In part 2 of this teaching we saw how the Apostles handled the daily opportunities that come with a growing ministry.
I'd like to bring to your attention a verse of scripture in Acts 6.
Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
The problem in chapter 6 was with the Grecian widows in the church being neglected. I think this is interesting, especially regarding our record in Acts 9. Once again the subject of widows comes up this time with regard to Tabitha.
Acts 9:36-39 36Now 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. 37And 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. 38And 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.39Then 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.
Here the widows are mentioned once again as part of the group who were grieving the loss of Tabitha.
Acts 9:40 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.
Verse 40 teaches us a great spiritual truth. "Peter put them all forth he then knelt down and prayed." There is a period of time here that the word doesn't record. How long did Peter pray? What did he pray for? Who did he pray for? These are all good questions. He may have prayed for two hours he may of prayed for two minutes. The word is silent regarding the length and content of Peter's prayer. But I know it wasn't a five word prayer like the one some mumble before lunch. The words that intrigued me most of all in this verse are "and turning him to the body".
When I first started to think on these words I thought what was he doing before he turned to the body?
I know he was praying; the word supplies us with that information. He surely prayed for Tabitha and her healing. But I think he prayed for God's strength and direction for himself also. I believe he didn't go in there and start to stare at the body for a reason. That reason being one of fear and sadness which could only result in unbelief and failure. I believe he purposely avoided that temptation that the adversary would of used against him before he ever got a chance to minister to Tabitha.
You see in order to exercise faith you need to believe God's word above your senses. Peter's senses would only testify of what the devil had already done.
Death, sadness, sorrow and grief. These were the feelings of all who surrounded Peter. That's one of the reasons he put them out of the room. He had enough to do just to keep his mind stayed on the promise of God without dealing with all this junk the senses were throwing his way.
Jesus ministered in a similar way in the gospel of Mark.
Mark 5:22-23 22And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, 23And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. Mark 5:35-42 35While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? 36As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. 37And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. 38And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. 39And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. 40And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. 41And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. 42And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
Jesus put forth the people who didn't believe. I don't think it was so much for his sake, but for the sake of the disciples and the parents to help their believing. Here we see Jesus spoke to the girl and told her to arise. He spoke it into being. He exercised faith by speaking God's word into being.
Peter put them all forth and after praying he was now ready to exercise his faith. He turned to the body and said arise. He spoke it into being. He exercised his faith by speaking God's word into being just like Jesus did.
John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Peter had once again experienced a promise in the scriptures that would be written some 20 to 30 years later in the gospel of John.
He was living the word by living in faith.
Acts 9:41-42 41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Once again we see that the widows were included in the invitation to rejoice with their fellow saints over the great miracle that God had wrought. There are no classes in the church, only believers. Classes and groups within the church belong to men and man's wisdom. No one who was bought by the blood of Christ is of any less importance than the other.
The widows had just as much right to be part of this act of God as did the apostle himself.
God loves all and is kind to all who call on the name of Jesus.
1 Corinthians 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
God has placed you in the body and He doesn't make mistakes in his placement.
Believe it or not He knows what He is doing.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Philippians 2:3-5 3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
This coming Christmas let's think on how we can better serve our fellow man. Peter served Tabitha and all who called for him.ÿ