CSSA 1-5-08 - THE RAISING OF TABITHA

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108. THE RAISING OF TABITHA

"Peter kneeled down and prayed: and turning him, to the body said, Tabitha, arise"

Aim

To show how Peter, by prayer, was able to heal Aeneas and Tabitha through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Following Saul's wonderful conversion he spent three years in Arabia and Damascus before going to Jerusalem (Gal. 1:15-24). He stayed in Jerusalem for a short time with the other apostles and then eventually came to his home town, Tarsus, where he spent his time preaching the Gospel he once opposed. Now that Saul, their chief enemy, believed the same things as they did, the brethren and sisters had peace in Judea (Acts 9:31).

Acts 9:31-43

PETER VISITS THE BRETHREN (vv 32-35)

The ecclesia of God was growing very quickly. Not only was there a large ecclesia in Jerusalem, but smaller ecclesias were being formed in other parts of the land. It was now necessary for the apostles to visit the new ecclesias and strengthen the saints, as the brethren and sisters are called. They are called saints because they are holy in God's sight. They are set apart from all the world to do God's will (See Lesson 2 - "What is the Holy Spirit?").

We read that Peter "came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda". Lydda was on the road from Jerusalem to Joppa. There Peter found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, because he was paralysed. Peter said to him: "Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed." Immediately Aeneas stood up. He believed Peter's words and his body was healed. Once again a wonderful miracle was done in the name of Jesus Christ. Everyone who lived in Lydda and nearby saw that Aeneas was cured and therefore believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.

THE DEATH OF TABITHA (Greek DORCAS) (vv 36-37)

In Joppa, a nearby town on the coast, lived a very kind woman called Tabitha. Her name in the Greek language was Dorcas. This sister not only believed the Gospel message with all her heart, but she tried to follow the example of her master, the Lord Jesus Christ, by doing good to all. She believed the Truth and showed her belief by her actions, seeking to help people in whatever way she could. In those days there were many poor families in the ecclesia, and many widows who had no husbands to provide for the needs of their families. Tabitha knew just how she could help them and she busily sewed, making garments for the poor and the sick. This was her way of showing that she loved the Lord and firmly believed what he taught. Those who knew her loved her dearly, for wherever she went she brought joy and kindness. One day, however, Tabitha became sick and died. It was a very sad day indeed for the brethren and sisters in Joppa.

PETER IS CALLED TO JOPPA (vv 38-43)

Joppa is about 20 km from Lydda, where Peter had healed Aeneas. (Find these towns on your map and follow Peter's journey). The news of this wonderful miracle had spread to Joppa and therefore two brethren were sent to find Peter and beg him to hurry back with them to Joppa. Peter did not hesitate but came straight away to Tabitha's house. He was taken upstairs to the room where Tabitha now lay All the widows were there whom Tabitha had once helped. They stood there weeping and showing Peter some of the clothes she had made for them.

Peter sent all the people out of the room and kneeled down and prayed to God. Then turning towards the bed he said, "Tabitha, arise." Immediately she opened here eyes and when she saw Peter she sat up. Peter took her hand and helped her to her feet. He then called the brethren and sisters into the room and their sadness was turned into joy.

This miracle caused many in Joppa to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter stayed with the disciples in Joppa for some time, living with Simon, a tanner, and preaching the Gospel to all who would listen.

PETER GIVES GOD THE PRAISE AND SEEKS HIS HELP IN PRAYER

We should be careful to note that Peter, when healing Aeneas, did not say that he himself was healing him. He said, "Jesus Christ maketh thee whole" (Acts 9:34). So also, before raising Tabitha, Peter "kneeled down and prayed" (v. 40). It was not by his own power that Peter was able to heal them. It was by the power of the Holy Spirit which he had received from God. Peter did not want men to praise him; he wanted them to praise God for all those wonderful miracles that had been done.

LESSON FOR US

The life of Tabitha shows that everyone is important in the work of serving God. We cannot be great teachers like the apostles, but we can all work in the ecclesia and show the love of God to those around us. There are always brethren and sisters and their children who need help and there are many little tasks to do that will please our Father in heaven. The apostle Paul said that we are like many parts of a body and every single part has a very important role to play if the body (that is, the ecclesia) is to work properly (1 Cor. 12:14-25). Some must teach, some must visit the sick and others sew for the poor or distribute invitations to hear God's Word. Let us be like Tabitha and work in God's service every day, not for the praise of men, but so that God may be glorified by our actions.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Prayer is a great privilege God has given to man, for through prayer we enter into the very presence of the God of the whole universe.

Peter prayed to God for Tabitha. God answered his prayer and brought Tabitha back to life. This teaches us that prayer can be very powerful to help ourselves and others. It is therefore very important that we learn to pray and make it a regular habit in our daily lives.

We must approach God with respect, because He is a great King (1 Tim. 6:15-16). We must be humble when we speak to Him in prayer, because He is in Heaven and we are on earth (Ecc. 5:2). He knows what we need before we ask (Matt. 6:31-32) and we must thank Him for all that He provides (1 Thess. 5:18). Most of all, God wants us to ask for wisdom that we might understand His Word and then we can learn to praise Him (James 1:5; Matt. 6:33).