The Raising of Tabitha
Acts 9:36–43 (NASB95)
36Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.
37And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. 38Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, “Do not delay in coming to us.” 39So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40But Peter sent them all out 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. 41And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
The passage introduces us to Tabitha, a disciple in Joppa whose life exemplified Christian service. Her name is given in both Aramaic (Tabitha) and Greek (Dorcas), reflecting the multicultural nature of the early church. She was known for her good works and acts of charity, particularly her work making clothes for widows, a vulnerable group in ancient society. Her sudden death brought great sorrow to the community, as evidenced by the widows mourning her and displaying the garments she had made for them.
This miracle account demonstrates several important theological truths:
God’s Power Over Death: Through Peter, God displayed His authority over life and death, affirming His sovereignty and the hope of resurrection.
Continuation of Jesus’s Ministry: Peter’s actions closely parallel those of Jesus, emphasizing that the apostles were continuing Christ’s work through His power and authority.
Validation of Apostolic Authority: This miracle confirmed Peter’s role as a leader in the early church, showing that God was working through him to advance the Gospel.
God’s Concern for the Vulnerable: Tabitha’s life and ministry highlight God’s special care for the marginalized, such as widows, and the importance of serving others in His name.
Most significantly, this miracle parallels Jesus’ raising of Jairus’ daughter, in which He also said, “Talitha kum”—similar to Peter’s “Tabitha, arise.” This connection emphasizes the continuity of Christ’s mission through His apostles.
I would like to focus on Tabitha as our example in these verses. Her story reminds us that seemingly ordinary acts of service, done in Christ’s name, can have an extraordinary impact. Tabitha’s ministry of making clothes might have seemed mundane, but it transformed lives and became part of God’s eternal narrative.
How can you emulate Tabitha by ministering to others through everyday acts of service and kindness?
Blessings,
Ryan Goodnight