Note 4 at Acts 9:38: Why didn't the disciples raise Dorcas from the dead? Why did they have to send for Peter? It was not because only apostles had the power to raise someone from the dead.

Jesus said in John 14:12 that those who believed on Him would do the same works that Jesus did, which included raising people from the dead. He also said in Mk. 9:23, "all things are possible to him that believeth." Peter himself had explained that the miracles he had performed were not because of who he was but rather was because of faith in the name of Jesus (see note 4 at Acts 3:16, p. 586). These disciples had the name of Jesus and faith so they could have done what Peter did.

There are many possible reasons why these disciples didn't see Dorcas raised from the dead without the assistance of Peter. It is most probable however, that these disciples were hindered by unbelief as Peter had been in Matthew 17:20. Jesus had to help Peter and the other apostles when their unbelief had prevailed and now that he had become strong, it was his turn to help others.

Note 5 at Acts 9:38: It is evident that time was of the essence in this situation. God is not affected by time. It is no harder for God to resurrect someone from the dead after a week than someone who has been dead only a few minutes. However, the people involved in believing for this miracle were affected by time. When it comes to raising someone from the dead, the quicker the better.