Acts 9

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

What does Acts 9:36 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:36 introduces us to a female disciple named Tabitha, which is translated in Greek as Dorcas. She resided in Joppa, also known as Jaffa, a port city in Israel.

The verse highlights her character, emphasizing she was "full of good works and almsdeeds which she did." This indicates that Tabitha was a woman of benevolence, actively engaged in acts of charity and kindness, particularly towards the poor and needy within her community.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

During the time of the early Christian church, Joppa was an important coastal city in Palestine.

It was a hub of activity and served as a gateway to Jerusalem for those coming by sea.

Women in the early church had key roles and were often instrumental in spreading Christian teachings and engaging in good works.

The mention of a female disciple underscores the inclusive nature of the early Christian community.

Tabitha's story is situated in the broader narrative of Acts of the Apostles, which describes the spread of Christianity after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

Tabitha's life offers a perspective on Christian discipleship and service.

From a theological point of view, her actions reflect the teachings of Jesus about caring for the less fortunate.

Her dedication to good works exemplifies the Christian call to live out faith through action.

The text implies that Tabitha's service was not only commendable but also an integral expression of her faith.

This verse is often cited to emphasize the role of women in the church and to advocate for active lay participation in charity and social justice.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages individuals to actively participate in good works and generous giving.

It serves as a reminder that actions are a tangible expression of one's faith and can profoundly impact the community.

It challenges believers to consider how they can use their skills and resources to help others and to be recognized by the fruits of their labor.

Cross-References

James 2:14-17: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?"
Proverbs 31:20: "She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy."
1 Timothy 5:10: "Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work."

Language Study

The name "Tabitha" is of Aramaic origin, and the verse explicitly mentions that her name is interpreted as "Dorcas" in Greek. Both names mean "gazelle," which carries connotations of grace and beauty.

The phrase "full of good works and almsdeeds which she did" uses the Greek word "ἔργων" for "works" and "ἐλεημοσύνων" for "almsdeeds," indicating purposeful acts of mercy and charity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, including Greco-Roman and Jewish societies, charity and acts of kindness were highly regarded.

The Jewish tradition especially placed emphasis on almsgiving as a form of righteousness.

The actions of Tabitha can be compared with the values of Hellenistic benefaction, where wealthy individuals were expected to contribute to society's welfare.

In this case, however, Tabitha's works are motivated by her Christian faith rather than social status or obligation.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific discussions, social science research supports the positive consequences of altruism and charitable giving on both the giver and recipient.

Studies have shown that engaging in acts of kindness can improve one's sense of well-being and societal cohesion.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and church fathers have commented on the significance of Tabitha in the context of the early Christian church.

They note her as a model of Christian discipleship, emphasizing her role in the broader narrative of Acts, where the virtue of charity is actively demonstrated.

Commentaries also recognize the social implications of her acts, pointing out that these practical demonstrations of faith were essential for the growth and development of the early Christian communities.

The mention of Tabitha is seen as evidence of women's critical involvement in the church's life and mission.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:36 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 9:36 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?