PETER, ANEAS, AND DORCAS.
By J. O. Corliss
THERE is something in the association of certain names that brings helpful thoughts. Peter, whose name stands first in the list at the head of this study, had had the privilege of gaining a most wonderful experience by personal contact with the Lord Jesus. On one occasion when, in company with the other disciples, he was sent out to witness for His Master, power was given him to heal the sick, cast out devils, and even to raise the dead. Matt. 10: 5-8. Whatever else he and the others did while on these tours, we know that the seventy did cast out devils; for it is recorded that when they returned from one of these journeys, they boasted that even the devils were subject to them through the power of Jesus’ name. Luke 10: 17. During the three years of this experience, the disciples must have gained considerable boldness in speaking the word by which to relieve the sin-distressed multitudes with whom they came in contact. Their confidence must also have been strengthened by the Saviour’s words on that memorable night following the day of His resurrection, when He said to them all, “As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.” John 20: 21. Upon the strength of this assurance, after the ascension of the Lord they went forth to their life-work. Pentecost, and other succeeding occasions at Jerusalem where infinite power was displayed through humanity, testified to the constant fulfilment of this promise. But at the period under consideration in this study, Peter was to leave the earlier scene of his many victories over the flesh and the enemy of righteousness, to move out into broader fields. Would the same power attend him there as had testified through him at Jerusalem in the midst of his old associates? From his steady course of action in his new field, we must believe that he thought so. Coming to Lydda on his journey, he found there a man who had kept his bed for eight years, so badly had he been afflicted with palsy. Without the least hesitation, the apostle said to him, “Æneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole; arise, and make thy bed.” Acts 9: 34. Not only did these words gladden the heart of the afflicted one, but their power thrilled his whole physical system, and he knew that Peter’s words were confirmed in heaven. And he immediately arose from his bed, perfectly free from disease. The news of this notable case soon spread throughout that whole region, causing all the people there to turn unto the Lord. The record of such cases as this should cause much reflection among believers of to-day. It seems that the Lord led Peter to the place for the very purpose of healing the palsied man, that through the divine power thus manifested the people of that region might believe on the name of Jesus. That being the means then used by which to convert the heathen, why should we suppose that such an effective method would be abandoned for mere logic, which the heathen so readily counteract by their own subtle reasoning? Why should not the herald of the cross now use, in order to convince the heathen of the power of Christ to save, means which they may not be able to gainsay? Even tho he may not be able to heal a malady by his word alone, he may use healing remedies, which will do the work, and he can then give God the glory before the one so healed. Such work could not fail to impress the veiled mind of the most hardened sinner. But Peter’s work being finished in the region about Lydda, another opening was quickly presented for him to carry the power of God to others. At Joppa, which was not far from Lydda, there had dwelt a good sister, Dorcas. She had been one of the principal missionaries in that place, having given much of her time to visiting the sick, making garments for the poor, etc. This good woman was taken sick and died, and the affliction caused the disciples great grief. But after they had prepared the dead for burial, the brethren heard that Peter was at Lydda, and sent for him, asking him to hasten his coming to them. On arriving at Joppa, Peter was taken into the chamber of the dead, where the women of the company were weeping aloud. His mind was quickly settled as to what to do. Putting all the visitors out of the room, he kneeled and prayed, then turning to the body said, “Tabitha, arise.” The power of these words brought life to her hitherto pulseless body; her eyes opened, and, beholding Peter, she sat up. At this, Peter extended his hand and helped her to her feet; then he called in the people whom he had before ejected, and presented her to them alive. Again God was glorified; the news of this event soon spread throughout Joppa, causing many to believe in the saving power of Christ and so Peter was led to remain in Joppa a long time, in order to instruct the people in the way of the Lord. J. O. CORLISS.