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on her acts of charity (Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 25:40). Through her ministry of service,
the faith community experience the manifested love of God.

Act 9:37 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 it came to pass in those days, that she was sick (astheneo), and died (suddenly died):
whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber (upstairs bedroom).

Her sickness had been progressive. The Greek word for sickness, astheneo, means to be weak
or sickly (James 5:14). Apparently, Dorcas had become sick and, over several days, became

weak. No one had been overly concerned about her because they do not realize the
seriousness of her condition until she dies suddenly. She is laid in an upstairs bedroom until she
can be buried.

Her situation is similar to what had transpired with Lazarus. When Peter arrived, she has not
been dead for as long as Lazarus had been, but she has been dead long enough for people to
know. There is no way her death could be mistaken for a coma. She will be raised from the
dead, and everyone will know it.

Act 9:38 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.

Peter will go and raise Dorcas from the dead because messengers have been sent to him about
her death. Peter responds because of a need. In the next story, Peter will be prepared by the
Lord through a vision to meet a need in Caesarea. Whether we have a vision or not, God wants
us to use the authority He has given us to bring deliverance to people.

Act 9:39 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.

Many who come for healing tried to prove their worth but are no more worthy to receive

healing then they are salvation. Even when the Jews were sent to represent the Roman
centurion, they besought Jesus by saying the centurion was working (Luke 7:3-5). However,
worthiness is never a requirement for healing or salvation. Peter does not raise Dorcas from
the dead because of her good deeds but because of the finished work of Jesus. Peter had just
healed a man who was lame and paralyzed. Because of his condition, this man had been
unable to do any good works or give to the poor. In fact, he had probably even begged for
years, yet Jesus healed him. The same will occur with Dorcas.

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