Unstoppable! 'Extending the Ministry of Jesus (Part 2)' — Acts 9:38-41

Sunday, May 25, 2025

[Tabitha, or Dorcas in Greek, had died.] But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, "Please come as soon as possible!"

So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, "Get up, Tabitha." And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive.

— Acts 9:38-41 NLT

Key Thought

In the devotional a few days ago, we focused on Peter extending the ministry of Jesus by healing Aeneas of his paralysis. In today's verses, Peter again extends Jesus' ministry and reminds us of Jesus' power and tenderness in his earthly ministry as he raises Tabitha (Dorcas) from death. Like Jesus, Peter makes sure this resurrection happens in a quiet moment, away from the crowds. Like Jesus, Peter speaks, and life returns. Then, as if bringing her back to life was no big challenge, he presents Tabitha alive to those who loved her. Luke reminds us, once again, that Jesus has overcome the power of death!

Today's Prayer

O God, I am astounded at the non-extravagant description Luke gives us of the raising of Tabitha. Though centuries later, my heart swells with joy for the widows and poor people who received their beloved sister in Christ back from the dead. I know you hate death, Father. I know that you sent Jesus to liberate me from my fear of death.* Thank you! When I find myself in the place of suffocating grief, please, dear Holy Spirit, be my comforter. Renew my hope that Jesus will not only make things right but that he also will invite me into his glory to share reunion and eternal life with all the faithful whom I've lost to death. In the authority and power of Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

* Hebrews 2:14; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 8:40-55
  • 1 Corinthians 15:25-28, 45-58

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 9:38-41 NLT — [Tabitha, or Dorcas in Greek, had died.] But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, "Please come as soon as possible!" So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, "Get up, Tabitha." And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive.

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About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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