Bible Strands
Acts 9:39
So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter rises and travels to Joppa after the local disciples urgently request his presence. Upon reaching the upper room, he encounters a group of widows grieving over the death of Dorcas.
The words — The Greek ἀναστὰς (anastas) means "having risen up," marking Peter’s immediate physical response to the summons. The verb ἀνήγαγον (anēgagon), "they brought [him]," describes the disciples escorting him to the specific location where the body lay.
The thread — The widows' display of garments points to Dorcas's practical charity, echoing the principle in Ephesians 4:28 that honest labor should produce something to give to others. Her lasting reputation aligns with Proverbs 10:7, which contrasts the enduring memory of the righteous with the decay of the wicked.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that faith operates through tangible service, as the community's grief centers on concrete acts of provision. It requires the reader to value practical righteousness over abstract piety and to expect God to honor faithful labor.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
- Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
- Ephesians 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:3 and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 2 Samuel 1:24 O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold.
- Job 31:19 if I have seen one perish for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a cloak,
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
- Matthew 17:17 “O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to Me.”
- Matthew 25:36 I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’
- Matthew 26:11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.