Acts 9:41

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

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}.

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

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

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

Acts 9:41 KJV describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, showcasing the miraculous power of God working through the Apostle Peter. This verse concludes the account of Peter raising Dorcas (also known as Tabitha) from the dead in Joppa, presenting her alive to the grieving community.

Context

This verse is part of a broader narrative in Acts 9, which details Peter's ministry travels after the conversion of Saul (Paul). Peter arrives in Joppa, a coastal town, where a beloved disciple named Dorcas (Greek for "gazelle," paralleled by her Aramaic name, Tabitha) had died. Dorcas was renowned for her "good works and almsdeeds," particularly her compassionate service to widows, making garments for them. Her death caused immense sorrow among the believers and the widows she served. Peter was urgently sent for, and upon arriving, he found the community weeping and showing him the tunics and garments Dorcas had made. Peter then put everyone out of the room, knelt, and prayed, much like Jesus did before raising Jairus' daughter. He then commanded Dorcas to "Tabitha, arise," and she opened her eyes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power Over Death: The most striking theme is God's absolute authority over life and death. The resurrection of Dorcas is a powerful testimony to the resurrection power inherent in Christ and extended through His apostles. It underscores the victory of life over the grave.
  • Apostolic Authority and Ministry: Peter's actions here, following his healing of Aeneas in Lydda, demonstrate the divine authentication of his apostolic ministry. Miracles served to confirm the message of the gospel and establish the authority of the early church leaders, as described in Acts 2:43.
  • Community and Compassion: The verse highlights the strong bonds within the early Christian community. Dorcas's service to the "saints and widows" exemplifies practical Christian love and care. Peter's act of presenting her alive to this specific group emphasizes the communal joy and comfort derived from this miracle, reinforcing the importance of mutual support and compassion within the church.
  • God's Glory Revealed: The public nature of the miracle, with Peter presenting Dorcas to many witnesses, ensured that the glory went to God and served to spread the gospel. As noted in Acts 9:42, "it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord."

Linguistic Insights

The term "saints" (Greek: hagioi) refers to believers, those who are "set apart" or consecrated to God. It's a common New Testament term for Christians, indicating their holy calling and relationship with God. The mention of "widows" specifically underscores Dorcas's ministry to a vulnerable group, aligning with the biblical mandate to care for the needy, as seen in James 1:27.

Practical Application

Acts 9:41 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • God's Power is Active: While dramatic resurrections may be rare, this account reminds us that God is still a God of miracles and power. He is capable of intervening in impossible situations and bringing life where there is death.
  • The Value of Service: Dorcas's life of "good works and almsdeeds" serves as an inspiration. Her compassion for the widows was a tangible expression of her faith. Believers are called to serve others, especially the vulnerable, demonstrating God's love through practical acts of kindness and generosity.
  • The Importance of Community: The gathering of the "saints and widows" before and after the miracle highlights the strength and comfort found in Christian fellowship. The church community is a place of mutual support, shared grief, and collective joy in God's faithfulness.
  • Faith and Prayer: Peter's actions were preceded by prayer and faith. This emphasizes that God often works through the prayers of His people, empowering them to be instruments of His will and glory.

This verse stands as a powerful testament to the life-giving power of God and the compassionate ministry of the early church, inspiring believers to live lives of faith, service, and reliance on divine power.

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.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back