The early church recorded and repeated stories of miracles, like Tabitha’s resurrection, to give credence to the gospel. Her story is particularly dramatic, giving us insight into this revolutionary time—and even some lessons for us today.
For the early church, the signs and wonders that Jesus and the apostles accomplished showed the reality of another world. The kingdom of God isn’t of this world, Jesus declares before Pilate, the representative of an earthly empire (John 18:36). Not of this world’s material or spirit. The kingdom never began and will never end and is constructed with eternal material. Hence why Paul says that “flesh and blood [i.e., worldly things] can’t inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50). The temporary can’t inherit the eternal.
Being eternal, the kingdom isn’t subject to corruption that leads all things to an end, including sickness. Miracles follow ministers who preach the kingdom’s message (Mark 16:15-18). These supernatural events announce three things:
- The existence of another, eternal reality.
- The eternal reality’s authority of worldly things.
- The kingdom’s final coming.
The brief but important account of Tabitha in Acts tangibly shows these principles.
Where Does the Bible Mention Tabitha?
Acts 9:36-37 records, “In Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek, Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.”
Tabitha is introduced as residing in Joppa—a coastal town in ancient Israel. She was renowned for her kindness and generosity, particularly for making clothing for the needy. Her name means “gazelle” in Aramaic, while Dorcas is the Greek equivalent. This dual naming indicates that, like many people in coastal Mediterranean towns, she lived in a multicultural community (people who spoke Aramaic, Greek, and probably other languages).
Tabitha’s death deeply grieved other believers in Joppa. Hearing that Peter was in the nearby town of Lydda, they sent messengers to implore him to come to Joppa immediately (Acts 9:38).
Peter was the movement’s main speaker and leader at this point in the early church’s history. Jesus’ apostles all taught and spread the gospel, but Peter had given the sermon on Pentecost and had been a major target for persecution from the start of his ministry.
After discussing Peter’s work in Jerusalem, Acts shifts for several chapters to focus on Saul (better known as Paul), who begins persecuting Christians but follows Christ after a personal encounter with Jesus (recorded in Acts 9).
Acts then shifts temporarily back to Peter, who had been traveling and visiting other believers. Peter was known for miracles. For example, in Lydda, he healed Aeneas, a man who was bedridden and paralyzed. People in Jerusalem had been healed just from touching Peter’s shadow (Acts 5:15). So when the beloved Tabitha dies, and believers learn that Peter is close to Joppa, they don’t waste time calling for Peter.
Acts 9:39-40 explains how Peter responded and came to Joppa. When he arrived, people led him to the room where Tabitha’s body lay.
Why Does the Bible Highlight that Tabitha Helped Widows?
Once Peter arrives and comes into the room where the believers have put Tabitha’s body, Acts 9 mentions a significant detail: there, mourning widows showed him the garments that Tabitha had made for them.
Scripture highlights this assistance to widows as a significant aspect of Tabitha’s character. The early church emphasized caring for the vulnerable, and widows were usually vulnerable since they had no spouses to provide income. Charity to widows reflected the biblical mandate to express faith through compassion and care for the marginalized and vulnerable.
The priority of caring for the poor and widowed is a consistent theme throughout Scripture. In Exodus 22:22-24, God instructs, “Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.” Not only does God teach concern for widows’ welfare. He warns against exploiting or mistreating them.
Similarly, in Deuteronomy 10:18, God is described as one who “defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” This verse highlights God’s compassion and desire for people to emulate His character by extending love and support to those in need.
The theme continues into the New Testament. James defines the essence of true religion: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27).
Paul gives practical advice on caring for widows in letters to Timothy:
“Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.” (1 Timothy 5:3-4)
Here, Paul underscores discernment (caring for widows in need, watching out for people exploiting the system) and community (the family and the church should be the ones who help those in need).
So, it makes sense that Tabitha is commended for helping widows. So what does Peter do after meeting with the community that Tabitha has helped?
What Happens When Peter Prays Over Tabitha?
When Peter prays over Tabitha in Acts 9:36-42, a remarkable miracle occurs, demonstrating the power of God at work through the apostle.
“Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.” (Acts 9:40)
In an act of faith and dependence on God, Peter sent everyone away and knelt to pray. His prayer was marked by humility and trust that God can intervene.
Sending everyone else out of the room reminds us of Jesus doing the same before healing a synagogue leader’s daughter (Matthew 9:23-24). Just like Joppa’s believers believed Peter could work a miracle and called upon him, the synagogue leader believed Jesus could heal and asked Jesus to come.
Peter’s prayer led to a dramatic change. He addressed her directly, acting as if she lived: “Tabitha, get up.” As Peter spoke, Tabitha’s lifeless body responded. She opened her eyes, sat up, and beheld Peter standing before her.
Tabitha’s resurrection profoundly affected people in Joppa and the surrounding region: “This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord” (Acts 9:42). News spread rapidly, leading many people to place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Here again, we see the connection between miraculous healing and the declaration of the gospel.
Following this extraordinary demonstration of God’s power, Peter remained in Joppa for some time, staying with Simon (a tanner), ministering and strengthening local believers. Later, Peter received a vision from the Lord, prompting him to travel to Caesarea to meet Cornelius, a Roman centurion. This pivotal encounter marked the beginning of the Gentile mission: The Holy Spirit poured onto Cornelius and his household as Peter proclaimed the gospel.
What Can We Learn from What the Bible Says about Tabitha?
Tabitha’s life demonstrates the importance of compassionate service, particularly to the vulnerable and marginalized. Acts 9:36 describes her as “always doing good and helping the poor,” highlighting her consistent kindness. Her example challenges us to follow suit: to express our faith in Christ through acts of mercy and compassion.
Tabitha’s help was personal, practical, and generous: she used her sewing skills to provide practical support. Her willingness to give of herself for others’ well-being shows how we can be sacrificial stewards. As Tabitha’s simple talent (sewing) blessed others, we can use our seemingly limited resources or abilities to help others in need.
While we shouldn’t seek popularity, Tabiatha’s character resulted in close, loving relationships with others. Other believers in Joppa looked up to her, inspired by her faithful work. They revealed how much they loved her through their grief and urgency to seek Peter’s help.
Tabitha’s story highlights the power of faith. When Tabitha died, the believers in Joppa did not lose hope but sought Peter’s intervention. Their faithfulness and persistence paved the way for Tabitha’s resurrection, demonstrating God’s power to overcome even death. Tabitha’s restoration shows God’s faithfulness, inspiring us to trust his promises and seek him fervently in prayer.
The Bible doesn’t record how many Christians were in Joppa when Tabitha was resurrected, but more people came to faith in Christ through this testimony. A woman had been raised from the dead. We should remember how miracles often accompany the preaching of the gospel, just as Jesus promised in Mark 16.
Lastly, Tabitha’s resurrection reminds believers about Jesus’ victory over death and the hope of a final resurrection for all believers. Tabitha one day died again, but her resurrection declares the future resurrection promised to all who live for Christ, offering hope and assurance of eternal life in him.
Many express a desire to see more miracles in our day and age. While we can’t make more miracles happen, this story does tell us when miracles happen.
- The gospel is being communicated. Peter was already out spreading the gospel. Tabitha preached the Good News through practical means by helping widows.
- God’s believers act on their belief that God can do the impossible, even raise the dead.
- The miracle becomes not an exploitative moment people use to make money but something that furthers the kingdom. Tabitha’s resurrection resulted in a greater spread of the gospel.
Let us first declare the Good News of Jesus Christ. May we pray and expect God to do miracles. When the Father performs the impossible, let’s give him all the glory and call more to a saving relationship with God through the Son.
Peace.
This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity:
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