make thy bed!” [1] Immediately he arose. Seeing this great miracle, all the inhabitants of Lydda were converted to the Lord.
While Peter remained at Lydda, he was sent for in haste [2] by some of the disciples in Joppe[3], not far distant[4], because a certain holy woman, named Tabitha[5], had just died there.
Peter, rising quickly, went to Joppe. They brought him to an upper chamber, where Tabitha lay dead. Many poor widows stood around weeping[6], and showed him the garments which Tabitha had made for them[7]. Peter was touched at the sight, and, ordering all to leave the room, he knelt down and prayed [8]. Then[9], turning to the corpse, he said: “Tabitha, arise!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, sat up. The fame of this miracle converted very many to the Lord Jesus Christ[10].
And Peter “abode many days in Joppe”, instructing those who were newly converted, and confirming them in their faith.
COMMENTARY.
The meaning of "the Church". When the disciples fled from Jerusalem on account of the persecution there, they proclaimed the Christian faith in many towns in Judaea, Galilee, and Samaria, and thus Christian communities sprang up in these towns. Now, in the story we have just been reading, it is said (Acts 9, 31): “The Church had peace throughout all Judaea, and Galilee, and Samaria.” What is here meant by the word “Church”? Simply, all the Christian communities united under one Head. All Christian communities form together one great community, or communion, i. e. the Church.
- ↑ Make thy bed. Which had hitherto been made for him by others.
- ↑ In haste. This urgent message to Peter shows what great faith the Christians had in their chief pastor's miraculous powers. They believed that Peter could restore their benefactress to them.
- ↑ Joppe. A town on the sea-coast, now known by the name of Jaffa.
- ↑ Distant. About nine miles.
- ↑ Tabitha. Who had been a true mother to the poor.
- ↑ Weeping. Because they had lost so great a benefactress.
- ↑ Made for them. In olden times rich and noble women used to weave stuffs and make clothes. We read that the emperor Augustus, when at home, wore only such clothes as were made by his wife and daughter.
- ↑ Prayed. He was moved with compassion for these poor people who had lost their mother, and wished to implore God’s help for them. In order to pray without disturbance, and in imitation of his Divine Master (chapter XXX), he caused everybody to leave the room, and then knelt down and prayed.
- ↑ Then. Full of confidence that his prayer was granted.
- ↑ Jesus Christ. In whose name Peter had called the dead back to life, by which action they recognised that Jesus was Lord over life and death.
