Acts 9:36-43 - Tabitha, get up!

9:36-38

We then get another healing. This time it involves a disciple named Tabitha (or Dorcas). She was a woman, and note that male and female disciples are treated as equals. She was known for doing good and helping the poor. She became sick and died. She lived in Joppa, which was near Lydda. So the disciples in Joppa called on Peter to come. This is all a bit like the situation with Lazarus.

9:39-43

Peter arrived. Dorcas was already dead, and the earlier mention of her body being washed shows that there was no doubt about this. The widows were all crying, feeling the great loss. Dorcas was much respected. Peter cleared the room, got down on his knees and prayed. He then spoke to Tabitha (why does the text keep alternating between Tabitha and Dorcas?). Note that speaking out healing seems to be an important part of the process.  Tabitha then sat up. Peter helped her up and presented the now very much alive Tabitha to the grieving widows. Again, many people came to faith. So once again we see miracles and salvations.