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

Jesus said in Joh 14:12 that those who believed on Him would do the same works that He did, and that included raising people from the dead (Lu 7:11-15 and Joh 11:43-44). He also said in Mr 9:23, "All things are possible to him that believeth." Peter himself had explained that the miracles he performed were not because of who he was but because of faith in the name of Jesus (see note 4 at Ac 3:16). 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 Peter's assistance. It is most probable, however, that they were hindered by unbelief, as Peter and the other apostles had been in Mt 17:20. Jesus had to help them when their unbelief had prevailed, and now that he had become strong, it was Peter's turn to help others.

Note 5 at Ac 9:38: It is evident that time was of the essence in this situation. God is not affected by time; it is not harder for God to resurrect someone who has been dead for 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.