Tabitha

In Acts 9 we meet a woman named Tabitha, a Christian woman from Joppa whose Greek name was Dorcas. It appears she may have been one of the Greek widows we learned about in Acts 6.

We’re told Tabitha was full of good works and acts of charity, but she got sick and died. Her friends laid her in an upstairs room, then, since Peter was in a nearby town, they sent for him to come immediately,

As soon as he got the word, he hurried to Joppa. When he got there, they took him to the room where Tabitha died. The widows gathered around him weeping and showing him clothing Tabitha had made for them.

Peter sent everyone outside then knelt down and prayed. He turned to her body and said, “Tabitha, arise.”

“And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.” (Acts 9:40)

Peter helped her up then called the saints and widows to let them know she was alive. “And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.” (v. 42)

What a beautiful picture of a godly woman ministering to other women. Though it appears that Tabitha was a widow herself, she devoted her life to taking care of other women. 

Tabitha had a gift for sewing. She didn’t throw together simple garments for the poor. No, she created beautiful garments that the women treasured. 

When she died, they didn’t immediately bury her as was the custom. No, they laid her in an upstairs room then went to Peter, hoping he could raise her from the dead. And he did. 

Read about Tabitha: Acts 9:36-43

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