A Life Worth Raising
This morning, we get back to our exposition of Acts. The story picks up with the growth of the new Church and Peter’s travels, looking at the story of Tabitha. It’s a perfectly timed story in terms of where the world is at. We’re living in a time of achievement culture, where everyone is trying to outdo everyone else with the amazing lives we live. No one is exempt, it affects every one of us. And while our intentions may be well-meaning, the outcomes we’re producing are counter-kingdom. We’re just getting busier as humans, not making more of an impact. Meanwhile, God is looking for His people to do good works, not more works. Today, we will see what good works are all about, and how and why they have such a powerful impact on God’s Kingdom - and us.
Scripture
Acts 9:36-43 ESV Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. (37) In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. (38) Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” (39) So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. (40) But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. (41) And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. (42) And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. (43) And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.
Bible Study Questions
A bridge and a crossroad
This morning’s story takes place in Joppa. Can you think of any significant connections to Joppa, and why it matters to today’s story?
Acts 9:36 ESV Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.
Jonah 1:3 ESV But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.
Tabitha’s good works
So in Joopa, we are introduced to Tabitha. The scripture tells us that she was “full of good works and acts of charity.” This is a massive testament to her character! What do you suppose were those good works?
Acts 9:36 ESV Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.
Acts 9:39 ESV So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.
God cares deeply about good works
When we think about the good works and acts of charity that Tabitha did, if we’re honest with ourselves, they seem underwhelming at best. We are more concerned with building empires, and living long lives full of exciting experiences. But God loves the good works of people like Tabitha. Why?
Acts 9:36 ESV Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.
Matthew 25:44-45 ESV Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ (45) Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’
James 1:27 ESV Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Good works change lives
Clearly, Tabitha’s good works had an impact on her community. She was living a life of surrender under the Holy Spirit, keeping in step with the example of Jesus. What impacts did this have on her community?
Acts 9:37 ESV In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
Acts 9:38 ESV Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.”
Matthew 21:21 ESV And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.
Peter follows suit
After receiving the message to come to Joppa, Peter immediately responds. He comes to Joppa and meets the widows so deeply impacted by the good works of Tabitha. He remembers what Jesus did with the little girl and asks everyone to clear the room. Then He performs the remarkable miracle of raising Tabitha to life. How did He do this?
Acts 9:40 ESV But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.
John 8:28 ESV So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.
James 4:10 ESV Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
God’s glorious response
Tabitha was surrendered to the Lord, the community of saints in Joppa were surrendered, Peter surrendered. Then God responded in the most perfect way… By giving life to Tabitha. While we will never know the mind of God, why do you think He performed this miracle?
Acts 9:40 ESV But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.
Luke 6:38 ESV Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Proverbs 19:17 ESV Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
The many take up the cross
This morning’s scripture ends with many of the people in Joppa believing in Jesus. Why do you think that is? What impact has this story had on your outlook on life?
Acts 9:42-43 ESV And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. (43) And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.