The apostle Peter, to whom this pious
woman had been well known, was then at Lydda, not far from Joppa, and
the disciples sent to tell him of the heavy loss the Church had met with
in the death of Dorcas, and begged that he would come and comfort them.
The apostle directly left Lydda and went over to Joppa. He was, by his
own desire, taken to the room where the corpse lay, and was much moved
when he saw the tears of the poor women who had been fed and clothed by
the charity of Dorcas, and who were telling each other how much good she
had been the means of doing them.
Peter desired to be left alone with the body, and then he knelt down and
prayed, and, receiving strength from God, he turned to the body and
cried, "Tabitha, arise!" She then, like one awaking from sleep, opened
her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. He then took her by the
hand, and she arose and was presented alive to those who, thinking she
was dead, had so lately been mourning for her loss. This was the first
miracle performed by the apostles, and it greatly surprised the people
of Joppa, who began one and all to believe that Peter was really a
preacher sent by God.
The name of Joppa signified beautiful. It was built upon the side of a
rocky mountain, which rises from the sea-shore, and all around it were
lovely gardens, full of vines, figs, and other fruits.
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