Acts 9:40

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.

But {G1161} Peter {G4074} put {G1544} them all {G3956} forth {G1854}, and kneeled down {G5087}{G1119}, and prayed {G4336}; and {G2532} turning {G1994} him to {G4314} the body {G4983} said {G2036}, Tabitha {G5000}, arise {G450}. And {G1161} she opened {G455} her {G846} eyes {G3788}: and {G2532} when she saw {G1492} Peter {G4074}, she sat up {G339}.

But Kefa put them all outside, kneeled down and prayed. Then, turning to the body, he said, “Tavita! Get up!” She opened her eyes; and on seeing Kefa, she sat up.

Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down and prayed, and turning toward her body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up.

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

Context

This powerful event takes place in Joppa, a coastal town, during Peter's extensive ministry throughout Judea. Prior to this, Peter had just healed Aeneas in Lydda (Acts 9:32-35), leading to widespread conversion. The disciples in Joppa faced a tragedy: the death of Tabitha (also known by her Greek name, Dorcas), a beloved disciple "full of good works and almsdeeds which she did" (Acts 9:36). Hearing Peter was nearby, they sent for him, likely hoping for a miracle. Peter's action of "put[ting] them all forth" before praying echoes similar actions by Jesus, such as when He raised Jairus' daughter, creating a private space for divine intervention.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Power of Prayer: Peter's immediate response to the desperate situation was to kneel and pray. This highlights the indispensable role of prayer as the channel through which God's miraculous power is unleashed. It emphasizes that the power was not Peter's own, but God's, accessed through humble supplication.
  • Divine Authority Over Death: Peter's simple, authoritative command, "Tabitha, arise," demonstrates the resurrection power of God working through His apostle. This miracle parallels Jesus' own power over death, as seen in His raising of Jairus' daughter or Lazarus from the tomb. It served as a powerful testimony to the truth of the Gospel and the living Christ.
  • God's Compassion and Glory: The resurrection of Tabitha was an act of profound compassion, restoring a woman who had been a great blessing to her community. More significantly, this miracle brought immense glory to God and led to many people in Joppa believing in the Lord (Acts 9:42), demonstrating God's purpose in performing signs and wonders.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Tabitha" is Aramaic, while "Dorcas" (mentioned in Acts 9:36) is its Greek equivalent, both meaning "gazelle." This detail subtly indicates her grace or perhaps the swiftness of her good deeds. Peter's direct command, "Tabitha, arise" (Greek: Tabitha anasta), is a clear, authoritative declaration, mirroring the directness of Jesus' own commands when performing miracles, such as "Talitha cumi" (Little girl, arise) in Mark 5:41.

Practical Application

This account serves as a powerful reminder of the effectiveness of fervent, believing prayer, even in the face of insurmountable circumstances like death. It encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign power to intervene in impossible situations and to remember that God's ultimate purpose in such miracles is to draw people to Himself. Furthermore, it highlights that a life dedicated to good works and compassion, like Tabitha's, can be a testament to God's grace and set the stage for His glorious intervention.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 9:25

    But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

  • Mark 5:40

    And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

  • Mark 5:42

    And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was [of the age] of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

  • 2 Kings 4:32

    And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, [and] laid upon his bed.

  • 2 Kings 4:36

    And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.

  • Acts 7:60

    And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

  • Luke 8:54

    And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.

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