The Author’s Main Point
In Acts 9:36-43, Peter performs the miracle of reviving Tabitha (Dorcas) after she had died of sickness. This occurrence demonstrated the power of life over death. Miracles are considered signs of God’s power, and they signify the relationship between a disciple and God. They guide believers toward Him as they are intended to enlighten faith and compel witnesses to believe in a supreme God willing and capable of intervening on their behalf. The citizens of Joppa had great anticipation that Peter could do something to assist Tabitha, which facilitated the miraculous act. Upon Peter’s arrival in Joppa, He was shown all the good deeds that Tabitha had done, so He put his faith in God’s judgment and prayed for her return. Peter’s actions remind the reader that He was not acting on His own accord but by the power of Jesus. Peter turned to the body and commanded Tabitha to get up, which showed His strong faith and close relationship with God that made the people of Joppa believe in the Lord.
The awakening of Tabitha further underpinned how a change in the state of being would alter the lives of many persons. Tabitha’s community adored and valued her, as seen in how they mourned her demise. Although Tabitha might not have been famous, she was paramount to those who knew her, indicating that she was loved. Tabitha was known as a disciple who was faithful and giving. This biblical account showed that God continued to work through His servants to demonstrate His saving power. He bestowed His power on individuals in need, like widows with no one to lean on.
The Principle the Passage Is Teaching
God is merciful and almighty; He shares His power and channels it through His disciples and faithful servants to perform extraordinary miracles. These occurrences show God’s love and mercy for the living, as well as spread the word of His might. The choice of those He saves and those He acts through inspires believers to be kind, generous, and pure of heart.
Support for the Principle the Passage Is Teaching
I believe the passage teaches how God is merciful and almighty, as depicted through the acts of Peter, the servant of God who raises Tabitha from the dead. This principle is supported in A. W. Tozer’s book, Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God. There, Tozer (2018) asserts that mercy is one of the attributes of God, together with grace, wisdom, and omnipotent power. God’s mercy is demonstrated through His decision to spare the woman and the people she helped by bringing her back to life. His wisdom is shown by choosing this particular woman to be a part of the miracle. Throughout her life, Tabitha was devoted to doing good for others around her, clearly displaying an understanding of Christian values and virtues (Tozer, 2018). God’s wisdom was shared with Peter, who, upon receiving news of Tabitha’s demise, set forth to save her. Lastly, God’s power is seen through his ability to bring back life. The news of Tabitha’s resurrection from the dead caused most people to believe in God. This once again exhibits His supreme wisdom, power, and mercy by leading Joppa’s citizens’ souls to the truth and salvation (Tozer, 2018). Therefore, the passage portrayed the principle of God’s mercifulness and almightiness through the resurrection act.
Reference
Tozer, A. W. (2018). Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God. Their Meaning in the Christian life. Lutterworth Press.