Let’s read Acts 9:36-42, “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 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. 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. 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. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.”

There are two significant events in the end of Acts 9. In verses 32-35, we have Peter in Lydda. There he heals a man, Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years. Notice the results of that man’s healing in Acts 9:35, “And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.”

After that, we have the raising of Dorcas in verses 36-42. Again, let’s look at the result of this incredible miracle in verse 42, “And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.” While MANY believed in the Lord after witnessing the resurrection of Dorcas, ALL that dwelt in Lydda and Saron turned to the Lord. In both instances, the love and power of the Lord led to salvation.

We know nothing of Aeneas except that he was sick and in need of healing. We know that Dorcas was “full of good works and almsdeeds”. She was a very loving woman who labored to help the poor and less fortunate. When Peter arrived, the widows came to him “shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them”, showing her generous works among the people.

Is this just a historical event, or is there profit in this account for us? 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Yes, there is much profit for us in this account. As far as the spiritual needs of the world, we have the condition of the world presented to us in Aeneas as ‘paralyzed’ and ‘dead’. This paralytic man was helpless and could do nothing to improve his condition. He was hopeless. Ephesians 2:12 describes the condition of the unbeliever as, “…having no hope, and without God in the world.” It took the work of the Lord to heal him. Dorcas, although loving and hardworking died and was in need of life. Ephesians 2:1 describes the condition of the unbeliever as, “…dead in trespasses and sins.”

What an important lesson for us! No matter how much Aeneas wanted to be healed, he could not heal himself. As kind and generous as Dorcas was, her good words could not save her from death. Neither can our good words save us from death. Titus 3:5-6 says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.” May we take this lesson to heart! If you are without Christ, you cannot heal yourself, you cannot save yourself from death. Only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can we have forgiveness of our sins and eternal life in Glory. The Lord Jesus tells us in John 10:10, “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” If you are saved. If you have trusted Christ as your savior, tell others of the only way of salvation. There is only one way. Let us all be faithful to preach Christ to the lost so that precious souls might be saved. (162.6)