08/30/2026
Tabitha, Arise!
Acts 9:36 introduces us to a Christian woman named Tabitha, also called Dorcas. The Bible says, “This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.” She was not an apostle, preacher, or public figure. She was simply a disciple who had learned to use her life to help the people around her.
Then tragedy came. Tabitha became sick and died.
When Peter arrived in Joppa, Acts 9:39 says, “And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.”
That is one of the most touching pictures in the book of Acts.
Those garments were more than pieces of clothing. They were evidence of the kind of life Tabitha had lived. Every garment represented time she had given, a need she had noticed, and someone she had cared enough to help.
She had lived the kind of life that was deeply missed when she was gone. That ought to make us think about the influence we are building right now.
Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” We may not be able to do everything, but every Christian has opportunities to do something. We can encourage someone who is discouraged, help someone who is struggling, visit someone who is lonely, provide for a need, or simply make time for somebody who needs us.
God notices that kind of service. Hebrews 6:10 says, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
When Peter entered the room where Tabitha’s body had been placed, he faced something completely beyond his own ability. Acts 9:40 says, “But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’”
Before Peter spoke to Tabitha, he spoke to God.
Peter understood that the power did not belong to him. He had previously told a crowd in Acts 3:12 not to look at him and John “as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk.” Peter knew that he was only a servant. God was the source of the power. Tabitha opened her eyes, sat up, and Peter presented her alive to the Christians who had been mourning her.
But the story did not end with Tabitha.
Acts 9:42 says, “And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.”
What God did in Tabitha’s life ultimately caused people to look toward Christ. That is still what our lives should do.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” People may notice the good that Christians do, but the goal is never simply to build our own reputation. Our lives should give others a reason to see something of Christ in us.
One day our time here will end. When it does, we will leave behind an influence. People will remember something about the way we treated them, the priorities we had, and the kind of Christians we were.
Tabitha left behind garments that testified to a life of kindness. More importantly, she left behind people whose lives had been touched because she chose to use her opportunities to do good.
May we live in such a way that when people see the evidence of our lives, what they ultimately see points them toward Christ.
Caleb Smithson
