MPV Commentary

Joppa.

The historian now returns to Peter, introducing the narrative of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48). These events likely took place during Saul's time in Arabia.

32-35. As Peter traveled throughout various regions, he was no longer fleeing persecution but peacefully visiting churches.

He arrived at Lydda, a town about five miles east of Joppa.

34. Peter said to Eneas, "Jesus Christ heals you." (See Acts 3:6.)

Make your bed, as instructed by Jesus in John 5:8.

35. The people living in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord, resulting in a general conversion.

36-39. In Joppa, a city on the Mediterranean coast about forty-five miles northwest of Jerusalem, there lived a woman named Tabitha or Dorcas.

She was known for her good works and charitable deeds, which earned her the nickname "gazelle" due to her lovely character.

37. When they had washed her body according to custom, they placed it in an upper chamber (compare 1 Kings 17:19).

38. The disciples sent a message to Peter, showing that not all believers possessed miraculous gifts.

39. All the widows who had been helped by Dorcas stood by Peter weeping and showed him the clothing she had made for them.

40-43. Peter dismissed everyone from the room and knelt down beside Tabitha (compare Luke 8:54 and 2 Kings 4:33).

He opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and lifted her to her feet, just as Jesus had done for his mother-in-law (Mark 1:31).

43. After raising Tabitha from the dead, Peter stayed with Simon, a tanner, who lived by the seaside in Joppa.