John Calvin Commentary Acts 9:39

"And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them." — Acts 9:39 (ASV)

And Peter arose. It is doubtful whether the messengers declared to Peter the reason why they sent for him; yet it is more likely true that they requested him simply to come to work a miracle. But another question arises: whether he knew God’s purpose or not?

First, if he were to doubt the outcome, would he have gone with them rashly? I answer that although he did not yet know what the Lord would do, he cannot be blamed for yielding to the request of the brethren.

Also, there were other reasons why he should come: namely, to mitigate their sorrow; to strengthen them with godly exhortations, so they would not lose heart from discouragement over the death of one woman; and to establish the Church, which was still new and, as it were, an infant.

Lastly, this one thing should have been sufficient for him: if he had refused, he would have been thought to proudly despise his brethren. However, we must also recognize that whenever the Lord determined to work some miracle through His apostles, He always directed them by the secret prompting of the Spirit.

I do not doubt that even though Peter was not yet certain of Tabitha’s life, he undoubtedly perceived that God was his guide in that journey. Therefore, he prepared himself to go, not rashly, even though he was uncertain of the outcome.

All the widows. Luke expresses here the reason Tabitha was raised from death: namely, because God pitied the poor and, at their desire, restored the woman to life. There were also other purposes.

For since she lives two lives, those virtues which Luke previously commended are adorned in her person. But the chief purpose is that the glory of Christ may be set forth.

God could have kept her alive longer. He does not change His purpose, as if moved by repentance, when He restores her to life again. Rather, because many of the disciples were weak and novices who needed confirmation, God declares by Tabitha's second life that His Son is the author of life.

Therefore, God regarded the poor and widows in such a way that, by relieving their poverty, He established the faith of His gospel in their minds. For in this miracle, He gave ample grounds for their edification.