Peter’s actions.
39 Peter got up and went with them.
When he arrived, they led him to the room upstairs.
And all the widows approached him, weeping and showing him the robes and clothes
that Dorcas had made while she was with them.
40 Peter sent them all out of the room.
He knelt down, prayed, and turning toward the body said,
“Tabitha, get up.”
She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up.
41 He gave her his hand and helped her stand up.
He called the saints and widows and presented her alive.
42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
43 Peter stayed for some time in Joppa with Simon, a leather tanner.
prayerfully consider how to honor Christ in all situations.
Remind the group of the vulnerability of widows, especially in that culture.
Briefly discuss how Dorcas’s charity made an impact on her church and community.
Peter immediately traveled back with the disciples.
God’s people are called to be His hands and feet,
caring for the people that society often casts aside (Jas. 1:27).
Tabitha’s impact on these widows was evident through their weeping.
Good works do not have the power to save givers or receivers.
However, they are a powerful demonstration of Christ’s love and can open doors for sharing Jesus.
Peter dismissed everyone in the upper room and then prayed toward Tabitha’s body.
We may not be called to raise the dead, but believers should prayerfully consider how to honor Christ in all situations.
Tabitha, get up
Peter told Tabitha’s corpse to get up.
This incident is evocative of two incidents in Luke’s Gospel.
Jesus raised both a widow’s son (Luke 7:11-17)
and Jairus’s daughter (8:49-56) with the same command.
Peter was present at both events.
Study these passages and compare them to Luke’s account of Tabitha’s resurrection.
Peter was active in this miracle.
the Christian life requires an active faith.
God wants individuals to participate and grow, not just sit back and observe.
Highlight the impact this miracle had on the church and community.
when God works through His people, it always make a difference in the world.
Challenge adults to identify ways God wants to use them and to obey His leading.
Review these points from Apply the Text on page 108 of the Personal Study Guide:
Direct attention to the first set of questions on page 108 of the PSG. Allow a few volunteers to share brief testimonies about how they have seen God use them to help others.
Dorcas sewed clothes for widows. While sewing may not be in everyone’s skill set, each of us has unique gifts and talents for ministering to others. We should ask God to help us see those opportunities and to take advantage of them.
Close in prayer, remembering the people mentioned at the beginning of the session. Also pray that each adult will see how God wants to use him or her to minister to others.
During the week, send the group a text or email that includes the list of sick and grieving people from the opening activity. Encourage adults to share any updates they might have and challenge them to continue praying for and ministering to these individuals and their families. Suggest starting a class project to be the hands and feet of Jesus for others in a tangible way. Urge the group to pray about what that might look like and how God wants them to be involved.
Play a recording of the song “Do It Again” by Elevation Music. Allow adults to share themes in the song that resonate with them. Highlight how the song addresses both faith and the potential for doubt.