Portrait of an Artisan

In the seaside village of Joppa lived an industrious woman named Tabitha. Tabitha worked as a weaver and seamstress creating woolen and linen garments, an important industry since clothing was expensive at the time. Also known as Dorcas, when she became ill and died the believers sent for Peter who was 16 km away in Lydda where he had just healed a man who had been bedridden for eight years. Peter hurried with the brothers from Joppa to pray over Tabitha before she was buried at sundown. Much to the joy of the church and the widows she ministered to, Tabitha was resuscitated by the power of God.

Read Acts 9:36-42 and then consider the following:

1. In verse 36, Tabitha is introduced as a disciple. The Greek word chosen by Luke means ‘female disciple’ and is only used once in the New Testament. What is the significance of Luke using this word and explicitly naming her, when so few of the recipients of healing in Acts are named?
2. Tabitha was a compassionate and generous woman, especially towards widows. How does the response of the widows to her death fill out the portrait of Tabitha?
3. When Tabitha died, two men were sent with an urgent request to Peter. What does their request indicate about her place within the community?
4. It is possible that Tabitha not only made clothing for her family (as most women of the day did) and for the widows of Joppa, but that as a skilled artisan she also sold her wares to the wealthy. Who do you know whose hard work enables them to care for others generously?