Raising of Dorcas (Tabitha)

Illustration of Raising of Dorcas (Tabitha)
Beloved for the clothes she made for widows, Dorcas died - and Peter knelt, prayed, and said 'Tabitha, arise,' and she opened her eyes.

Dorcas, a disciple in Joppa known for her good works and the garments she made for widows, fell sick and died, and the grieving believers sent for Peter. Peter put everyone out of the room, knelt and prayed, then turned to the body and said, 'Tabitha, arise' - and she opened her eyes and sat up. He presented her alive to the saints and widows, and the news spread throughout Joppa so that many believed in the Lord. It is the first raising of the dead recorded through an apostle, echoing Jesus' own raising of Jairus' daughter.

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Details

Category
Resurrection
Testament
New Testament
Performed by
Peter

Key Chapters

Acts 9 The Conversion of Saul 6 min read

Key Passages

Tabitha, Arise

Acts 9:36-42

N36ow 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.

37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

Explore Related

Characters

Peter Peter, originally a fisherman named Simon, was called by Jesus along the Sea of Galilee to become one ofโ€ฆ Dorcas (Tabitha) Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, was a disciple in the coastal town of Joppa whose life exemplified Christianโ€ฆ

Places

Joppa Joppa was an ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast of Israel that served as a key location in theโ€ฆ

Themes

Resurrection The resurrection is the hinge of history. If Christ is not raised, Paul said, our faith is worthless. Butโ€ฆ Hope Hope in the Bible is not wishful thinking - it is confident expectation anchored in the character of God.โ€ฆ Faith Without faith it is impossible to please God. From Abraham leaving everything for an unknown land to aโ€ฆ

Did You Know?

1

Dorcas (Tabitha) is the only woman in the New Testament called a female 'disciple.'

2

She was loved for making clothes for the widows of Joppa.

3

Peter's words 'Tabitha, arise' echo Jesus' own raising of Jairus' daughter.

4

It is the first raising of the dead performed by an apostle.