Acts 9:40

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 .

Acts 9:40 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 9:40

But Peter put them all forth
As he had seen his Lord and Master do, when he raised the daughter of Jairus from the dead, ( Luke 8:54 )

and kneeled down and prayed;
it may be, as yet, he had not the mind of God in this matter, and therefore betook himself to prayer, in which he chose to be private and alone:

and turning him to the body;
the corpse of Dorcas, after he had prayed, and was well assured that the power of Christ would be exerted in raising of it:

said, Tabitha, arise;
which words were spoken in the name and faith of Christ, and were all one as, if Christ himself had spoken them; for to his power, and not to the apostles, is the following miracle to be ascribed: and she opened her eyes; which, upon her death, had been closed by her friends; and perhaps the napkin was not yet bound about her face: or if it was, she must remove it ere she could open her eyes and see Peter:

and when she saw Peter;
whom she might know:

she sat up;
upon the bed or bier on which she lay.

Acts 9:40 In-Context

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 shewing 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.