Scripture Focus: “Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:20
“Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up… This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.” — Acts 9:40–42
The Quiet Power of Faith in Action
The story of Tabitha—also known by her Greek name Dorcas—is a moving example of the harmony between faith and deeds. Found in Acts 9:36–43, her narrative is brief yet powerful: a woman so full of compassion and good works that her death sent ripples of grief through the Christian community in Joppa. So moved were the widows and believers that they summoned the apostle Peter, whose prayer restored her to life.
Tabitha’s life teaches us this timeless truth: genuine faith overflows into loving action.
More Than a Seamstress
Tabitha wasn’t just a woman with a needle and thread. She was a disciple—a true follower of Christ—known for “always doing good and helping the poor” (Acts 9:36). In a culture where widows were often overlooked, Tabitha stepped into the gap with practical help and heartfelt compassion.
In James 1:27, we are reminded that, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Tabitha lived this truth daily.
Christian theologian John Stott wrote, “Tabitha is a beautiful example of a woman whose faith expressed itself in love. Her ministry was humble, but her legacy was mighty.” Her hands made garments, but her heart clothed the community in dignity.
A Cultural Contrast with Modern Implications
In ancient Jewish society—much like traditional African cultures—patriarchy shaped the flow of wealth and social support. A widow without male kin could easily be cast into poverty. Tabitha understood this and used her gifts, time, and resources to lift others up.
In her, we see a reflection of the “Virtuous Woman” from Proverbs 31: “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy… Her works bring her praise at the city gate.” (Proverbs 31:20,31)
Good Works That Spoke from the Grave
When Tabitha died, the widows brought Peter not just their tears but physical evidence of her love—robes and garments she had sewn for them. Their mourning became the setting for a miracle. Through Peter’s prayer, God restored Tabitha to life, underscoring how deeply her works were valued both on earth and in heaven.
Tabitha’s resurrection was not just an act of mercy—it was a divine affirmation that good works matter. As theologian Charles Spurgeon said, “Faith and works are bound up in the same bundle. He that obeys God trusts God; and he that trusts God obeys God.”
A Personal Reflection: What If?
What if your continued life depended on the prayers of others who could speak of your kindness? Or, a heavenly review of your service to others?
Would your story move others to call for a miracle?
Ask the Lord today to make you more like Tabitha—a faithful disciple whose legacy is stitched with compassion and generosity. Let your deeds declare your praise.
As Proverbs 31:30–31 reminds us:
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honour her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
