Question 1

Who is Tabitha, also called Dorcas, in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Tabitha, also called Dorcas, is introduced as a disciple in the town of Joppa. Her name means a kind of deer, which hints at grace and gentleness, but the text focuses on her character. She is described as “full of good works and almsdeeds,” which means she was constantly doing practical kindness, especially for the needy. The widows show Peter the clothes she had made for them, so her service was very real and hands-on. She is not known for speeches or leadership roles, but for steady love, charity, and quiet faith that deeply blessed her community.

Question 2

Why did the disciples send for Peter after Tabitha died?

Accepted Answer

The disciples in Joppa had heard that Peter was nearby in Lydda, so when Tabitha died they quickly sent two men to urge him to come without delay. The passage shows their deep grief over losing her and also their hope that God might work through Peter. They had seen or heard of miracles done through him and trusted that his presence and prayers could bring help in this desperate moment. They even delayed burial and laid her in an upper room. This act of sending for Peter shows both love for Tabitha and faith in God’s power to act through His servants.

Question 3

What is the meaning of Peter saying, “Tabitha, arise”?

Accepted Answer

When Peter kneels and prays, then turns to the body and says, “Tabitha, arise,” he is not using his own power. The short, simple command shows his dependence on God. He prays first, then speaks to her as Jesus once spoke to the dead, trusting the Lord to act. At that word she opens her eyes and sits up, proving that God has truly given her life again. The phrase shows that the power of Jesus is still at work through His apostles. It is a reminder that life and death are in God’s hands and that He can restore when all human hope is gone.

Question 4

Why were the widows weeping and showing Peter the clothes Dorcas made?

Accepted Answer

The widows stand around Peter weeping, holding the coats and garments that Dorcas had made for them. This scene shows how deeply her kindness had touched their lives. She did not just give money; she had personally worked with her hands to care for people who were often poor and overlooked. By showing Peter these garments, they are almost telling the story of her life without words. Each piece of clothing is a sign of her love. Their tears and their memories underline how great a loss her death was to the community and how precious faithful, quiet service is in God’s sight.

Question 5

What does this passage teach about the purpose of miracles?

Accepted Answer

This story shows that miracles are not just about the person who receives them. Tabitha’s raising brings comfort to the widows and joy to the believers, but the passage also says the event became known throughout all Joppa and many believed in the Lord. The miracle points people to Jesus, whose power over life and death is behind it. It strengthens faith in the good news the apostles preach. In this way, the miracle serves the whole church and helps spread the message about Christ. It shows God’s compassion for the poor and grieving and confirms His word through a clear act only He could do.

Question 6

Why does Peter send everyone out of the room before praying?

Accepted Answer

Peter’s choice to put everyone out of the room before he kneels to pray shows humility and dependence on God, not on a crowd. This is similar to other times in Scripture when a servant of God prays in private before a great work. By removing the mourners, he creates a quiet space to seek the Lord’s will without distraction. It also keeps the focus on God’s action rather than on people’s emotions or on Peter himself. Then, after God raises Tabitha, Peter calls the saints and widows back in and presents her alive, so they see clearly that this is God’s gracious work.

Question 7

How did Tabitha’s resurrection affect the city of Joppa?

Accepted Answer

The passage says that what happened was known throughout all Joppa and that many believed in the Lord. So the effect reaches far beyond the small room where Tabitha was raised. People hear that a beloved woman known for charity had died, that Peter prayed, and that she is alive again. This becomes a powerful witness to the reality of Jesus’ power and compassion. The comfort given to the widows and the local church overflows into wider faith in the city. The miracle does not just restore one life, it helps build up a whole community of believers in that place.

Question 8

Why is it mentioned that Peter stayed with Simon the tanner after this?

Accepted Answer

Peter’s decision to stay many days in Joppa with Simon, who was a tanner, is not a random detail. Tanners worked with dead animal skins and were often looked down on as unclean. Peter choosing to lodge with him shows how the message of Jesus reaches into ordinary and even despised trades. It hints that the early church is breaking old social barriers and welcoming people from different backgrounds. Right after such a great miracle, Peter does not move into a grand house but stays with a common worker. This fits with the way God gathers a humble people and values those the world might ignore.

Question 9

What does this passage show about the link between faith and good works?

Accepted Answer

Tabitha is first described as “a disciple” and then as full of good works and almsdeeds. Her faith in Jesus is not hidden or only about words; it shows itself in steady help to the poor and in clothing the widows. Her life illustrates that true faith naturally leads to practical love. The miracle that restores her life also highlights the value God places on such quiet service. While the miracle is a gift of grace, the story begins by praising her works of mercy. It gently teaches that trusting Christ and doing good to others belong together in the life of a disciple.

Question 10

How can a believer today apply the story of Tabitha and Peter?

Accepted Answer

This passage invites a believer today to value simple, steady acts of kindness, like Tabitha did, even if they seem small. Making food, sewing, visiting, giving, and caring for those in need can all be ways to show real faith. It also encourages turning to God in prayer when situations feel hopeless. The disciples called for Peter and he knelt and prayed, trusting God with what seemed final. While we may not see someone raised from the dead, we can still trust that God hears, comforts, and can change situations in ways we do not expect, for the good of His people.

Acts 9:36

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

The Raising of Tabitha

metadata.crossReferences

Acts 9:36

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

share.title

share.allVerses

share.verseWithContext

share.currentVerse

The Raising of Tabitha

metadata.crossReferences