Acts 9:36-43

The book of Acts is the history of the early church that spans approximately 35 years. The human author, Luke, was moved by the Holy Spirit to include accounts of the happenings which shaped the church’s development. Acts 9:36-43 records an event which would have transpired about eight or nine years after Pentecost. While the exact calendar date is not known, the raising of Tabitha from the dead preceded the writing of any New Testament scripture.

Before us are three pictures, that of Tabitha, that of the disciples who sought Peter, and that of Peter.

We are introduced to Tabitha in verse 36. She was a disciple. As a disciple, she believed that Jesus was the Messiah of whom the scriptures (Old Testament scriptures) speak. She believed that Jesus was the seed of woman who bruised the head of the serpent (Gen. 3:15). She believed that Jesus was the righteous servant who poured out His soul unto death, was numbered as a transgressor, bore the sin of many, and was made intercessor for transgressors of the law (Isa. 53:12). She believed the scriptures and because she believed, the Comforter revealed things hidden in scripture from them who trust in themselves.

Tabitha excelled in good works and in almsdeeds. In so doing, she exhibited fruits of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22). Tabitha exhibited love for others. New Testament believers look upon Tabitha and see one who abided in Christ and exhibited His love.

Tabitha was called Dorcas because of the literal translation of her name (v. 36). Because the book of Acts is written in the Greek language, both “Tabitha” and “Dorcas” are translated as gazelle. The first language of those who knew Tabitha and were blessed by her was not Greek. It was Aramaic. The Aramaic word, meaning gazelle, by which she was called by others appears in Old Testament scripture 32 times. The word is translated both as “roe” (a gazelle) and as “glorious” (a descriptive adjective). Tabitha was called Dorcas because she was seen as a glorious person who radiated Christ.

In verse 37, we learn that Tabitha became sick and died. Her body was washed, prepared for burial, and placed in an upper chamber. This particular practice has ancient roots and is still observed by some sects of Judaism today. It is called Tarah and is regarded as a token of respect for the deceased. The presence of mourners who watch over the dead until burial is part of the observance.

Peter was not present in Joppa when Tabitha died (v. 38). He was in a village which was seven or eight miles distant (about a six-hour round trip for the disciples who summoned him). Had Peter delayed in coming, Tabitha would have been buried before his arrival.

The urgency expressed by the disciples for Peter to come is telling. They came believing that he possessed the power to restore life to Tabitha. They believed that Peter possessed the same power which Jesus demonstrated when He caused the dead son of the widow of Nain (Lk. 7:14) to come to life and when He caused Jairus’ daughter to come alive (Lk. 8:54). The gospel of John had not been written but they believed the words which Jesus spoke in John 14:12 — “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also.” The Comforter had brought Jesus’ words into their remembrance.

The disciples at Joppa had reason to believe that Peter could work miracles. They knew of that which transpired at Pentecost (see Acts 2). They would also have known of the healings which Peter had performed (see Acts 3). They believed that Peter had been given the power to do the works like Jesus had performed.

In verses 40 and 41, we see Peter’s actions upon arriving at the upper chamber. He required the mourners to leave the room. Peter did what he had witnessed Jesus do when Jesus restored life to Jairus’ daughter. Peter, then, prayed. Peter acted upon the words which Jesus spoke following His last supper with the disciples. The Lord said: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (Jn. 14:13). Peter glorified the Father through the Son. Peter commanded the dead body to arise. and Tabitha came to life. Peter did what Jesus did when He commanded the dead body of Jairus’ daughter to arise.

This is not the end of the account. The best is recorded in verse 42. What happened became known and many believed in the Lord. While one, Tabitha, was restored to physical life, many believed and were born anew to everlasting spiritual life. The angels in heaven rejoice when one sinner repents (Lk. 15:10). There was much rejoicing in heaven because many in Joppa believed in the Lord.

In believing, one acquires a righteousness that is not his own. In believing in the Son who fulfilled the law, one acquires a righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 5:20). As the Lord counted Abraham’s belief for righteousness (Gen. 15:6), He counts the belief in His salvation for righteousness. All who believe are justified by “my righteous servant” who has borne their iniquities (Isa, 53:11).

The Lord used Tabitha; He used the disciples at Joppa; He used Peter. The Lord uses all who seek His will. The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9). May we be vessels of service to Him.