Acts 9:41

KJV

And he gave her [his] hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he gave {G1325} her {G846} his hand {G5495}, and lifted {G450} her {G846} up {G450}, and {G1161} when he had called {G5455} the saints {G40} and {G2532} widows {G5503}, presented {G3936} her {G846} alive {G2198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He offered her his hand and helped her to her feet; then, calling the believers and the widows, he presented her to them alive.

Berean Standard Bible

Peter took her by the hand and helped her up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her to them alive.

American Standard Version

And he gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:41 culminates the miraculous account of Peter raising Dorcas (Tabitha) from the dead in Joppa, showcasing God's life-giving power through His apostle. Following Peter's command for her to arise, this verse describes his physical action of helping her up and then the profound moment he presents her, fully restored to life, to the community of believers and widows who had mourned her passing. It is a powerful testament to the early church's apostolic authority, God's victory over death, and the communal joy found in divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic resolution of the narrative detailing Peter's ministry in Joppa, specifically the resurrection of Dorcas (Tabitha). It immediately follows Peter's private prayer and direct command, "Tabitha, arise!" in [Acts 9:40](/acts/9-40 "Acts 9:40 - Peter Raises Dorcas"). The preceding verses establish Dorcas's character as a devout disciple "full of good works and almsdeeds" who was particularly beloved by the widows she served ([Acts 9:36](/acts/9-36 "Acts 9:36 - Dorcas's Character and Death")). Her death prompted the urgent summoning of Peter from Lydda, where he had just healed Aeneas ([Acts 9:32-35](/acts/9-32-35 "Acts 9:32-35 - Peter Heals Aeneas")). The verse sets the stage for the widespread belief that followed this miracle, as recorded in [Acts 9:42](/acts/9-42 "Acts 9:42 - The Impact of Dorcas's Resurrection"), demonstrating the evangelistic impact of God's power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joppa (modern Jaffa) was a significant port city on the Mediterranean coast, indicating the expanding reach of the gospel beyond Jerusalem. The mention of "widows" is culturally significant, as widows in ancient society, particularly those without family support, were among the most vulnerable and often marginalized groups. Jewish and early Christian traditions placed a strong emphasis on caring for them, as seen in the communal support structures outlined in passages like [1 Timothy 5:3-16](/1_timothy/5-3-16 "1 Timothy 5:3-16 - Instructions for Widows"). Dorcas's ministry of making "tunics and garments" for them ([Acts 9:39](/acts/9-39 "Acts 9:39 - Widows Mourn Dorcas")) was a tangible expression of this care, making her loss particularly devastating to the community. Peter's actions, including putting everyone out of the room before the miracle, echo practices seen in Jesus's own ministry, such as the raising of Jairus's daughter in [Mark 5:40](/mark/5-40 "Mark 5:40 - Jesus Raises Jairus's Daughter"), suggesting a continuity of divine power and method.

* **Key Themes:** This pivotal event contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Divine Power Over Death**, demonstrating God's ultimate sovereignty over life and the grave, a power uniquely manifested through Jesus and now extended through His apostles. This miracle serves as a powerful confirmation of the **Apostolic Authority** of Peter, validating his ministry and the message of the burgeoning Christian church. The deep sorrow expressed by the "saints and widows" and the communal joy at Dorcas's restoration underscore the theme of **Community and Compassion** within the early church, highlighting the practical love and mutual support that characterized believers. Finally, the public presentation of Dorcas "alive" ensured that the miracle would lead to **God's Glory Revealed** and the spread of the gospel, fulfilling the mandate for the apostles to be witnesses to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lifted her up (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** This verb literally means "to stand up" or "to raise up." In this context, it describes Peter's physical action of assisting Dorcas to her feet after she had been brought back to life. It signifies a complete restoration, not just a momentary awakening, but a return to full physical function and uprightness. The word is often used in the New Testament for resurrection, emphasizing the power of God to bring life from death.
* **saints (Greek, _hágios'_):** Derived from a root meaning "sacred" or "holy," this term refers to believers in Christ. It denotes those who are "set apart" or consecrated to God, indicating their unique relationship and calling. Here, it signifies the collective body of Christians in Joppa, emphasizing the communal aspect of their faith and their shared identity as God's people.
* **presented (Greek, _parístēmi'_):** This verb means "to stand beside," "to exhibit," or "to proffer." In this context, it signifies Peter's act of bringing Dorcas forward and displaying her, alive and well, to the gathered community. This public presentation serves to authenticate the miracle, allowing witnesses to confirm the reality of her resurrection and ensuring that the event would bring glory to God and strengthen the faith of the community.
* **alive (Greek, _záō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to live," either literally or figuratively. Here, it is used in its most literal sense, confirming that Dorcas was not merely revived or in a trance, but fully restored to life. This word emphasizes the complete and undeniable nature of the miracle, highlighting God's power to conquer death and impart genuine, vibrant life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up,"**: This clause describes Peter's immediate physical action following Dorcas's awakening. Having commanded her to "arise," Peter extends his hand, providing tangible assistance and confirmation of her restored life. This act of giving his hand and lifting her up signifies a complete return to physical capability and demonstrates Peter's pastoral care and involvement in the miracle's completion. It echoes similar actions by Jesus in healing narratives, emphasizing the personal, compassionate touch often accompanying divine power.
* **"and when he had called the saints and widows,"**: This phrase highlights the specific audience Peter summoned. The "saints" refer to the general body of believers in Joppa, while "widows" specifically points to the vulnerable group Dorcas had so faithfully served. Their presence underscores the communal impact of Dorcas's life and death, and their collective witness to her resurrection would serve to validate the miracle and spread the news throughout the city. This gathering emphasizes the relational and communal nature of the early church.
* **"presented her alive."**: This final clause is the powerful culmination of the event. Peter "presented" or "exhibited" Dorcas, not merely stating she was alive, but showing her to the community as living proof of God's miraculous intervention. The word "alive" (Greek, _záō_) stresses the undeniable reality of her full restoration, leaving no room for doubt about the miracle. This public presentation served to bring immense joy, comfort, and confirmation of faith to a grieving community, and ultimately, glory to God.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Acts 9:41 employs several powerful literary devices. **Miracle** is the most overt device, showcasing the extraordinary intervention of divine power into the natural order, serving to authenticate Peter's apostolic ministry and the message of the gospel. The **Narrative Progression** is swift and impactful, moving from Peter's command to Dorcas's immediate response and then to her public presentation, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The careful selection of the audience—"the saints and widows"—serves as a form of **Witnessing**, ensuring that those most affected by Dorcas's life and death would be the primary recipients of the miracle's joy and confirmation, thereby maximizing its communal and evangelistic impact. Furthermore, Peter's physical act of giving his hand and lifting her up can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing not only physical restoration but also the church's role in lifting up the fallen and restoring hope through the power of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:41 stands as a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty over life and death, a power uniquely demonstrated through Jesus Christ and extended through His chosen apostles. This resurrection event is not merely a display of power but a compassionate act that restores a beloved servant to a grieving community, affirming the value of practical Christian service and the reality of God's active presence in the lives of His people. It underscores that the same divine power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in the church, authenticating its message and ministry. The miracle serves to strengthen the faith of believers, to bring comfort to the afflicted, and to draw new converts to the Lord, demonstrating that the gospel brings not only spiritual life but also tangible manifestations of God's kingdom.

* [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")
* [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus from the Dead")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Those Who Have Fallen Asleep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The resurrection of Dorcas in Acts 9:41 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of life who can intervene in even the most hopeless situations, bringing light where there is darkness and life where there is death. While dramatic physical resurrections may be rare today, the underlying principle of God's power to restore, heal, and bring new life remains constant. This passage challenges us to cultivate a faith that trusts in God's ability to do the impossible, even when circumstances seem dire. Furthermore, Dorcas's life, characterized by "good works and almsdeeds," particularly for the vulnerable, serves as a powerful model for practical Christian living. Our faith is not merely intellectual assent but should manifest in tangible acts of compassion and service to those in need, reflecting God's love to a hurting world. The communal joy and comfort experienced by the "saints and widows" highlight the vital importance of Christian community, where believers share in each other's burdens and celebrate God's faithfulness together, reinforcing the call to mutual support and fellowship within the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the account of Dorcas's resurrection challenge your understanding of God's power and His willingness to intervene in human affairs today?**
* **In what ways can you, like Dorcas, engage in "good works and almsdeeds" to tangibly demonstrate God's love to the vulnerable and needy in your community?**
* **How does the communal response to Dorcas's death and resurrection illustrate the importance of Christian fellowship and mutual support in times of both sorrow and joy?**
* **What "dead" areas in your life or circumstances do you need to present to God, trusting in His power to bring new life and restoration?**

### FAQ

**Was Dorcas's resurrection a unique event, or did other apostles perform similar miracles?**

Answer: While Dorcas's resurrection is a particularly detailed and moving account, it was not unique in the early church. The book of Acts records other instances of apostles performing similar miracles, demonstrating God's power through them. Most notably, Peter himself had previously healed Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years, in [Acts 9:32-35](/acts/9-32-35 "Acts 9:32-35 - Peter Heals Aeneas"). Later in Acts, Paul also raises Eutychus from the dead after he fell from a window during a long sermon ([Acts 20:9-12](/acts/20-9-12 "Acts 20:9-12 - Paul Raises Eutychus")). These accounts collectively underscore the extraordinary power entrusted to the apostles to authenticate their message and establish the early church.

**Why did Peter call the "saints and widows" specifically to witness Dorcas's presentation?**

Answer: Peter specifically called the "saints" (believers) and "widows" to witness Dorcas's resurrection for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the widows were the primary beneficiaries of Dorcas's compassionate ministry, and her death had caused them immense grief, as evidenced by their showing Peter the garments she had made ([Acts 9:39](/acts/9-39 "Acts 9:39 - Widows Mourn Dorcas")). Their presence ensured that those most deeply affected by her loss would experience the profound joy and comfort of her restoration. Secondly, by presenting her to the broader community of "saints," Peter provided undeniable proof of the miracle, strengthening their faith and validating the divine authority behind his ministry. This public, communal witness ensured that the miracle was not a private affair but a powerful testimony to God's glory that would spread throughout Joppa and beyond ([Acts 9:42](/acts/9-42 "Acts 9:42 - The Outcome of Dorcas's Resurrection")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The resurrection of Dorcas in Acts 9:41, performed by Peter, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Peter's act of raising Dorcas is a powerful echo and continuation of Jesus's own life-giving ministry, such as His raising of Jairus's daughter ([Mark 5:41-42](/mark/5-41-42 "Mark 5:41-42 - Jesus Raises Jairus's Daughter")) and Lazarus ([John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")). These miracles performed by the apostles serve as tangible demonstrations that the power of the resurrected Christ is actively at work through His church, authenticating the gospel message. Just as Dorcas was presented "alive" to her community, Christ's own resurrection from the dead is the ultimate presentation of new life, offering spiritual resurrection to all who believe in Him ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")). Therefore, Dorcas's physical restoration points to the greater spiritual restoration and eternal life available through faith in the resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ, who conquered death once and for all ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")).

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

Mark 1:31

And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

Acts 6:1

¶ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Luke 7:15

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

Acts 20:12

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

Acts 3:7

And he took him by the right hand, and lifted [him] up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

Luke 7:12

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

Psalms 146:9

The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.