Acts 9:39-41 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Then Peter arose and went with them Doubtless God inclined him so to do, intending to work an extraordinary miracle by him, for the manifestation of his truth and glory. And when he was come To Tabitha's house; they brought him into the upper chamber Where she was laid out. And all the widows Who had been relieved by her benevolence; stood by him weeping, showing the coats, &c. Here was no need of mourning women to be hired: the death of this woman was a common loss; these coats were made by her in her life-time, to clothe the poor and naked therewith. But Peter put them all forth That he might with the more freedom pour out his soul before God in prayer on this occasion, and not be disturbed with their mournful lamentations. And he kneeled down and prayed In his healing Eneas there was an implicit prayer; but in this greater work he addressed himself to God in solemn prayer, as Christ did when he raised Lazarus; but Christ's prayer was with the authority of a Son, who quickens whom he will; Peter's with the submission of a servant, who is under direction, and therefore he kneeled down when he offered it. And then rising, and turning to the body, he said As with the voice of authority, in the name and presence of his great Lord, the Sovereign of life and death; Tabitha, arise Words which were immediately accompanied with a divine power, so that she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up Showing that she was really and truly alive. And when he had called the saints and widows Who were all in sorrow for her death, and were near the chamber, waiting impatiently for the event; he presented her alive And in perfect health, as all were that were miraculously cured. Who can imagine the surprise of Dorcas, when called back to life? or of her friends, when they saw her alive? For the sake of themselves, and the poor, there was cause of rejoicing; and much more for such a confirmation of the gospel. Yet to herself it was matter of resignation, not joy, to be called back to these scenes of vanity: but, doubtless, her remaining days were still more zealously spent in the service of her Saviour and her God. Thus was a richer treasure laid up for her in heaven, and she afterward returned to a more exceeding weight of glory, than that from which so astonishing a providence had recalled her for a season.