 The following devotional is written by a fictitious character to illustrate common missteps in Bible study. For more information on the Learning Discerment series, see our Introducing Quill Meanwell post. As you read, pay close attention to how Quill handles Scripture. Notice how Quill summarizes Acts 9:36–43 and whether any details are added, changed, or assumed. When conclusions are drawn that aren’t explicitly stated in the passage, consider whether they are natural extensions of the text or weaker connections. Read 1 Kings 17:21 in context and how Quill uses the passage to support the argument. Reflect on what this devotional teaches about God and His attributes, and consider how it points toward the gospel—or how it might subtly shift attention away from it. After the devotional, you’ll find a brief reflection that returns to the passages and themes raised here. Devoted Dorcas by Quill Meanwell This week we will look at the story of a miracle in Acts. Let’s see what lessons we can learn from Peter’s ministry. Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. Acts 9:36-43 This account is found in the book of Acts. The early church is growing despite persecution and believers are helping one another in practical ways. Dorcas is one example of a faithful woman who used her resources to provide for others in need. She was a disciple, a learner, and a follower of Jesus. She died suddenly and the other disciples asked Peter to come. In a miracle reminiscent of Elijah’s ministry, her resurrection caused a revival in Joppa. Peter was serving God in Lydda, but he was willing to go to another town to meet the needs of fellow disciples. He went into the room to mourn by himself, and prayed. He knew he needed wisdom and strength from God so he humbly sought help. Perhaps he was thanking God for Dorcas’ example of faithful service. Maybe he was asking God how he could help comfort and give spiritual healing to the grieving widows. Peter was well-versed in the Old Testament stories and had seen Jesus raise people from the dead, so he may have prayed like Elijah in 1 Kings 17:21 “O Lord my God, let this [woman’s] life come into [her] again.” Peter’s availability, humbleness, and faith in prayer provided the perfect conditions for his greatest miracle yet. How can you be available? How can you show humility and faith? At the beginning, we see that Acts 9:36–43 is quoted in full from the ESV, allowing readers to see the whole passage in context rather than relying on isolated verses. Quill also provides a brief background about the book of Acts, which can be a helpful aid to observation.
By looking closely at the summary, we noticed that Quill’s summary and comments frequently add details not found in the text or stretches what is stated. For example, Dorcas is described as having died “suddenly,” and Peter is said to have entered the room “to mourn.” The claim that the miracle “caused a revival” is another example of adding interpretation beyond what the text explicitly says. These details may be plausible, but they are not supported by the passage itself. Throughout the devotional, we are invited to consider what individuals may have been thinking, feeling, or intending, even though the passage does not tell us. While words like maybe and perhaps signal uncertainty, they can easily be overlooked by readers. Writers might include these ideas out to engage us emotionally. While it is not always wrong to consider how someone felt or thought, we need to be careful of reading “into” the text. Our imaginative insights may overshadow the overall purpose of the text. As we consider the use of the1 Kings verse, we see that Quill references Elijah’s ministry at the beginning of the devotional. We are not given any background to the 1 Kings account to verify if the context supports making a connection between the two miracles. Quill uses Elijah’s prayer to suggest what Peter prayed -- another example of speculation. In addition, Meanwell modifies the wording of Elijah’s prayer in 1 Kings 17:21 to personalize it and apply it to this situation. This adaptation a previous prayer could make people think this "recipe" is a guaranteed way to pray for and get miracles. While Peter is an important part of the passage, Quill overemphasizes Peter’s actions and character as the catalyst for the miracle. This focus minimizes God’s power and providence as the primary cause of the miracle. In Acts, miracles authenticate the apostles’ ministry as they proclaim the gospel. This passage ultimately points beyond Dorcas and Peter to God’s power and the resulting faith in the Lord. Instead of linking the resurrection to Christ and the gospel, it keeps the spotlight on what humans do and their personal experiences. Sadly, Quill's devotional misses that redemptive focus. By comparing Quill’s insights with a careful observation of Scripture, we can see that what looks good at first sight may not be faithful to the passage. It’s not always easy to spot when things may be added or left out, but the more we read the Bible, the better we get at noticing when something seems a little off. With God’s word as our guide, we can be like the Bereans who searched Scripture every day to examine what they were hearing.
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