Ministry in Joppa

“Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which when translated means Dorcas); this woman was excelling in acts of kindness and charity which she did habitually.” (1) Joppa (Hebrew: Yaffo) is a town located about 11 miles (18 km) northwest of Lydda. (2) There was a female believer named Tabitha, known by the Greek name Dorcas (which means “gazelle”) in a region with many Gentiles. She was famous for her good works and acts of charity. “But it happened at that time that she became sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upstairs room.” (1) She died, and preparations for her burial were made. People washed her body and placed it in an upper room. (2) The group of believers heard that Peter was in Lydda and sent two messengers to him. In the first-century church, “signs” were performed only by the apostles and their coworkers. The saints in Joppa did not have this authority. Calling for Peter was an expression of their faith. Until this time, there had been no instance of a dead person being brought back to life, but they thought that if it were possible, they needed to have an apostle come. (3) In places outside of Jerusalem, it was permitted to keep a body for up to three days and nights. Peter needed to reach Joppa within this time frame. (4) Upon arriving in Joppa, Peter was taken to the upper room where many mourners had gathered. Numerous widows showed him the tunics and garments that Dorcas had made for them, expressing their belief that if anyone were worthy of being brought back to life, it was Dorcas. “But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’” (1) There was a similar instance in the ministry of the Lord Jesus: the healing of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:40-41). Peter was following the example of the Lord Jesus. (a) He sent the people out of the room. (b) He commanded the dead body. Jesus said, “Talitha, kum,” while Peter said, “Tabitha, kum.” (2) Peter did not touch her until she came back to life. This was to avoid ritual impurity. (3) Although Peter had performed many signs, this was the first time he had raised someone from the dead. This miracle became a driving force for the people of Joppa to come to faith. (4) Peter stayed for some time at the house of Simon the tanner, which was God’s way of leading him to his next mission. Blessed are those who see the hand of God at work behind the scenes. The Lord’s hand is also at work in our daily lives.