Acts 9:36–43

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

Bold

Acts 9:36–43 

The ‘Final’ Rest (36–37)

At this point in Acts, Luke turns to the ministry of Peter. Since Peter is to have a vital role in the early Church, it is important to demonstrate that God is working through him. Peter healed a paralytic named Aeneas through the power of Christ in Lydda and this led to the people of the town becoming followers of Jesus. Often God used miracles to show His power and lead people to Him. Even today, there are many stories of missionaries throughout the world who experience miracles that lead to a demonstration of God’s power against the power of the local spirits. This demonstration leads to the people accepting Christ as their Savior. We should not be surprised when God operates through miracles, but we shouldn’t feel that we need to see God do miracles. 

The Request (38–39)

Since Peter was in a nearby town, when Tabitha (Dorcas) died he was called to come visit. Perhaps they thought he would be able to perform a miracle and raise her from the dead or perhaps they just wanted him to comfort them. When Peter arrived, the widows showed him all the clothes Tabitha had made for them. This is a point that should not be overlooked. In those days, widows had little financial help. Since they depended upon their husband for their provisions, if he were dead they would be in a vulnerable position. Tabitha was a faithful follower of God and she proved this by her actions. She made clothes for those who could not afford them. 

Tabitha obviously had a gift for sewing and she used it to help others and bring glory to God. Each Christian has gifts they can use for God’s glory. If someone likes to cook, they can cook for other people. If someone is gifted at construction, they can do work for the glory of God. The idea that some abilities are more important than others diminishes God’s gifts in us.  

The Restoration (40–41)

Peter prayed and commanded Tabitha to arise. The resurrection of the dead is the greatest of all miracles. The fact that Peter was able to do this is very important because it affirms his ministry as an apostle. There needed to be some way for hearers to recognize that what the apostles said and did was from God. 

Surely God still uses miracles and some denominations believe that if you have enough faith you can perform miracles like these of Peter. However, we believe if He chooses to perform miracles, wonderful, but if He does not it is not because of our lack of faith.

The Results (42–43)

When Peter healed Tabitha, many of those who saw it and heard of it believed the gospel. This is common throughout Scripture; when a great event happens, people listen to the gospel. It is a good example for us today. John Newton, the man who wrote “Amazing Grace,” was a slave trader. Once he became a Christian he fought slavery because he realized how evil it was. It was his belief in Christ as his Savior that prompted his change in behavior. 

When people see lives changed because of the gospel, it can have an impact. We need to remember what Christ has done in us and be willing to tell others so they can see the power of God in our lives.