EP 166: The Beauty of Simple, Faithful Service: A Lesson from Acts 9

Inside: As we head into the holiday season, I’m reminded of Tabitha’s story in Acts 9 and her beautiful example of serving others with a heart full of love. We can use our gifts, no matter how simple, to bless others and bring glory to God.

We’re heading into the holiday season as I’m writing this, and I know it’s a busy time for all of us, filled with many opportunities to serve. I know for me – I can find it easy to serve, but I’m not always doing it with a right heart. I have a dear friend who stated it as a prayer request so beautifully – she said it can be easy to serve because I know I should, but I want it to be an outpouring of service motivated by love for God. I so love that – I, too, pray that my service would be an outpouring of my love for the Lord.

Listen to EP 166: The Beauty of Simple, Faithful Service: A Lesson from Acts 9:

Listen to the podcast (30 minutes) or read a portion of it in the post below (21 minutes)

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Tabitha’s Example of Faithful Service

So, my time in the Word has me in the book of Acts right now, and as I was reading Acts 9:36-42, the story of Tabitha—also known as Dorcas—stood out to me. First off, every time I hear the name, Dorcas, I’m reminded of a beloved character from the BBC show Lark Rise to Candleford, which my husband and I both enjoyed so much. It might even be time for a rewatch! In the show, Dorcas was a warm, wise, and generous character who often said, “It’s my one weakness” whenever she indulged in something, and I have to admit, I’ve picked up that saying myself.

But the reality is that I have many weaknesses, and one of them is not always having the heart to serve as I should. Second and most importantly, Tabitha’s example of serving others so faithfully in Acts really challenges me, especially during this busy holiday season, to be more intentional in how I love and care for those around me.

Dorcas Restored to Life

36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.
37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
38 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.”
39 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.
40 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.
41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
–Acts 9:36-42

A Disciple’s Faith in Action

Tabitha’s story is such a beautiful example of what it looks like to live out our faith in simple, meaningful ways. She wasn’t just known for doing good works here and there; she was full of them as it states in Acts 9:36. I love that wording—it paints a picture of a life overflowing with love and service to others. Tabitha’s acts of kindness weren’t about drawing attention to herself or doing the bare minimum. Instead, her care was genuine, thoughtful, and constant, especially toward the widows in her community who had no one else to care for them.

Tabitha was a disciple in Joppa. She is the only female in the New Testament identified as a disciple, and the word used there in the Greek for disciple is in the feminine form.

Her life wasn’t just mere words; it was action, and it was lived out in the community. She was living out what Galatians 6:10 states: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

In the NASB, verse 36 reads: Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, translated in Greek, is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did. The wording “continually did” is in the imperfect tense, which pictures Tabitha doing them over and over again.

A Heart for Service

One commentator stated this about Dorcas:

Dorcas was a Christian woman who displayed much grace and charm. She was not only a beautiful person on the inside but she was a woman constantly doing good deeds of kindness and charity. She displayed a life of ministry in selfless love, for she was always thinking about others and not herself. Apparently her main gift was helping the poor and needy. Dorcas was involved in a social service to her fellow Christians and her community. She made garments for the needy. Her natural talent was sewing and her spiritual gift was helps. Her gift, in comparison, seems so insignificant when compared to the gifts of Peter. He could preach, teach, lead, heal and even raise the dead, but Dorcas was given ten deft fingers with which to make garments for the poor. Yet, her gift was as important to the body of Christ as was Peter’s gifts. Dorcas probably never spoke at a missionary meeting or taught a home Bible class, but she did a lot of wonderful things for people. Dorcas was a true disciple of Christ and she proved it by her good works. The true Christian will have good works flowing from the life. 
(The Miracle Worker)

I love how beautifully that description captures the heart of who Dorcas was. She may not have had the impressive gifts of Peter—she wasn’t a preacher or a miracle worker—but she made a huge impact through her simple acts of service. It’s easy to feel like our gifts aren’t as significant when we compare ourselves to others, but this story reminds us that every act of love matters in God’s kingdom.

Using Our Gifts for God’s Glory

Dorcas was a true disciple of Christ, and she proved it by using what she had—her sewing skills—to care for others. Her life was a testimony that good works flow naturally from a heart that’s been transformed by Jesus. It’s a reminder that our gifts, no matter how simple they may seem, are God-given and can be used to bless others.

James 2:26 reminds us that faith apart from works is dead and Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared for us to do. God has uniquely equipped each of us to serve in ways that matter.

We don’t have to be well-known or have a public platform to make a difference. It’s the everyday, ordinary ways we love and serve that have the most lasting impact. We don’t want to underestimate the power of simple, faithful service. Just like Dorcas, we show that we are true disciples of Christ by loving others well and using our gifts—no matter how small they may seem—for God’s glory.

What are some ways we can use our gifts in our daily lives? It doesn’t have to be complicated or impressive. Here are just a few things that came to my mind:

• Cooking a meal for your family or bringing one to someone who’s sick or just had a baby. Food is such a comforting way to show love and care.
• Writing a note or sending a quick text to encourage a friend who’s having a hard time. A few heartfelt words can make a big difference.
• Inviting a friend over for coffee to catch up and share God’s love through meaningful conversation and genuine friendship.
• Take time to ask your husband about his day, truly listen, and show him love and respect through your attentiveness and support. A simple, thoughtful gesture like making his favorite meal or writing him a note of appreciation can mean so much.
• Praying for your children, your spouse, or a friend. Even if they don’t know you’re praying for them, God hears every word.
• Making your home a warm and welcoming place for your family. Creating an environment where they feel safe and loved is a gift in itself.
• Helping out at church, whether it’s in the nursery, setting up for an event, or staying to clean up afterward.
• Taking the time to listen to someone who needs to talk, without feeling rushed. Sometimes, just being present and truly listening is the greatest gift.
• Helping a friend who’s feeling overwhelmed by doing her of laundry or watching her kids for an hour so she can have some time to rest.

These small, everyday actions may seem insignificant, but they can leave a lasting impact when done with a heart full of love for Jesus. They’re all ways we can live out our faith in the ordinary moments of life.

A Faith That Trusts Beyond Hope

37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
38 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.”
39 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.
-Acts 9:37-39

In the culture of that time, it was customary to wash the body of the deceased as a sign of respect and care. Typically, after washing, the body would be buried fairly quickly, often on the same day, because of the climate. But they laid Tabitha’s body in an upper room – this wasn’t the usual practice.

Chuck Swindoll commented on this that “Tabitha’s friends did note of the things people normally do in anticipation of a funeral. Instead, they seem to be preparing the woam for resurrection. That’s remarkable because Luke’s narrative gives no indication that anyone had been raised from the dead since Jesus.”

The fact that they placed Tabitha’s body in an upper room rather than preparing for a typical burial shows an incredible sense of expectation and faith. They believed in God’s power, even in the face of death. Chuck Swindoll’s observation is so thought-provoking. The believers didn’t prepare for a funeral; they seemed to be preparing for a miracle, even though, as he noted, no one had been raised from the dead since Jesus.

These believers had a faith that held on, even in the darkest moments. Now, I’m not saying God is going to raise someone from the dead in our situations, but what stands out here is their deep trust in God, even when hope seemed lost. We all have hard things we’re dealing with, and this challenges me to think about how I respond when things feel hopeless. Do I hold onto a faith that trusts God can still work, even when everything in me says the situation is beyond hope?

An Urgent Call for Help

With that in mind, let’s look at how the believers in Joppa responded in their time of need.

Acts 9:38 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.“

Joppa and Lydda were only about 10 miles apart, a journey that would have taken a few hours on foot. The disciples in Joppa knew Peter was close by, and they didn’t waste any time. They urgently sent two men to get him, showing how deeply they valued his presence and believed he could do something to help. It’s a beautiful picture of the early church’s faith and trust in God’s power working through His people.

Think about the urgency here. They didn’t just send a polite message; they urged Peter to come quickly. It shows the deep love and concern they had for Tabitha and the belief that God could work through Peter in a mighty way. The early church leaned on each other and trusted God to show up in their moments of need.

Mourning and Memories

Let’s take a look at how Peter responds to this heartfelt call and the deep grief surrounding Tabitha’s passing.

Acts 9:39: 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.

When Peter arrives, he’s brought to the upper room where Tabitha’s body lies. The scene is heart-wrenching: widows weeping – and they would not have just been weeping but wailing and they were holding up the garments that Tabitha, had made for them. These weren’t just clothes; they were tangible reminders of her love, her service, and the way she poured her life into caring for those who had little. Widows in that society were especially vulnerable, and Tabitha had clearly made a lasting impact on their lives.

The fact that these widows were gathered, grieving, and sharing stories about Tabitha’s kindness speaks volumes about the kind of woman she was. Her acts of service weren’t just about meeting practical needs; they carried so much meaning and love. Her life was a beautiful example of compassion, generosity, and a heart fully devoted to serving others.

That quote comes to mind: “Only one life, ’twill soon pass; only what’s done for Christ will last.” But as one commentator pointed out, it might be even more accurate to say, “only what’s done in Christ” will last into eternity. Not everything we do as Christians has lasting value. What truly endures are the things we do by abiding in Jesus—staying close to Him and relying on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us.

It’s a reminder that we’re called to live intentionally, making the most of the opportunities God gives us to serve and love others. As Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” We want to give our all in serving the Lord, knowing that what we do in Christ, out of a heart of love and dependence on Him, is what will make an eternal difference.

Peter’s Act of Faith and Dependence on God

Acts 9:40: 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.

Peter’s actions are a beautiful reminder that he didn’t have the power to raise the dead himself—only God could do that. By kneeling down and praying, Peter was acknowledging his complete dependence on the Lord. Prayer is an act of faith, a way of saying, “God, I am utterly dependent on You for all things. Apart from You, I can do nothing.” This echoes the truth in John 15:5, where Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” It’s a reminder that we trust God to do what we cannot, leaning fully on His power and grace.

And what happened next is a powerful picture of what Christ does for us spiritually. Just as Tabitha was brought back to physical life, we are brought from spiritual death to life when we place our trust in Jesus. Ephesians 2:1 tells us we were dead in our trespasses and sins, but Ephesians 2:4 reminds us that “God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, made us alive together with Christ.” Salvation is truly a miracle—a sinner made alive in Christ. It’s like a spiritual resurrection, brought about by God’s grace and power.

Notice how Peter went about this miracle. He didn’t do it for show or to draw attention to himself. He sent everyone out of the room, prayed, and focused on bringing glory to God, not himself.

David Guzik comments: “We should remind ourselves that Dorcas was not resurrected; she was resuscitated to her old life, where she would die again. The fact that the Lord raised Dorcas, yet Stephen (and later, James in Acts 12:2) remained dead, reflects on God’s unknowable ways. After all, it certainly seemed that Stephen and James were more important to the church than Dorcas. Yet we must always trust God’s greater wisdom and knowledge in all such things. Dorcas wasn’t raised for her own sake. She would have enjoyed heaven better! She was raised for the sake of her ministry to others, which is the same reason we have passed from death into life (John 5:24).”

This insight is a beautiful reminder of God’s wisdom and purposes beyond our understanding. While miraculous signs like raising the dead were part of the apostolic era, what stands out today is the miracle we witness when someone is saved. God breathes spiritual life into hearts that were once dead in sin. That’s the most incredible transformation of all!

Many Believed in the Lord

Now, let’s see how this incredible story continues and how God’s power worked through Peter in a way that brought many to faith.

41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 
42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
-Acts 9:41-42

Peter’s prayer was answered in such a miraculous way. Tabitha opened her eyes and came back to life. Just picture the joy and awe in that room when Peter took her hand, helped her up, and then presented her alive to all the believers and widows who had been grieving. What an incredible moment that must have been! But even more amazing is what happened afterward: because of this miracle, many people in Joppa came to believe in the Lord.

It’s important to remember that miracles in the New Testament weren’t just about showing off God’s power. They always pointed people to Jesus and confirmed the truth of the gospel. God used these extraordinary events, like bringing Tabitha back to life, to draw people to Himself and validate the apostles’ message. The focus was never on the apostles themselves but always on glorifying Christ and calling people to faith in Him.

Now, we may not see miracles like that in our day, but God is still at work in both extraordinary and ordinary ways to bring people to Him. Sometimes it’s through how we respond to challenges, how we show love to those around us, or even in the simple act of sharing the hope we have in Christ. Our lives can be a testimony that points others to Jesus.

We have so many opportunities every day to live in a way that shows the love of Christ. How we handle difficulties, how we extend grace, how we love others, and how we faithfully live out our faith can make a real difference. God can use even the smallest acts of love and faithfulness to bring glory to Himself and draw people closer to Him.

As we reflect on Tabitha’s story and Peter’s faith, let’s be encouraged to live in a way that points others to Jesus, trusting that God can use our ordinary lives for His extraordinary purposes.

Conclusion:

As we wrap up, I want to share some encouraging thoughts from Steven Cole on this passage. He beautifully reminds us that when a sinner is raised from spiritual death to spiritual life, it will be evident to everyone who knew the person before and after. Just as the miracles in Acts 9 led to many others coming to faith because they saw the undeniable evidence, our changed lives should also point people to Jesus.

Think about that for a moment: our transformation in Christ can be a testimony that draws others to the Savior. Cole’s words got me reflecting on how God can use even the most unlikely situations to show His power. There may be people in our lives who seem too far gone, and we might think, “There’s no way they’ll ever come to Christ.” But here’s the incredible truth: with God, nothing is impossible. He is mighty to save, and He can breathe new life into anyone, no matter how hopeless the situation seems.

It’s not about our power or the other person’s strength of will. It’s all about God’s mighty power working through the gospel. When God raises the spiritually dead to life, it’s His work, and He gets all the glory. Just as Peter relied completely on the Lord to raise Tabitha, we too can trust God to work through us as we share the good news of Jesus.

Many of you are so gifted at serving, just like Tabitha was. You notice needs around you that others might overlook, and you quietly meet them with joy. Those seemingly simple acts of service and kindness can be a powerful way to reach people for Christ. Serving others has a way of softening even the hardest hearts. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, preparing a meal, giving a warm hug, or meeting someone’s tangible needs, the Lord can use those acts to point people to Him.

I love how Paul describes this in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life.” It’s a beautiful reminder that our lives are meant to be a fragrance of Christ, whether others are drawn to Him or even if some are turned off by the new life they see in us. And let’s be honest—none of us are adequate for this on our own. Only Christ can work through us, and all the glory belongs to Him.

Remember, no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. God has uniquely equipped each of us, and He can use even our simplest acts of service to make a difference.

So, as we go about our week, let’s be bold in sharing the gospel. Let’s trust that God is the One who imparts new life, and He is mighty to save. Even when things seem hopeless or people seem far from God, remember: He can do what we could never do. It’s not up to us to change hearts—that’s God’s work. But we can be faithful in living out and speaking the truth of His love, knowing He has the power to raise the spiritually dead to life.