Tabitha: Service and Resurrection Hope

← Free resources · Find your next step

Read Acts 9:36–43 (KJV) in the KJV. Tabitha and Dorcas are names for the same woman in this account, so they should not be counted as two distinct biblical people.

A disciple in Joppa

Verse 36 introduces Tabitha as a disciple at Joppa and gives Dorcas as the translated name. It describes her as full of good works and almsdeeds. The account names her service before describing her illness and death; these details help readers understand why the community grieves.

A community’s sorrow

After her death, her body is washed and placed in an upper chamber. The disciples hear that Peter is nearby at Lydda and send two men to ask him to come without delay. When he arrives, widows stand by him weeping and showing the coats and garments Dorcas made while she was with them.

Prayer and restoration

Peter puts the people out, kneels, and prays. He turns to the body and speaks to Tabitha; she opens her eyes, sees Peter, and sits up. He gives her his hand, lifts her up, calls the saints and widows, and presents her alive. Preserve the account’s emphasis on prayer; do not retell the event as though Peter possesses an independent power.

The effect in Joppa

Verse 42 says the event becomes known throughout Joppa and many believe in the Lord. The narrative’s direction is toward the Lord and faith in Him. Verse 43 records Peter remaining in Joppa with Simon the tanner, preparing the reader for the following narrative.

What we are not told

The passage does not state Tabitha’s age, marital status, exact illness, or the full list of people she helped. It does not identify her as a widow simply because widows mourn her. It also does not promise that every faithful believer will be restored to earthly life in the same manner.

A faithful way to remember her

Remember both her identity as a disciple and the practical service named in the text. The garments make her kindness concrete, but her worth is not reduced to productivity. Keep the miracle’s extraordinary character and the account’s response of faith in view.

Reference note

Primary biographical evidence in this profile comes from Acts 9:36–42. The broader setting and Peter’s stay appear in verses 32–35 and 43. This entry is a reference study, without quizzes or scores.

Reflection on paper

Passage and verse evidence · What I learned · A question to revisit · One practical response.

Use your browser’s Print command if you would like a paper copy. No account is needed; this page does not store personal responses.

Fell on Good Ground · Freely Received. Freely Shared.