“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.” (Acts 9:36-43)

Again, the Spirit was working. Here again is Peter – the one who so many of us know as the ultimate screw-up – being the hero. Fresh off of healing a paralyzed man in a neighboring town, we find him in Joppa bringing a deal woman back to life. Let me ask you – is this Peter’s power? Of course not! Acts is about the power and plan of the Holy Spirit. That plan being taking the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth and it was on the move. With the Dispersion scattering everyone around and the apostles tending to the new believers around Jerusalem, here we see Peter living in faith and praying for this woman to come back to life.

There are two observations to make about this story. First, the person he healed was a woman. It is worth pointing out that in the male-dominated culture of the time, this woman was of such renown that the city sent for Peter to try and bring this woman back! Women (Tabitha, in this instance) hold immense value to God and His plan, so much so that she was given her earthly life back. We can infer through the story that her ministry was of serving and making garments, and she was of such worth that God brought her back from the dead. Women hold incredible value in ministry and should have the opportunity to use the gifts given them by God for the calling He calls them to. It is an honorable service to be called to be a witness for Jesus (whatever the specifics of the job entail), one that comes to any believer, regardless of gender.

Gender equality, however, is not the only statement God is making by raising Tabitha from the dead. This also puts Peter in touch with a man named Simon the Tanner, whose house Peter has while having a very vivid and important dream. God is setting Peter up to make a very important cultural statement as well. Tune in for the next devotional to find out about the dream.

Are there any women you know that have made a significant different in your walk with Christ? This would be a great place to be thankful for our ladies in ministry who have led us to a closer walk with God. Highlight them in the comments!