“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.”
Peter went with them, and as soon as he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them.—the gathering of widows (whom Dorcas had clothed) testifies to her charity and creates a corporate witness to her goodness. Their display of garments (chitons, 'tunics') makes tangible her acts of mercy; the works continue to speak. Peter's presence is requested not yet for a miracle, but to acknowledge the saint's life.
Church Fathers on Acts 9:39
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 near 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. Acts 9:36-38. Why…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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