upper chamber {G5253}: and {G2532} all {G3956} the widows {G5503} stood by {G3936} him {G846} weeping {G2799}, and {G2532} shewing {G1925} the coats {G5509} and {G2532} garments {G2440} which {G3745} Dorcas {G1393} made {G4160}, while she was {G5607} with {G3326} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kefa got up and went with them.

When he arrived, they led him into the upstairs room. All the widows stood by him, sobbing and showing all the dresses and coats Tavita had made them while she was still with them.

Berean Standard Bible

So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

American Standard Version

And Peter arose and went with them. And 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:39 describes the poignant scene of Peter's arrival in Joppa following the urgent summons concerning the death of Dorcas (Tabitha). Upon entering the upper chamber where her body lay, Peter is met by a gathering of grieving widows who are tearfully displaying the very coats and garments Dorcas had meticulously made for them, a tangible testament to her profound compassion and tireless acts of charity within the community. This moment vividly portrays the deep impact of a life devoted to practical service and sets the stage for a miraculous demonstration of divine power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of Peter's ministry in Acts 9, immediately following his healing of Aeneas in Lydda ([Acts 9:32-35](/acts/9-32-35 "Acts 9:32-35 - Peter Heals Aeneas")). The news of this miracle likely fueled the hope of the disciples in Joppa, leading them to send for Peter upon Dorcas's death ([Acts 9:37-38](/acts/9-37-38 "Acts 9:37-38 - Disciples Send for Peter")). The scene in Joppa, with the display of Dorcas's charitable works, serves to highlight the human impact of her life before the divine intervention that follows. It underscores the early church's commitment to both evangelism and practical care for its members, particularly the vulnerable, setting a precedent for compassionate ministry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joppa (modern Jaffa) was an ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast, a place of diverse cultural influences where Greek and Jewish customs intertwined, as evidenced by Dorcas's dual name, Tabitha (Aramaic) and Dorcas (Greek). In the Greco-Roman and Jewish societies of the time, widows were often among the most vulnerable members of society, lacking familial support and economic means. Their reliance on charity and communal care was significant, making Dorcas's ministry of providing clothing a vital and deeply appreciated act of benevolence. The "upper chamber" (`hyperōion`) was a common feature in ancient Middle Eastern homes, typically a large, accessible room on the upper floor, frequently used for gatherings, prayer, or, as in this case, for laying out the deceased. This setting would have allowed for a communal expression of grief and remembrance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, it emphasizes **compassion and practical ministry**, showcasing Dorcas's life as a vibrant example of faith expressed through tangible good works, particularly her dedication to making clothing for the poor and vulnerable. This resonates with the biblical principle that genuine faith is demonstrated by action, as articulated in [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead"). Second, the scene highlights the profound **grief and testimony** of the community. The widows' weeping and the display of the garments serve as a poignant testament to Dorcas's impactful life and the deep human connection she fostered through her selfless service. Their sorrow underscores the value of a life lived in active love for others, echoing the call to serve "the least of these" found in [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These"). Finally, the urgent call for Peter, despite Dorcas being deceased, suggests an **anticipation of divine intervention**, reflecting the burgeoning faith of the early church in the apostles' power to mediate God's miraculous work, reminiscent of the gathering of disciples in the [upper room](/acts/1-13 "Acts 1:13 - The Upper Room Gathering") in Jerusalem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** G450. This verb means "to stand up" or "to rise up," literally or figuratively. Here, it denotes Peter's immediate and decisive action in response to the summons from Joppa. It conveys a sense of readiness and purpose, indicating that Peter did not hesitate but promptly prepared to go with the messengers.
* **weeping (Greek, _klaíō'_):** G2799. This word describes a loud, audible wailing or sobbing, distinct from a silent cry. The use of this term emphasizes the profound, unrestrained grief of the widows, underscoring the depth of their loss and the significant impact Dorcas had on their lives. Their public display of sorrow highlights the communal nature of their bereavement.
* **shewing (Greek, _epideíknymi'_):** G1925. Meaning "to exhibit" or "to display," either physically or mentally. In this context, it refers to the widows physically presenting the coats and garments to Peter. This act is not merely a passive display but an active demonstration, serving as a powerful, non-verbal testimony to Dorcas's character and the tangible fruit of her compassionate ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Peter arose and went with them."**: This clause emphasizes Peter's immediate and obedient response to the urgent plea from Joppa. Having just performed a significant miracle in Lydda, Peter demonstrates his willingness to travel and minister wherever he is called, reflecting the dynamic and responsive nature of apostolic leadership in the early church. His prompt departure underscores the gravity and urgency of the situation.
* **"When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber:"**: Upon Peter's arrival in Joppa, the disciples waste no time in leading him directly to the "upper chamber" where Dorcas's body lay. This detail highlights the directness of their purpose and the solemn, intimate setting for the events about to unfold. The upper chamber, often a private and significant space, becomes the focal point for this poignant encounter.
* **"and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them."**: This is the emotional core of the verse. The presence of "all the widows" signifies a collective and widespread impact of Dorcas's ministry. Their "weeping" conveys profound grief, not just for a friend, but for a benefactor who had alleviated their material hardship. The act of "shewing the coats and garments" is a powerful, tangible testimony. These items are not mere clothes but symbols of Dorcas's active love, her personal investment, and the practical comfort she provided, making her loss particularly acute for this vulnerable group.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 9:39 employs several powerful literary devices. **Pathos** is prominently featured through the description of "all the widows stood by him weeping." This evokes strong feelings of sympathy and sorrow in the reader, highlighting the deep emotional impact of Dorcas's death on her community. The widows' tears are a direct appeal to Peter's compassion and underscore the human tragedy of the situation. **Symbolism** is evident in "the coats and garments which Dorcas made." These are not just articles of clothing; they symbolize Dorcas's character, her selfless devotion, and the tangible, practical expression of her faith. They serve as concrete evidence of her "good works and almsdeeds" ([Acts 9:36](/acts/9-36 "Acts 9:36 - Dorcas's Good Works")), making her legacy visible and palpable. The scene also contains an element of **Foreshadowing**. The urgent summons for Peter, the display of Dorcas's good works, and the intense grief of the widows subtly hint at the impending miracle. The narrative builds a sense of anticipation, suggesting that such a profound loss, impacting so many, might warrant divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:39 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that genuine faith is not merely a private conviction but is actively expressed through compassionate service to others. Dorcas's life exemplifies a practical theology where belief is translated into benevolent action, particularly towards the vulnerable. Her ministry of making clothing for widows highlights the biblical mandate to care for the poor and marginalized, demonstrating that true godliness involves tangible acts of love and generosity. This passage underscores the value God places on such practical expressions of love, recognizing them as a vital component of Christian discipleship and a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel. The community's deep grief and the display of her works validate the lasting impact of a life devoted to selfless service, affirming that such deeds are remembered and honored, both by humanity and by God.

* [Proverbs 31:20](/proverbs/31-20 "Proverbs 31:20 - The Virtuous Woman's Compassion")
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")
* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:39 serves as a powerful call to action for believers today, reminding us that our faith is meant to be lived out in tangible ways that impact the lives of those around us. Dorcas's example challenges us to move beyond mere sentimentality and to actively identify and meet the practical needs within our communities, especially among the vulnerable and overlooked. Her legacy, preserved through the very garments she made, demonstrates that even seemingly simple acts of kindness—whether sewing clothes, providing meals, offering comfort, or lending a listening ear—can have a profound and lasting impact, leaving a testament to God's love. This passage encourages us to cultivate a heart of compassion that translates into concrete deeds, making our lives a visible expression of Christ's love and a source of genuine blessing to others. What legacy of practical love are we building through our daily lives?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Dorcas's practical ministry challenge my understanding of what it means to live out my faith?**
* **What specific, tangible needs exist within my community or among those I know, and how might I practically contribute to meeting them?**
* **In what ways can my actions, rather than just my words, serve as a powerful testimony to the love and compassion of Christ?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater awareness of the vulnerable around me and respond with active, selfless generosity?**

### FAQ

**Who was Dorcas and why was she so beloved?**

Answer: Dorcas, also known by her Aramaic name Tabitha, was a disciple living in Joppa. She was beloved because her faith was expressed through abundant "good works and almsdeeds" ([Acts 9:36](/acts/9-36 "Acts 9:36 - Dorcas's Good Works")), particularly her diligent efforts in making coats and garments for the poor, especially the widows in her community. Her practical compassion and selfless service earned her deep affection and respect, making her death a significant loss to many.

**What is the significance of the "coats and garments" the widows showed Peter?**

Answer: The "coats and garments" were tangible evidence of Dorcas's active love and charitable ministry. In a time when widows often lacked support, Dorcas's provision of clothing met a fundamental need and demonstrated her personal investment in their well-being. By displaying these items to Peter, the widows were not just showing clothes; they were presenting a powerful, visual testimony to Dorcas's character, her tireless work, and the profound impact she had on their lives. These garments symbolized her compassion, generosity, and the practical outworking of her faith.

**Why did the disciples send for Peter upon Dorcas's death?**

Answer: The disciples in Joppa sent for Peter with great urgency ([Acts 9:38](/acts/9-38 "Acts 9:38 - Messengers Sent to Peter")) likely due to the recent news of Peter's miracle in nearby Lydda, where he had healed Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years ([Acts 9:32-35](/acts/9-32-35 "Acts 9:32-35 - Peter Heals Aeneas")). This event, coupled with the growing understanding of the apostles' authority and the power of God working through them, instilled a glimmer of hope that Peter might be able to intervene even in the face of death. Their desperation and faith led them to believe that Peter, as an apostle, might be able to perform a miracle for their beloved Dorcas.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:39, while focusing on Peter and Dorcas, ultimately points to the compassionate heart and resurrection power of Jesus Christ. Dorcas's life of selfless service, particularly in providing for the vulnerable, beautifully reflects the very character of Christ, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Her practical acts of love embody the kind of compassion Jesus consistently demonstrated, as seen in His feeding of the multitudes ([Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13-21 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")) and His healing of the sick and marginalized ([Luke 4:40](/luke/4-40 "Luke 4:40 - Jesus Heals Many")). Furthermore, Peter's subsequent raising of Dorcas from the dead ([Acts 9:40-41](/acts/9-40-41 "Acts 9:40-41 - Peter Raises Dorcas")) is a powerful demonstration of the resurrection power that flows directly from Christ. Just as Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Lazarus, Come Out!")), Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, extends Christ's victory over death. Thus, Dorcas's life of Christ-like service and Peter's Christ-empowered miracle together foreshadow the ultimate hope found in Jesus, who is the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), and whose followers are called to continue His ministry of compassion and power until His return ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

Ephesians 4:28

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Proverbs 10:7

¶ The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

Proverbs 31:30

Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Proverbs 31:31

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

1 John 3:18

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Matthew 17:17

Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.