3:5), and even Jesus Christ (Rom. Actress Tabitha Brown is featured in the Adult Swim Comedy "Black Jesus" - Hands of God episode She opened her heart to Jesus and that changed everything. When I became a minister, 30 years ago my motivation was to make myself redundant. However, after listing Tabitha’s and Peter’s actions, Luke tells us nothing about the reactions of the Christians in Joppa when they saw their beloved Tabitha alive. The Greek word in 1 Timothy 3:8 is diakonoi (the dictionary form). Luke carefully chose which characters to include in the Acts of the Apostles, the account he was writing for his patron Theophilus, and he chose to include the story of Tabitha. And like Jesus, the Lord answered Peter’s prayer and raised Tabitha from the dead. In Tabitha we see how the ministry of Jesus is carried on through every member of the church. Thanks to everyone who has sewed (rather sowed) into the Tabitha Sewing Project. 5:10 ESV. (Acts 9:36-39). The verb is latreuō. There is one ability God covets most among us. If God could use Moses with something as simple as a staff and Tabitha with something as basic as a needle, what might he use in your hands? Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 2 Cor. They were Christian ministers. 10:24: 1 Pet. Whether the diakonoi in Philippians 1:1 and 1 Timothy 3:8-12 are “deacons” is debatable, and not that important. It can be as simple as sewing or baking, fixing or driving.True faith expresses itself in deeds not words. Her life had already been transformed by Jesus. Both Elijah and Elisha then prayed to God alone in the upper rooms and the sons, future providers, came back to life. Dorcas, or Tabitha, in the Bible lived in the town of Joppa, a city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. If Tabitha had been elderly, it is hard to envisage that the church would have gone to the trouble to fetch Peter from Lydda; the journey there and back would have taken the two men a minimum of two days. Tabitha responds and opens her eyes, signifying her life has been restored. Saul Visits Jerusalem. She’s a wonderful example of a true Christian! a) a servant or Today we come to a lady with two names, Tabitha in Aramaic and Dorcas in Greek. the dead in his own strength. I can’t help but imagine Peter speaking the words, “Tabitha, arise,” and having a chill run down his back and a smile come across his face as he remembered hearing Jesus saying … Luke concludes the story by stating that Tabitha’s story “became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord” (Acts 9:42 NRSV). Lynn H. Cohick, Women in the World of the Earliest Christians (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009), 232 and 234. It is interesting that at the outset of the story Luke presents her credentials, and they are the sort one would look for in a deaconess. The scenario that best fits this situation is that she was a relatively wealthy widow. Jairus “pleaded earnestly with Him” because his 12-year-old daughter was dying and he wanted Jesus to heal her (Mark 5:22–23). 2:7; Eph. The First-Century World and the Ministry of Women, The Church at Smyrna and her Women (Gavia), Marcella of Rome: Academic, Ascetic and Almsgiver, Lydia: The Foreigner who became the Founding Member of the Philippian Church, Wealthy Women in the First-Century Roman World and in the Church, Deuteronomy 22:28-29 and Marrying your Rapist, The Propriety of Bible Women with Authority, https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/june/miracles-resurrections-real-raisings-fake-news-keener-afric.html, https://margmowczko.com/was-phoebe-a-deacon-of-the-church-in-cenchrea-part-1/, https://margmowczko.com/the-diakon-words-in-major-greek-lexicons/, There are Women Pastors in the New Testament, Sex and Violence in the Days of Jael (Part 3). Tabitha’s story is, after all, not primarily about her, but more about the church, the community of Jesus’ followers. Like Jesus, Peter therefore asked everyone to leave the room. What does availability mean? It is not clear that the believers called on Peter to raise her from the dead. [13] It was not unusual for some Jewish people to have a Hebraic, or Aramaic, name as well as a Greek name, especially if they lived in cities where there was a strong Greek influence. See also Galatians 2:17 where Paul asks the rhetorical question of whether Jesus is an agent (diakonos) of sin. 26:10//Mark 14:6; 1 Tim. Peter had been with Jesus when Jesus Raised Jairus’ Daughter and he asked this crowd to leave the room in the same way Jesus had. 23 After a long time had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, 24 but their … 37 At that time she became ill and died. 4:6) or of God (e.g. God’s word and work is precious. In the Greek New Testament, Peter’s words are recorded as “Tabitha anastēthi.”[17] But he probably spoke Aramaic words and actually said, “Tabitha kûmî.” Interestingly, this is just one letter different from what Jesus said to Jairus’s daughter when he raised her from death, as recorded in Mark 5:41: “Talitha kûmî.”[18]. In the scriptures she is introduced as, ” a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcus “ (9:36); She lived in Joppa and was a “woman full … Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 15:25; 1 Cor. She believed God and Yahshua (Jesus), but that is not enough. Lets pray. So no human, male or female, need apply. Like how “bat” could be the noun to describe what baseball players use, or it could be a noun to describe an animal. What are you good at? Acts 9:36. Who was this woman who is identified as a disciple and described as a generous supporter of the poor? The CEB consistently translates diakonos as “servant” even for Jesus. Immediately Aeneas got out of bed. This is the reason I am sure Tabitha was “always doing good and helping the poor”. As a member of the fellowship of believers at Joppa, Tabitha is remembered as "always doing good and helping the poor" (9:36). Thank you so much for helping me! In the Footsteps of Jesus and The Apostles, The Empire Strikes Back: The Jews in Iran – A Pre-emptive Military Strike (Esther 9), Zions Christliche Soldaten? Tabitha was a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul sometimes uses doul– words for his and Timothy’s ministries, etc. But the most significant parallel is the similarity of Jesus’ words to Jairus’ daughter and Peter’s words to Tabitha. It seems the Christians in Joppa were hopeful that Tabitha would be raised to life. The related abstract noun is douleia (“slavery”). 15:8). John 11:39). Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. Luke, the author of Acts, provides several details surrounding Tabitha’s story but begins with these glowing words. It seems that Tabitha had done at least a few of these things. This is how the Apostles obeyed Jesus instruction to make disciples “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20). Many of the widows of Joppa were walking around in clothes made by Tabitha. That is the same reason some of us are going to help extend a school and dig a well in Uganda next month. [13] In Acts 6:1ff we read that Greek-speaking widows in Jerusalem had been overlooked, but in Joppa, they seem to have been cared for. When she opens her eyes, she sees Peter, and then sits up. [4] Mary Magdalene, Susannah, Chloe, Nympha, Lydia, Euodia, Syntyche, Phoebe, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis, the chosen lady, and other New Testament women are not mentioned with a male relative or guardian. Washing the corpse was a usual practice,[5] but laying the body in a room was not. 15:25; 1 Cor. It can also be translated as minister or deacon. This is a part of our ongoing outreach in this nation, which also includes the Mt. Let’s look at Acts 9:42. https://biblehub.com/greek/1401.htm (We can’t assume that related words will have similar meanings.) Would you like to support my ministry of encouraging mutuality and equality between men and women in the church and in marriage? Tabitha is Aramaic for Dorcas. But that is not the thing. Word of Tabitha’s renewed life spread, and because of it, many believed in the Savior (see Acts 9:42). Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.” Acts 9:37-38 NRSV. Like many women in the New Testament, Tabitha is not mentioned in relation to a man. https://biblehub.com/greek/3000.htm Your email address will not be published. Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:37 — 27.1MB) “ 36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. How we all need to learn all we can from the Bible – leaving no one out. (Luke records the story of the raising of Jairus’s daughter in his Gospel but doesn’t include Aramaic words. Wake up, Tabitha! As a port city, Joppa would have been fairly cosmopolitan. Information about the kind of ministry the Jerusalem widows were missing out on is here. Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.” (Acts 9:40-43). [11] A sample of New Testament verses that use the expression “good works”: Matt. There are very few Greek words that are spelt the same but that have different meanings. Acts 9:41NRSV. Did the church at Joppa meet in the upper room at Tabitha’s home?[7]. She realised her potential. The promise of Christianity is that all believers will someday be raised from the dead. Ruth: one who knows what she wants and is willing to stick through tough times to get it. There will never be another you, or me (thankfully you may say). Furthermore, Tabitha may have been a relatively young widow. Jesus said “everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” (Luke 6:40). The story of Tabitha contributes to Luke’s broader understanding of female disciples. [10] I. Howard Marshall makes the comment that good works and charitable acts “were highly esteemed Jewish virtues and continued to be practised by Christians.” Marshall, Acts (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries; Leicester: InterVarsity, 1980), 179. Luke uses both “Tabitha” and “Dorcas” in his narrative, perhaps indicating that she was highly regarded by both the Aramaic-speaking and Greek-speaking Christian Jews in Joppa. 6:21-22; Col. 4:7-9), Apollos (1 Cor. Answer. My goal was to win, to build and then send – that means to disciple and train others to be disciples who could make disciples. Dorcas, or Tabitha, was a charitable person who made things, especially clothing, for the needy in Joppa. However, the Tabitha Bible or Dorcas showed us otherwise. ... Ministry-To-Children.com helps you tell kids about Jesus by providing age-appropriate Bible study material and Sunday School curriculum – all 100% free online. Jesus was a friend of sinners in that he came to save sinners and was very pleased to welcome sinners who were open to the gospel, sorry for their sins, and on their way to putting their faith in Him. I’ve written about diakon– words here: A comparison of the accounts of Peter’s dealings with Aeneas, Tabitha, and Cornelius is here. He describes her as a ‘[female] disciple’, the only time the feminine form mathetria occurs in the New Testament. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Like witnessing and prayer?”, I said, “Work is my best witness I am just so thankful to find your articles on women leaders in the Bible! The First-Century World and the Ministry of Women Why does he include this information? What gifts has the Lord entrusted to you? Meaningful Miracles, Service and Purpose. Peter comes quickly to Joppa and prays for Tabitha (9:39-42). [1] But Tabitha, a Jewess living in the port city of Joppa (modern-day Jaffa, near Tel Aviv), is the only woman in the New Testament who is plainly called a “disciple.”[2] That Luke chose to use this word suggests that she was not only a committed Christian but that she was also an important member of the Christian community at Joppa.[3]. There is an echo in Acts 9:37 to the stories of Elijah and Elisha when they restored the life of two sons who belonged to two prominent women. We believe that God is the loving Father of all kids. Use your God given talents and abilities! [15] Luke does not identify any person in Acts as a deacon or deaconess, not even the seven men in Acts 6. Matt. [1] Women disciples of Jesus include Mary and Martha, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna and others. Did she know the man in her room was the apostle Peter? [17] Anastēthi (lexical form: anistēmi) is used over 100 times in the New Testament. With grateful thanks to Gien Karssen “Her Name is Woman” (Navpress). https://biblehub.com/greek/1247.htm Galatians 5:13 This is Dorcas, or Tabitha, and she has been full of good works, and she died, and the widows are standing around here weeping and showing the garments that she had sewed for them. It seems this was her one talent. 3:7; Col. 1:23, etc), Timothy (1 Tim. The most famous return, of course, is that of Jesus raised from the dead. b) a deacon. I’m so glad the biblical authors didn’t leave women out of their stories and letters. By the time Peter arrives, Tabitha may have been dead for a few days (cf. I wonder what was going through Tabitha’s mind when she became conscious. The only problem is when we try and say Phoebe’s ministry or service was somehow less than those of other diakonoi, such as Tychicus, simply because she was a woman. For Jesus Christ the King?”, I said, “But I believe a man can So powerful were the merits of mercy, so much did just works avail! The word ‘disciple’ means a learner, a follower, and that became her motivation in sewing clothes. And we should not wait until someone has died to express our appreciation. 6:4), or of the gospel (Eph. All rights reserved. This was a sudden blow. [11] And, as well as the reference to Tabitha in Acts 9:36, the expression is used occasionally in the context of wealthy women (Matt. “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.” (Acts 9:36). 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. And none of these words are related to the Greek words in my previous comment. In Mark 5 Jesus raised a little girl back to life. [15], Perhaps the main reason for the Tabitha story is that Luke wishes to reveal how a woman functioned as a deaconess, a very generous supporter of widows. We know she cared for widows who were poorer than her and who may have been “afflicted.” And though the text doesn’t plainly state that she exercised hospitality, her home with its upper room may have been a base for the Christians in Joppa. Tabitha seems to have been a well-off widow living in the coastal city of Joppa (to see the location of Joppa, go to Maps for the Life of Jesus – Palestine provinces). I remember when I was a boy, the ladies had a Dorcas Sewing Class, they called it. [12] The enrolled widows in the Ephesian church may have belonged to a church order for pious older women. You can be part of the project by coming to Stanlake Park Wine Estate next Saturday…. a faithful Christian said. Open your home and help others! 1 Tim. One more interesting note is the presence of Peter at both resurrections. which means, "Little girl, I'm telling you to get up!" 5:15; Rom. This leads to the next chapter, Acts 10, where Peter is confronted by a vision of unclean animals and learns that God regards Gentiles as declared clean. She became a person of importance in the church because she found fulfilment in, and focussed her serving in doing what she was good at. Do you find that surprising? Die Bibel, Israel und die Kirche, Ancestral Journeys and Western Mission: A Review, Jesus Prayed for You: Maundy Thursday Reflection, Surrender to Christ: Palm Sunday (Luke 19:37-44), Jesus Mean and Wild: True Repentance (Mark 1:14-20), Jewish Network for Palestine: Zionism’s Christian Soldiers, Our Darkness is Never Darkness in Your Sight (Psalm 90), Normalisation: Israel’s Strategy for Occupation, Christian Zionism Webinar with Revd Dr Munther Isaac, Religion and Politics: The Responsibility of Citizens to God and State from a Christian Perspective. Not particularly remarkable you might think and yet, and yet, Tabitha surpasses every other woman in the Bible. Can you do that? Jesus raised the dead with His own power. [7] An unrelated word (anagaion) is used for the upper room where Jesus held his last supper (Mark 14:15//Luke 22:12). Aeneas & Tabitha — It is clear that Dorcas (Greek), or Tabitha (Aramaic), whose name means “Gazelle,” was a believer. She opened her heart to Jesus and that changed everything. What will your legacy be? He was very consistent in how he uses these words. Paul calls Pheobe a diakonos not a “deaconess” (diakonissa). See the need and help alleviate the pain! and fill the stores with bread.”, He said, “I know of your bread route The verb is diakoneō (“serve/minister”). https://biblehub.com/greek/1248.htm, There are other Greek verbs that mean to “serve” also. This is because people do not care how much you know unless they know how much you care. “About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which being translated [into Greek] is “Dorcas.” She was full of good works [i.e. Peter came right away and when he entered the room where they had laid her, the weeping widows surrounded him. She who had conferred on suffering widows the assistance for living God is giving me a new name. There are many other doul– words too. Dorcas was also called Tabitha— Dorcas is a Greek name meaning “gazelle,” and Tabitha is the Aramaic rendering of the same name. There are words in English that are spelled the same but have two or more different meanings. As a wealthier woman who was prominent in her community, she was someone Theophilus could identify with. https://biblehub.com/greek/1398.htm [4] She seems to have been independent of either a husband or father, and her benefactions and acts of charity are her own (cf. 2:12. I love the stories of the women in the Bible. If we don’t make ourselves available to God, no matter what kind of ability we have, it is of no value. This is why he promised them and us to be with us until he returns. Her reputation was made from something as simple as sewing clothing for the poor. Peter and Tabitha both used the gifts that God had given them to … Can you do that? What are you passionate about? I don’t know why I haven’t heard of Tabitha before, but I’m glad I do now! What lights your fire? Deserved to be recalled to life by the petition of widows. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. https://margmowczko.com/the-diakon-words-in-major-greek-lexicons/. It is not sociability, or compatibility, or accountability, or adaptability, or even reliability? [The actual form is diakonous because it is the accusative plural. He then turns to the corpse and speaks to it. They wanted her back! The idea of a deaconess came later and so can be seen as a human tradition that I think can in some cases negate what Scripture actually teaches as when men taught that women could not serve in some ways. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. It’s the exact same word used for Paul himself (Rom. A quiet servant whom Peter in Acts brought back to life after her town mourned her missing her so much. But the following might be useful to you. 3:7), or of a specific church—a church being a sacred community of “saints” (Rom. And when Paul was visiting Troas, the church held meetings in an upper room (hyperōon) (Acts 20:7-12). After an illness that appears to have been short and sudden, she dies. This is the strategy the Apostle Paul taught, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2). 2:10; 1 Tim 3:1; 5:25a; 6:18; Tit. Peter was able and available. I was wondering if there were any words in Ancient Greek that were like that? The fact remains that they are agents with a sacred commission. How do we know what Paul meant when he used the word diakonos (singular) or diakonoi (plural)? I am pleased that our Mission Partner this month is Umthombo – caring for orphans and street children in South Africa. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10). Peter calls her Tabitha (Acts 9:40); the widows may have called her Dorcas (Acts 9:36). “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!” Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. I’m not even sure if this next question will make sense, but what would those words be if they were nouns? 34 Peter said to him, 'Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. What do you have in your hands this morning? The related concrete noun is doulos (“slave”). Did she realise she had been dead and brought back to life? She would have had servants of her own, rather than being a servant herself. He almost always uses it for “an agent with a sacred commission.” As such, several diakonoi are described as being a diakonos of Christ (1 Tim. Being indispensible is not the same thing as being irreplaceable. Her name, Tabitha, is Aramaic for “gazelle” and the Greek translation of her name is Dorcus. And I replied, “I drive a truck In 1 Kings 17:19, Elijah carried the dead son of the widow of Zarephath to an upper room and laid him on the bed. Later deaconesses, however, did seem to have a ministry that focussed on charity, much like Tabitha’s ministry. If we want to influence people for Christ, as Tabitha clearly did, then use your gift to serve them, willingly and joyfully. Peter "prayed" (Acts 9:40) to the Lord to raise Tabitha. She was one of a kind and they deeply missed her. What energises you? Whatever Tabitha’s social position, her death was seen as a great loss to the believers in Joppa. Tabitha was a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. A good disciple follows their master and that is what Peter did. Luke 22:41 And He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, where He … Tabitha was irreplaceable but she was not indispensible. Her name translated is Dorcas or Gazelle. Unfortunately, never shared in “big church” much but mostly in women’s Bible studies. [9] She may have worked with others, or perhaps she financed and organised others to make the garments. For example, Luke uses hypēreteō a few times in Acts to mean “serve/minister,” but the related concrete noun hypēretēs occurs many more times in the New Testament. and selling bread to them 16:1-2) and even Jesus Christ (Rom. And Tabitha is the only adult woman among them. Acts 9:40 NRSV. I believe that means she motivated other women to sew and make clothes for the poor. Tabitha: A women who lived for Jesus (Acts 9:36-42), “What do you do for Christ each day?” She was also involved in other unspecified good works and charitable acts, the kinds of deeds that were esteemed and practised by Jews and Christians. Was she their leader? A lady who did not meet Jesus personally but whose life was transformed by Jesus. Her special gifts were used in ministry to needy people, especially in making clothes for poor widows. Sometimes related verbs and nouns (and adjectives, etc) have very similar senses, but not always. These women are not described by their family situation but by their ministries. At that time she became ill and died. So how do we know that Phoebe be was a Diakonos, as in deacon, instead of a Diakonos, as in servant? Marcella of Rome: Academic, Ascetic and Almsgiver So the hopeful church sent two men to urge the apostle to come with them to Joppa. In 1 Timothy 5:10, a few specifics are given concerning the good works of women who were eligible to be enrolled as widows in the church at Ephesus.[12]. I drive the truck for Him!”. [6] Peter may have become ritually unclean by entering the room that contained Tabitha’s corpse, even though he didn’t touch her until after she was restored to life. It may even have served as a home for poor widows. 3:28). Hello Marg! https://biblehub.com/greek/1249.htm Paul always uses it for an agent with a scared commission and, in one verse, for agents with a diabolic commission. It could just as easily have been cooking. [8] Whatever the case, this scene is designed to elicit an emotional response from the reader. Phoebe: Deacon of the Church at Cenchrea It is often used in the context of significant events, sometimes in the context of miraculous healings. They are not the same. 16:1-2). The inclusion of this intimate detail here provides one of several indications of Tabitha’s significance to this community of believers.” Acts, (Abingdon New Testament Commentaries; Nashville: Abingdon, 2003), 160. … having a reputation for good works (kala erga): if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work (kalon agathon). 11:13-15). On the other hand, Christian ministry is service, Christian service is ministry. The life, death and resurrection of Tabitha helped spread the good news of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Marg Mowczko is an Australian theologian and writer. The highest calling in Christian ministry is to care in practical ways for the most vulnerable in society, especially widows and orphans. Others remain anonymous. 13:4). The related concrete noun is diakonos which means an agent or a servant. work in such a way The word ‘disciple’ means a learner, a follower, and that became her motivation in sewing clothes. Required fields are marked *. 15:8). Also, I read somewhere that the word Diakonos can either be used to describe either But Tabitha’s life was cut short. However, Mark reports Jesus’ command to Jairus’ daughter in Aramaic—not Greek. is like a prayer in Jesus’ name. [10], The expression “good works” (agatha erga and kala erga) is found several times in the New Testament. What is he calling you to do with them? ), Jesus had Many Female Followers – Many! The focus of Tabitha’s story is in verses 40-41, and Luke slows the pace of the narrative here by giving Peter several actions. Any idea what that ability is? https://biblehub.com/greek/2999.htm. Sadly, the office of priest for the Church is redundant since Jesus Himself is the only priest we need. That is because we were all born to reproduce. Furthermore, Tabitha’s momentous story helps the narrative to transition to another momentous story, the story of Peter and Cornelius and the inclusion of Gentiles in the church. Designed by Brugel Creative | © Margaret Mowczko, Exploring the biblical theology of Christian egalitarianism, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), A List of the 29 People in Romans 16:1-16, Head Coverings and 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. The verb is doulouō. Tabitha, who is called Dorcas in verse 39, was probably more than a weaver or seamstress who worked by herself, creating one garment at a time. Some are well known by name. As such, both raisings were more similar than different: both dead people were raised by Jesus. [16], Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. The fact that two men are sent to Peter, to ask for his help, indicates that Tabitha’s death was untimely. These Sundays through the Summer we are exploring the relationship between Jesus and Women: Women whose lives were transformed by Jesus. He could only raise Tabitha because the Holy Spirit lived inside of him. Moriah Bible School and Ministry Center in the village of Danzounmey, which we are helping to construct. Introducing Tabitha (Acts 9:36) Many women faithfully followed Jesus during and after his earthly ministry and can be counted among his disciples. You can support my work for as little as $3 USD a month. Phoebe was a relatively wealthy woman. Ben W. also refers to Phoebe as a “deaconess” which I find even more of an issue. We are helping our friends, Rev. We know little about Tabitha. In previous generations, ports like Joppa, would have had a high proportion of widows, more than other towns. Peter then stayed in the home of a man named Simon who was a tanner, an unclean profession. She could sew and so she sewed to the best of her ability. Mark 5:41 Taking her by the hand, Jesus said, "Talitha koum!" Luke-Acts leaves no doubt in the reader’s mind that believing women are full members of Jesus’ community and are rightfully designated as disciples.[19].