Acts 9:36-38 - Full of good works and charity

9:36

Joppa, today known as Jaffa, was the only important Jewish port. It was eleven miles from Lydda. Dorcas was the Greek name for Tabitha, both of them mean “gazelle”. It was common for Jewish women of means to engage in charitable works. It is a feature of the New Testament, and the Old, to commend people who are “full of good works”. We know that no one is saved by works, but only by the undeserved grace of God, and that God saves all sorts of unworthy souls (such as Saul!). However, we should also note that people of good character are commended, and it is far better to be of good character than to be a complete scoundrel. That is Biblical teaching.

9:37,38

“She became ill and died”. This is an example of a righteous person dying of illness, bad things do happen to good people. Jewish preparation for burial, for women, included women washing the body. Disciples sent for Peter, knowing he was not too far away. They also urged him to come without delay. Burials took place quickly, and would probably take place before sunset. This implies that they had some hope that Peter could do something. Maybe they were remembering the example of Lazarus. Note the possible implication that they believed that Peter could raise her from the dead. We tend to be very wary of such things in the West, and various charlatans give much cause to be sceptical, but the Biblical teaching would seem to suggest that we should be much more expecting, and far less doubting.