Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did. (37) And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. (38) And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. (39) 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 showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. (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. (41) And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. (42) And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. (43) And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
The Holy Ghost hath closed this most sweet and interesting chapter; with the relation of a miracle wrought by Peter, in his Lord's name, on a godly woman, in raising her from the dead. This Joppa was a little sea-port in the tribe of Dan, made memorable in scripture by the history of Jonah, Jonah 1:3. Her name was Tabitha in the Hebrew, but the Greeks called her Dorcas. But the most delightful part of her character is, that she was a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. And it is an honorable testimony given of her at the same time, that she adorned that doctrine she professed, in being full of good works, and alms-deeds which she did. It is truly blessed to see a child of God alive in the discharge of all the duties of a believer, while at the same time dead to every idea of merit in the performance of them. To consider those things as blessed effects from grace in the heart, but not contributing an atom in adding to the cause of salvation. Nothing can be more lovely where this is the case. But such instances are rare to be found. For such is the corruption of our fallen nature, that these things more frequently minister to spiritual pride and pharisaical righteousness, than to the divine glory. And that soul must be highly taught of God indeed, who is in earnest, and zealous in laying himself out for usefulness in God's Church, and among God's people; and yet in proportion as the Lord blesseth him in such deeds, he layeth lower and lower in the dust before God. Who so far from taking to himself the most distant idea of merit, from a life like this considers himself only as a greater debtor to the Lord for having called him to the service, and given him both grace and ability to discharge it. One so taught of the Lord, will feel more humbled at every step he takes as the Lord's Almoner, and will be astonished at the grace which employs him, when he considers, that the same Lord hath angels at his command, for all his errands of mercy!
I admire the diligence of Peter, in being here, and there, and everywhere, at the call of the Lord's people, and in the Lord's service. The Apostle felt, what every faithful minister of Jesus ought to feel; that when embarked in the Lord's service, his time and talents, yea, his very life is not his own. And that service where he can be most useful, is the very spot where he should be always found. Hence from the bed of Eneas to the chamber of Tabitha, and from Lydda to Joppa, Peter hastens for employment.
I admire also the strong faith, both of Peter and of the disciples at those places. It should seem, that the one expected miracles, and that the other depended in the Lord's name for strength to perform them. And what cannot that faith accomplish, which the Lord creates in the heart, which is wholly founded on the Lord's strength, and wholly designed for the Lord's glory? Reader! let you and I seek grace from the Lord, in the same way, and for the same ends, even Christ's praise, and depend upon it, our day, and our strength in the Lord will be alike. I can do nothing, (said one of old, highly taught of God), of myself, but I can do all things through Christ strengthening me.