Acts 9:32-43 Questions

Peter Restores the Life a Disciple Named Tabitha

Acts 9:32–43
Key Verse: 41:
41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.

1. Read at Ac. 9:32-33. In John 21, how did Jesus reinstate Peter after betraying him 3 times? How had Peter actively served God? (Ac. 2:38-41; Ac. 9:31) Does God use available people or able people or both? Where is Lydda? Who was there?

2. Read at Ac. 9:34-35. What do we learn about Aeneas? How did Peter heal him? Who did Peter give all the credit and glory to? What do we learn about Peter who served personal ministry? What was the effect of his personal ministry? Remember what happened after healing in Lk. 8:38-39.

3. Read at Ac. 9:36-37. Where is Joppa located? Who was there? Why is it significant in this passage that Tabitha is the only woman called a disciple in the Bible? What does her name mean? What were some of the charitable works did she do? Why was her body washed and placed in the upstairs room?

4. Read at Ac. 9:38-39. What did other disciples do when they heard that Peter was in Lydda? Did they believe Peter could raise her from the dead? How did Peter react when he was told about this sad news? What did the widows say and show Peter when he arrived at the home where Tabitha was placed?

5. Read at Ac. 9:40-41. Why did Peter send everyone out? Do you think he was following the example of Jesus in Mt. 9:23-26 and Mk. 5:38-42? After sending them out what did Peter do next? (2 Cor. 12:10) What happened after Peter called out her name? How did Peter encourage the believers and widows?

6. Read at Ac. 9:42-43. After helping one person, what was the powerful effect? How can helping one person promulgate the gospel? (Jn. 4:39-42) What do we learn here about the important roles women have in God’s ministry? (Ac. 16:14-15; Ac. 18:24-28; Ro. 16:13) What is the spiritual significance that Peter stayed in Joppa some time with a tanner named Simon?

Aeneas and Dorcas
32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”
39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.