Acts 9:40

“But Peter put them all forth, etc.] As he had seen his Lord and Master do, when he raised the daughter of Jairus from the dead, (<420854>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…”

“Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down--the one in imitation of his Master's way (Luk 8:54; and compare Kg2 4:33); the other, in striking contrast with it. The kneeling became the lowly servant, but not the Lord Himself, of whom it is never once recorded that he knelt in the performance of a miracle. opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up--The graphic minuteness of detail here imparts to the narrative an air of charming reality.”

“But Peter put them all forth - From the room. See a similar case in Matthew 9:25. Why this was done is not said. Perhaps it was because he did not wish to appear as if seeking publicity. If done in the presence of many persons, it might seem like ostentation. Others suppose it was that he might offer more fervent prayer to God than he would be willing they should witness Compare 2 Kings 4:33. Tabitha, arise - Compare Mark 5:41-42. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Peter having put them all out - That he might have the better opportunity of wrestling with God in prayer, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up - 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 of 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…”

“put: Mar 5:40, Mar 9:25; Luk 8:54 and kneeled: Act 7:60, Act 20:36, Act 21:5 and prayed: Kg1 17:19-23; Kg2 4:32-36; Mat 9:25 she opened: Mar 5:41, Mar 5:42; Joh 11:43, Joh 11:44 Acts 9:41”