Acts 9 39

Acts 9:39 kjv

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 shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

Acts 9:39 nkjv

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

Acts 9:39 niv

Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

Acts 9:39 esv

So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.

Acts 9:39 nlt

So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them.

Acts 9 verses

Acts 9 39 Meaning

Acts 9:39 describes Peter's arrival in Joppa at the urgent request of the disciples, where he is led to the upper room where Dorcas (Tabitha) lay deceased. Upon entering, he encounters all the widows mourning, and they display the clothing Dorcas had personally made for them, showcasing the profound impact of her good works and charitable deeds. This scene sets the stage for a divine intervention that will honor a life of sacrificial service and reveal the power of the resurrected Christ.

Acts 9 39 Context

Acts 9:39 is part of the account of Peter's ministry expanding into new territories beyond Jerusalem, specifically in Lydda and Joppa. Peter had just performed a healing miracle in Lydda (Acts 9:32-35) of a paralytic named Aeneas, leading many to turn to the Lord. News of Peter's presence then reached Joppa, a prominent port city roughly ten miles away, where a beloved disciple named Dorcas had recently died. Dorcas, also known by her Aramaic name Tabitha, was known for her consistent "good works and charitable deeds," especially in making clothing for the poor and widows. Her death was a significant loss, prompting the believers in Joppa to urgently summon Peter, hinting at their hope for a miracle due to Peter's proven apostolic power. The upper room was likely the most suitable place in the house for the solemnity of death and preparation for burial.

Historically, widows were a highly vulnerable group in ancient society, often lacking family support and financial security. Jewish law and early Christian teachings placed a high value on caring for them. Dorcas's ministry of sewing clothes provided essential material aid, showcasing a vibrant, practical expression of faith in the early church.

Acts 9 39 Word analysis

• Then Peter: The immediate shift to Peter indicates his central role and the apostolic authority he carried, not through his own strength but as an instrument of God.
  • Significance: Peter (Greek: Petros) means "rock." His actions demonstrate foundational aspects of early church ministry – outreach, healing, and resurrection.
• arose and went: Indicates immediate and decisive action in response to the summons. No hesitation is implied.
• with them: Peter's willingness to go signifies his pastoral heart and the communal nature of the early church, where believers would earnestly seek help for one another.
• When he had come: Simple statement marking his arrival, which introduces a new phase of the narrative, filled with expectation.
• they brought him into the upper room: Greek: hyperōon (ὑπερῷον), referring to an upstairs room, often used for living, entertaining, or quiet retreat.
  • Original Context: Upper rooms were sometimes associated with significant spiritual events (e.g., the Last Supper, the gathering on Pentecost). Here, it is the setting for the body of the deceased Dorcas. Bringing Peter here immediately places him at the scene of death and sorrow.
• And all the widows: Greek: pasai hai chērai (πᾶσαι αἱ χῆραι). The collective presence of "all" underscores the widespread impact of Dorcas's life and her specific focus on aiding this vulnerable group.
  • Cultural Context: Widows in ancient society were particularly reliant on charity or their children. Dorcas's support was therefore vital. The early church had specific provisions and ministries for widows (Acts 6:1; 1 Tim 5:3-16).
• stood by him weeping: A common expression of grief and lamentation. Their tears were not merely for personal loss but perhaps also for the practical void Dorcas's death would create in their lives. This silent appeal, born of deep sorrow, anticipates a compassionate response.
• showing the tunics and garments: Greek: chitōnas (χιτῶνας, tunics/undergarments) and himatia (ἱμάτια, outer garments/cloaks).
  • Significance: This act of "showing" (ἐπιδεικνύμεναι, epideiknymenai) serves as a visual, tangible testimony to Dorcas's good works, her hands-on labor of love. It’s a powerful, silent demonstration of her life of service, speaking more eloquently than words of her vital role and kindness. These were not generic gifts but items specifically made by Dorcas, adding a personal touch.
• which Dorcas had made: Emphasizes her personal craftsmanship and active involvement in charity. Her compassion was expressed through her skill and effort.
• while she was with them: Highlights the active nature of her ministry during her lifetime, contrasting with her current state of death and underscoring the deep void she left.

Acts 9 39 Bonus section

• Dorcas / Tabitha: The narrative uses both Dorcas (Greek for "gazelle") and Tabitha (Aramaic for "gazelle"). This dual naming often reflects the multicultural linguistic context of port cities like Joppa, where both Aramaic (the local language) and Greek (the common language of trade and broader Hellenistic culture) were spoken. It underscores the reach of the Gospel into different cultural groups within Judea.
• Echo of Prophets: The narrative of Peter being summoned to a bereaved family and raising the dead (following Jesus' example with Jairus's daughter, or the raising of the widow's son by Elijah and Elisha in 1 Kings 17 and 2 Kings 4, respectively) highlights the continuity of divine power from the Old Testament prophets through Jesus to the apostles. This served as validation of the apostles' ministry and the truth of their message about Christ's resurrection.
• Demonstration of Authentic Faith: Dorcas's life of charity (making clothes) stood in stark contrast to empty rituals or self-serving practices. Her "good works" were an organic outflow of her discipleship, making her death a tangible loss not just emotionally but practically for those she served. This event serves as a testament that faith in Christ leads to a transformed life of practical love for others, as taught by James.

Acts 9 39 Commentary

Acts 9:39 powerfully sets the scene for one of Peter's most significant miracles. It illustrates the profound human grief that accompanies death, especially the death of a beloved and generous servant of God like Dorcas. The emotional display by "all the widows" is crucial; their tears are coupled with the tangible evidence of Dorcas's life – the handmade clothes. This is not just a lament but a silent, eloquent testimony to her selfless devotion and practical faith. These garments are not merely objects; they embody Dorcas's love, diligence, and genuine Christian service (Acts 9:36).

This verse highlights several aspects vital to the early Christian community: the value of "good works and charitable deeds" as an expression of true faith, the special care given to the vulnerable (widows), and the communal outpouring of sorrow and hope in times of loss. Peter, an apostle empowered by the Holy Spirit, steps into this highly charged emotional atmosphere, not as a magician, but as God's instrument responding to the prayers and implicit faith of the community. The widows' actions were not just an expression of grief but likely also an appeal, hoping that the Lord, who had done mighty works through His apostles, would show mercy.