Sep 28, 2014
Acts 9:36-43


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Outline:


While our Bible is presented today as one book made up of 66 different compositions, please understand, as it was in the first century and the many leading up to it, the primary method of recording literary works like Acts was that of a single-sided scroll constructed by glueing together writing materials such as lamb skin or papyrus. This means before the advent of the codex this one book existed as 66 individual scrolls.


Although commonplace, the disadvantages of this particular delivery system were obvious. Since the standard Roman scroll was 7-10 inches in hight and limited to only 30ft of writing surface, longer documents had to be compiled on several scrolls making them unwieldy. 


I bring this up because it not only explains why Luke wrote two volumes to Theophilus (the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts), but it further emphasizes the reality that Luke is very particular and selective in what he includes in the text since content space was limited. 


With this restriction in mind we should note that every story Luke pens in the Book of Acts was of critical importance. There was simply no room for rabbit-trails or bloviating. In many ways his great challenge was not deciding what to include, but instead what could be left out.


It’s amazing to think, but during a ten year stretch when Jesus was doing so many spectacular things in and through the “churches located in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria” only three stories are presented for our consideration. 


It is with this reality in mind that we come to understand each story was therefore hand-selected with direct intention for a specific purpose by Luke. Sadly, while the obvious significance of the Gospel being extended to the gentiles garners ample and do attention, most pastors tend to breeze through the stories of Aeneas and Tabitha without ever considering there greater significance in light of this obvious reality. 




While Peter spends time ministering to the saints in Lydda… Acts 9:36-38, At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.” 




Let’s begin by establishing a profile of “The Honorable Woman” Tabitha:


1. Tabitha was a “disciple.” 


While in every other passage in Scripture the Greek word for “disciple” is presented in the masculine “mathêteuô,” in this one instance we find the feminine derivative “mathêtria.” Both words simply refer to a person being “a learner or pupil” of Jesus. It should also be pointed out that the idea of a “disciple” was specifically unique to the religious traditions of Judaism. The Hebrew the word for “disciple” is “talmid.” 


Though many inadvertently think of a “disciple” as being a “student,” the two should not be considered synonyms. Whereas a student seeks to learn from a teacher in order to gain knowledge, a disciple obtained training from a rabbi for the purpose of imitation. 


In many ways the best way to transfer this “talmid/rabbi relationship” into our 21st century, western perspective would be to describe it as a very intense form of apprenticeship. 


Once solicited by a rabbi a willing disciple would make the choice to forsake all other ambitions in order to follow his new master. A disciple would live with the rabbi, learn from the rabbi, and watch how the rabbi handled varying situations. A disciple would shadow the rabbi 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. Their lives became intertwined.


Note: The entire relationship was designed to produce a disciple who could effectively represent the rabbi whenever the opportunity presented itself. 


Consistent with this idea Jesus would remark in Luke 6:40 that “a disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.” It’s interesting that Jesus not only calls people to “follow Him” (the customary phrase a rabbi would use), but He then refers to these followers as “His disciples.” 


It’s important you realize as a disciple of Jesus your ultimate job is to represent the Master in all the things you do, the words you say, and the way in which you handle the situations you face. As a disciple you are a proxy representative of Jesus to the world! But also never forget the only way you can effectively fulfill this incredible role of being Jesus’ disciple is to so intertwine your life with His that He naturally rubs off on you!


While it’s easy to say you naturally become like the people you hang around, it’s also true you naturally gravitate towards the people you have most in common (a chicken/egg situation). This is what makes the “talmid/rabbi relationship” rather incredible. 


Though it’s true we have the ultimate say as to whether or not we want to follow Jesus and be His disciple, never forget the entire opportunity exists for one reason and one reason alone… Jesus was willing to call you to follow Him! Isn’t it amazing?


Tabitha was known in that community as being just that… A disciple of Jesus. When people encountered this honorable women they felt as though they had just encountered Jesus Himself! In the Prayer of St. Francis we read, “Make of me… Your hands and feet… I want to be to the people around me… What you want to be to the people around me!”


2. Tabitha was “full of good works.”


As a disciple her relationship with Jesus was tangibly demonstrated by her service of other people. In essence, she walked the walk she talked! William Arnot commented on the important connection of discipleship and service. He said Tabitha was “a disciple full of good works… One phrase indicating the well-spring, and the other indicating the refreshing stream that overflows. She was a disciple - behold the root! She was full of good works - behold the fruit-bearing branches!”


Don’t overlook the obvious… Tabitha had a ministry. As we’ll see in the next few verses her ministry as a disciple (the way she practically represented Jesus to the world around her) was by taking care of the widows in her community by making them garments.


May I ask… What is your ministry? How is your relationship with Jesus spilling out to impact the lives of others? Is your life reverberating in the halls of heaven?


God made you, Jesus redeemed you, and the Holy Spirit is empowering you for a reason! How sad it is to see Christians doing nothing with their lives of any lasting value. 


Never forget our topic of conversation for rest of eternity will not focus on how successful you were at your career or how much money you amassed. Instead, our only interest will revolve around the work Jesus did in and through our lives!


If you don’t have a ministry, understand discovering one doesn’t have to be complicated. Ask yourself… What am I good at? Then find a way to use that gift to minister to others!


3. Tabitha was “full of charitable deeds.”


As a disciple Tabitha’s relationship with God not only manifested in her service of others, but was also evident in the generosity she demonstrated towards those around her. Because she fully understood how generous God has been towards her it became only natural that she in turn demonstrate generosity towards others. 


In regards to this topic… The Bible not only connects our capacity to be generous with God’s willingness to bestow His blessings, but Scripture is equally clear the blessings of God will naturally gravitate towards the path of least resistance. 


When America’s most famous geyser Old Faithful erupts she spews 3,700 gallons of water for on average 1.5 minutes. Though impressive in its own right this number seems silly when you consider 750,000 gallons of water cascade over Niagara Falls every single second (67.5 million gallons of water over the same time frame)


When it comes to the amount of blessings you allow to flow into and out of your life do you want to be a small, stubborn hole in the ground or a wide, free-flowing waterfall?


John Bunyan once remarked,“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” While it is true generosity often yields an even greater reward in the life of the person giving than it does the person receiving, it is an inescapable reality the larger the conduit for God’s blessings to flow the more His blessings are bestowed. This is why St. Francis of Assisi prayed, “For it is in the giving that we receive.”


4. Tabitha “became sick and died.”


Despite her love for the Lord, service, and generosity Tabitha still suffered from sickness and died. Adam Clarke wrote, “Even her holiness and usefulness could not prevent her from sickness and death. Dust thou art, and to dust thou shalt return, is a decree that must be fulfilled, even on the saints.”


Luke tells us “they washed her” according to Jewish customs and “laid her in an upper room.” While in most instances Tabitha would have been buried the same day, hearing that Peter was in Lydda (about 8 to 10 miles away) they choose to hold off on the burial process and instead send two men who “implore him” to come at once. 


Contrary to the way most approach this passage, I believe the thought of resurrection played no part in seeking Peter’s visitation. Though they were obviously grieving a personal loss, I’m sure these saints knew Tabitha was in a far better place. It would have been selfish to have desired her to be ripped from glory and returned to this fallen planet.


It should also be pointed out that even in Scripture resurrection was an abnormality. At this point in history only six people had been resurrected (3 in the OT and 3 by Jesus), not to mention there is zero evidence any of the Apostles had ever preformed such a miracle. 


My point… I don’t believe these believers invited Peter to Joppa expecting Tabitha to be resurrected, but were instead simply providing Peter a chance to pay his final respects.




Acts 9:39-40, Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed.” 




In order to fully understand what’s about to take place we should first consider how much time transpired between Tabitha’s death and Peter’s arrival. 


The process of preparing her body would have taken several hours. Then the travel time to and from Lydda (20 mile round trip) would have added a minimum of seven additional hours (calculate a 20 minute mile on flat terrain traveling at a constant 3 miles per hour)


If you also factor in the time it took to decide to send for Peter, the time to convince him to come, restroom breaks, food stops, etc. I think it’s safe to assume by the time Peter finally arrives Tabitha has been dead around 24 hours.


Since this is the case imagine what kind of shape Tabitha’s body would be in…


Soon after death lividity would have immediately began as the blood is her body experiences the natural pull of gravity. Since the text says she was “laid in an upper room” it would not have taken long for a discoloration of the skin to occur as the blood saturated lower part of her body turned a blueish purple with the bloodless upper part becoming ashen. Around the 5th hour the blood naturally clots and lividity becomes permanent. 


Aside from these effects anywhere between the 5th and 7th hour rigor mortis (the stiffening of the joints and muscular rigidity) sets in on the face before later occurring in the arms, legs, and torso. Maximum stiffness occurs by the 12th hour. 


It should also be noted that by the 12th hour Tabitha’s internal body temperature would have dropped to 77˚F allowing bacteria to begin the decomposition process. Since a less than sanitary environment was likely, flies have laid eggs inside her bodies orifices. 


Expedited by the tropical climate of Joppa, by the time Peter makes it to Tabitha’s bedside these eggs have likely hatched and maggots have already begun eating her innards. At 24 hours the decomposition and petrification process is well underway. 


Well we’re told Peter comes into this crowded upper room where “all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.” Once again in seeking to take the text at face value I see nothing wrong with the scene. The room is filled with people who’s lives had been touched by Tabitha’s ministry and generosity. I see this as a sweet moment where they’re sharing their stories with Peter.


At some point, maybe to spend some time alone in order to pay his respects, Luke tells us Peter “puts them all out, knelt down and prayed.” Though we have no idea what he prayed, one thing is evident by what happens next… God prompts him to do something unusual.




Acts 9:40-43, “And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.”




It’s interesting that Dr. Luke says Peter “turned to the body” then said, “Tabitha, arise.” In the Greek “the body” is the word “sôma” which refers to “a lifeless corpse.” The text is clear Tabitha and this body were not one in the same. This body was lifeless because her spirit had departed to be with the Lord. This explains why Peter does not command “the body” to return to life, but instead commands “Tabitha” to return to “the body.”


2 Corinthians 5, “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.”


Commenting on death preacher D.L. Moody once told his congregation, “Someday you will read in the papers that D. L. Moody of East Northfield is dead. Don't you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now; I shall have gone up higher, that is all, out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal… a body that death cannot touch, that sin cannot taint; a body fashioned like unto His glorious body.”


When you consider the state of her body 24 hours into death, the fact “Tabitha opened her eyes, and sat up” is all the more incredible. Not only did her spirit return, but her body was restored to a full, working order. The lividity and clotting of her blood, the damaging effects of rigor mortis, the decomposition of cells and tissue were all immediately reversed. What was dead instantly sprung to life! Tabitha “was presented alive!”


It should come as no surprise that as word of this miracle “became known throughout all Joppa… many believed on the Lord.” People we amazed. People were saved. Sadly, the person who got the short end of the stick was “The Honorable Woman” Tabitha!




In conclusion let’s get back to the original premise… If space on a scroll was so limited, why would Luke include this miracle in the Book of Acts? Did we really need another example illustrating Jesus’ power to command the dead to life? I mean, if so, doesn’t it then seem redundant considering he’s already recorded two previous instances of resurrection: The widow’s son in Nain (Luke 7) and the raising of Jairus daughter (Luke 8)?


Instead, I believe this miracle is important for two other reasons:


1. While chapter 10 will record a story explaining how Christianity broke down the walls of racial and cultural separation, I am convinced this story was included by Luke in order to demonstrate how Christianity had already broken down gender barriers.


Keep in mind, Luke is writing the Book of Acts in order to explain how Christianity was not a sect of Judaism but was a new religious movement altogether. This singular point could not have been more obvious than this subtle detail of Tabitha being a “disciple.” 


Understand, the ancient world was not kind to women. Viewed as secondary citizens, relegated to the home, or in more extreme situations viewed as nothing more than property, equality between men and women was nonexistent in the first-century. Even in Hebrew culture women were refused the same educational opportunities as men. 


Which is what makes this reference of Tabitha being a recognized “disciple” of Jesus so revolutionary. In Judaism there was simply no such thing as a women disciple. The rabbinical structure only included men; and yet, calling Tabitha to be His disciple set Jesus into a category all by Himself. 


Sue Bohlin said it well, “As a result of Jesus Christ and His teachings, women in much of the world today, especially in the West, enjoy more privileges and rights than at any other time in history. It takes only a cursory trip to an Arab nation or to a Third World country to see how little freedom women have in countries where Christianity has had little or no presence. Jesus was and is the best thing that ever happened to women.”


2. The radical nature of this miracle was not that Tabitha was resurrected… It was the reality that Peter was involved in the process! You see this miracle demanded inclusion because it served to validate the premise of the book… Jesus was continuing His ministry in the world through His followers. 


Peter was but a mortal. He had no power in and of himself to command the dead to rise. The only person who possessed such authority was Jesus and He alone. Which is the whole point! No one could look at a miracle of this magnitude and attribute it to being anything other than a supernatural working of God through the life of Peter. 


Sure Peter might have uttered the words “Tabitha, arise” but the power came because Jesus prompted his utterance! A living Jesus was actively at work through His followers.


These three stories were chosen by Luke to show (1) Salvation is a progressive work Jesus continues in our lives. (2) Jesus is working His will in the world though His disciples (men and women). (3) As we’ll see next Sunday, His work shows no partiality.

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Note: Not all views expressed in these articles are the beliefs of Calvary316.