Resurrection Miracle for Tabitha
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | May 18, 2025
Open your Bibles to Acts 9:36-43. 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. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died…Peter…kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes…And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for Your goodness, for blessings this weekend, and for the love of Your people. Bless those graduating, heal the sick, and touch hearts through Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In Joppa, near Lydda where Aeneas was healed, lived Tabitha, also called Dorcas, a godly disciple known for good works, especially sewing garments for widows and the needy. When she fell sick and died, her church family grieved, displaying her handiwork. Hearing Peter was nearby, they sent for him. Instead of mourning, Peter prayed, and God raised Tabitha, leading many to believe in Jesus. This miracle, part of the “Miracles of Acts” series, teaches three truths: Tabitha’s life showed biblical Christianity, believers face moments of grief, and God’s miracles draw others to Christ.
The Message of Biblical Christianity
Tabitha was full of good works and almsdeeds (Acts 9:36), her life a living letter of Christ’s love, as 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 describes believers as epistles read by all. Her sewing ministry clothed the poor, warmed the cold, and comforted the needy, reflecting Jesus’ care. Pastor Rains likens her to William Booth’s acrostic for joy: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. Tabitha’s generosity, giving dresses freely, showed Christianity in action. Our talents—whether sewing, calling, or writing notes—can touch lives if we serve like Tabitha. Each of us is the only Bible some will read, the only church some will know. Let’s live Christ-honoring lives that point others to Jesus.
Moments When Believers Cry
Tabitha’s illness and death broke hearts in Joppa. Despite fervent prayers, she worsened and died, leaving widows and saints weeping, showing her garments. Pastor Rains shares his grief over losing Danny, a co-founder, at 58, despite desperate prayers. 1 Corinthians 12:26 says, whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it. The church family’s presence, not answers or sermons, brought comfort. Sometimes, a tear, a hand, or silence is enough. Pastor Rains learned people don’t expect pastors to fix everything—just to be there. Life brings losses, but shared grief strengthens the church, as Joppa’s believers showed, preparing for a future without Tabitha.
A Miracle That Brings Others to Christ
Peter, alone with Tabitha’s body, prayed for a miracle. God answered, and Tabitha arose, a biblical resurrection that led many to believe (Acts 9:42). Such miracles, common in the early church, aided faith, proving Christ’s power. Pastor Rains clarifies that modern resurrections are rare, dismissing theatrical “faith healers” who avoid real suffering, like children’s hospitals. True miracles, like Tabitha’s, show God’s love for all, especially children. John 11:25-26 promises, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. Every miracle aims to save souls. If you need salvation, ask God today—belief in Jesus ensures eternal life, as Tabitha’s miracle inspired in Joppa.
