Acts 9:40 – “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.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse describes one of the most powerful miracles in the book of Acts—the raising of Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead. Peter had been called to Joppa because the believers were mourning the loss of Tabitha, a faithful disciple known for her acts of kindness and charity (Acts 9:36-39).

Upon arriving, Peter saw the deep sorrow of the widows and others who had been blessed by Tabitha’s ministry. But instead of rushing into action, Peter first sent everyone out of the room. This was similar to how Jesus had healed Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:40), where Jesus also cleared the room before performing the miracle.

Next, Peter got down on his knees and prayed. This shows that he fully depended on God’s power, not his own. He didn’t assume that he could perform the miracle himself—he sought God’s will first.

Finally, Peter turned to Tabitha’s body and commanded her to rise, saying, “Tabitha, get up.” Immediately, her eyes opened, she saw Peter, and she sat up. This was not a slow recovery or medical resuscitation—this was a complete and instant resurrection by God’s power.

Historical Context

Raising the dead was an extremely rare event in biblical history. Up to this point, only a few instances are recorded:

• Elijah raised the widow’s son (1 Kings 17:17-24).
• Elisha raised the Shunammite’s son (2 Kings 4:32-35).
• Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:41-42), the widow’s son in Nain (Luke 7:14-15), and Lazarus (John 11:43-44).

Now, through Peter, the same power of God was at work. This event showed that Jesus’ disciples were continuing His mission through the Holy Spirit.

Jewish burial customs required that people be buried quickly, often the same day they died. But the believers in Joppa did not immediately bury Tabitha. Instead, they called for Peter, showing that they had hope and faith that God could still act.

Theological Implications

1. Prayer Is Essential in God’s Work – Peter didn’t just act—he prayed first, showing dependence on God.
2. God Alone Has Power Over Life and Death – This miracle demonstrated that only God can bring the dead back to life.
3. Faith and Obedience Open the Door for Miracles – The disciples in Joppa believed that God could still work and called Peter in faith.
4. Jesus’ Power Continues Through His Disciples – Peter’s actions reflected Jesus’ miracles, proving that His power was still alive in His followers.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, writes this moment with careful detail:

• “Peter sent them all out of the room” – This shows intentionality and focus. Peter needed quiet and prayer before the miracle happened.
• “He got down on his knees and prayed” – Luke highlights Peter’s humility and total dependence on God.
• “Turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’” – This mirrors Jesus’ command to Jairus’ daughter in Mark 5:41, where He said, “Talitha, koum!” (Little girl, get up). The similarity suggests that Peter was following Jesus’ example.
• “She opened her eyes… she sat up.” – These details emphasize that this was a real resurrection, not just a vision or symbolic event.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Kings 17:17-24 – Elijah raises the widow’s son after praying to God.
• 2 Kings 4:32-35 – Elisha raises the Shunammite woman’s son in an upstairs room.
• Mark 5:40-42 – Jesus raises Jairus’ daughter in a similar manner.
• John 11:43-44 – Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.
• Acts 3:6-8 – Peter heals a lame man by commanding him to rise in Jesus’ name.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. God Still Works Through Prayer – Just as Peter prayed before acting, we should also seek God first in every situation.
2. God’s Power Has No Limits – Even when things seem hopeless (like death), God is still able to act in miraculous ways.
3. The Church Should Have Faith That God Can Move – The disciples in Joppa did not assume the situation was final; they believed God could still work.
4. Jesus Is Still Alive and Active – The same power that raised Tabitha is at work through Jesus Christ today (Romans 8:11).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is displayed in this miracle because He cared deeply for the people who were grieving. He didn’t just heal Tabitha for her own sake—He restored her for the sake of the widows, the church, and the people who depended on her kindness.

This also shows God’s compassion for the needy. Tabitha was known for helping the poor, and God honored her faithfulness by bringing her back to life.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus Has Power Over Death – Peter’s miracle echoes Jesus’ power, proving that Jesus’ resurrection was just the beginning (John 11:25-26).
• Jesus’ Authority Works Through His Followers – Peter’s ability to raise Tabitha was not his own—it came through the name and power of Jesus Christ (Acts 3:6).
• Jesus Cares About the Hurting – Just as Jesus showed compassion by raising people from the dead, He continues to bring restoration and hope to the broken.
• Jesus Is the Resurrection and the Life – This miracle points to the ultimate resurrection that Jesus promises to all who believe in Him (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Peter’s example challenge the way you approach prayer?
2. Do you believe that God is still able to work miracles today? Why or why not?
3. What does this story teach us about God’s timing and power?
4. How can we be more like Tabitha, using our lives to serve others?
5. How does this miracle give us hope about Jesus’ promise of resurrection?

This verse is a powerful reminder that God is still active, His power is still real, and He still responds to the prayers of His people. Tabitha’s resurrection was not just about one woman—it was a testimony of God’s love, His power over death, and the truth that Jesus is still at work through His followers today.