This week we continue hearing the stories of those who both witnessed and testified to resurrection as we hear the story of the raising of Tabitha and the experience of the widows of Joppa. This is the first of our witnesses that did not have a first-hand experience of the Risen Christ and yet still witnessed the power of resurrection faith.

³⁶Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. ³⁷At that time she became ill and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a room upstairs. ³⁸Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay." ³⁹So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. ⁴⁰Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. ⁴¹He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. ⁴²This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. ⁴³Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time with a certain Simon, a tanner.

·      Luke has carefully chosen how he tells this story so that we will remember some other important stories in the Bible.  Read 1 Kings 17:17-24, 2 Kings 4:32-37 and Mark 5:35-43. Why do you think Luke wants us to remember those stories?

·      Tabitha is described as a disciple using the feminine form of the Greek word. She is the only woman described using that word in the whole New Testament.  What do you think set Tabitha apart from other female followers of Jesus?

·      Obviously, Tabitha's life had a major impact on the lives of the widows and saints?  Have you ever had a Tabitha in your life?

Join us on Sunday as we explore the difference resurrection faith made in the lives of the widows and saints of Joppa!