Tabitha Raised from the Dead

Peter is visiting the saints and comes to Lydda, where he heals Aeneas, a man who has been paralyzed for eight years. In Joppa, among the disciples, lives a woman named Tabitha, which means Dorcas: she was full of good works and acts of charity. She falls ill and dies; she is washed and laid in an upper room. The disciples, knowing Peter is nearby, send two men to beg him to come without delay. All the widows gather around him in tears and show him the tunics and garments Dorcas used to make. Peter sends everyone out, kneels down, and prays. Then, turning to the body: “Tabitha, arise.” She opens her eyes, sees Peter, and sits up. He gives her his hand, helps her to her feet, and presents her alive to the saints and the widows. All Joppa hears of it, and many believe in the Lord. Peter stays on for some time with a tanner named Simon.