Tell

 

me that story doesn't match up perfect...

Tabitha in the Bible

"A disciple known for doing good"

"Luke introduces her with a double name: Tabitha and Dorcas (v. 36). The Aramaic and Greek mean gazelle."

"Luke introduces her with a double name: Tabitha and Dorcas (v. 36). The Aramaic and Greek mean gazelle."

"...if so, the placement of Tabitha’s story serves as a transition in the fulfillment of Jesus’ command to his disciples to “be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Perhaps her name indicates a woman of energy, grace, beauty and quick movements.

(I'd say it does :-)

"Luke praises her as a disciple (mathetria) who was always doing good and helping the poor (Acts 9:36);"

Luke indicates that Tabitha took God’s commands about society’s most vulnerable seriously. (“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor.” Looking after the marginalized is one of God’s characteristics, too, for God is shown in Psalm 146:8-9 as lifting up those bowed down, watching over the alien and sustaining the fatherless and widow.

(Maybe somebody ought to tell the Fox news Denomination about that last lil bit. Maybe? just sayin...:-)

Luke is generally quite selective with his praise, heightening the value of the accolades given to Tabitha in the Bible."

"Seen another way, Acts 9 contains a man’s miraculous conversion and a woman’s miraculous restoration to life."

(Saul's conversion)

"Luke’s account of Tabitha focuses on her ministry (to use a modern term) to two groups: the poor and widows."

"Tabitha purposefully sought out the poor and widows and actively looked to see how she could help meet their needs. In the first century, when female activities generally centered on daily survival for themselves and their families, Tabitha engaged the needs of her community. Her lifestyle showed that love is an active verb intent on doing good for others."

"Tabitha’s lifestyle contrasts admirably with the characterization of the good wife from Proverbs 31:10-31. Both display phenomenal energy. Both extend help willingly to the poor (Acts 9:36; Prov. 31:20). Both are proficient in needlework (Acts 9:39; Prov. 31:13, 19, 21,-22, 24, 25). Both seek to do good and undertake their activities within the context of faith (Acts 9:36; Prov. 31:12, 30). The lives of both women show they were “doers,” each putting feet to her faith.

"Tabitha may have been a widow herself, for Luke omits any mention of her husband or family. Additionally, Tabitha may have been independently wealthy, for the home where she is laid out awaiting burial is presumably her home and has an upper room (Acts 9:39). Evidently she offered her hospitality with flair, for the disciples and widows congregate around her. Perhaps Tabitha chose to use her wealth to aid the poor and the widows (v. 36).

(Sounding familiar yet?)

"Luke indicates that Tabitha’s home functioned as a community center for believers"

"The widows’ mourning reciprocates the love Tabitha extended to them. Arguably she met more than their clothing needs. Her hospitality and generosity probably gave them food, sanctuary, a home, a warm heart and a listening ear...Tabitha’s outreaching kindness undoubtedly saved lives.

"Luke sums up the reactions of all concerned by stating a fact—her return to life became known all over Joppa—and its result—that many people believed in the Lord because of it (v. 42)."

Follow along...

 it's kinda gonna be a three parter...

Yup...

I love you baby.

I've always told you remind me of the woman in Proverbs 31:10-31, 

the woman of Noble character.

You know it's true...