Dorcas Raised from the Dead
Peter, called to Joppa, raises the beloved disciple Dorcas from death through prayer, demonstrating the power of God working through His apostles.
Acts 9:36-43
Take the Acts 9 Quiz
Test your knowledge of this chapter
Explore Acts Chapters
Study all chapters of Acts
The Story
In the coastal city of Joppa lived a disciple named Tabitha, called Dorcas in the Greek tongue. This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did, particularly ministering to the widows and poor of the community.
In those days, Dorcas fell sick and died. After washing her body, they laid her in an upper chamber. The believers heard that Peter was nearby in Lydda and sent two men with an urgent plea: 'Delay not to come to us.'
Peter arose and accompanied them. Upon arriving, they brought him to the upper room. The widows stood by him weeping, showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
Peter put them all forth and knelt down and prayed. After prayer, he turned to the body and said, 'Tabitha, arise.' She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Peter gave her his hand and lifted her up, then called the saints and widows to present her alive.
The news spread throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. The resurrection of Dorcas became a powerful testimony to Christ's victory over death.
Peter Prays and Dorcas Lives Again
Kids Version
In the town of Joppa by the sea, there lived a wonderful woman named Dorcas. Some people called her Tabitha. Dorcas loved Jesus very much, and she showed that love by helping people every day. She was especially kind to widows and would sit at her sewing table and make beautiful coats and dresses for people who didn't have nice clothes.
One sad day, Dorcas became very sick and died. The people who loved her were so sad! Then someone remembered that Peter was in a nearby town. They quickly sent two men to find Peter.
Peter didn't wait even a minute. He went straight to Joppa and hurried to the upstairs room. Many widows were standing around crying. They were holding up the coats and dresses that Dorcas had made for them with her own hands.
Peter asked everyone to leave the room. Then he got down on his knees and prayed to God. After he finished praying, Peter said in a strong voice, 'Tabitha, arise!' That means, 'Dorcas, get up!'
Something wonderful happened—Dorcas opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up, alive again! Peter took her hand and helped her stand. Then he called everyone back into the room. They couldn't believe their eyes when they saw Dorcas smiling at them!
The news spread all over Joppa! Many people believed in Jesus when they heard how Dorcas came back to life.
Ready to test your knowledge?
See how well you know this story from Acts.
Characters in This Story
Settings & Locations
Scripture — Acts 9:36-43 (KJV)
36Now 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. Dorcas: or, Doe, or, Roe
37And 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.
38And 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. delay: or, be grieved
39Then 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.
40But 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.
41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
43And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
Memory Verse
“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. Dorcas: or, Doe, or, Roe”
— Acts 9:36 (KJV)
Test Your Knowledge
How well do you know the story of “Dorcas Raised from the Dead”? Take the quiz to find out.
More from Early Church
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “Dorcas Raised from the Dead” in the Bible?
Peter, called to Joppa, raises the beloved disciple Dorcas from death through prayer, demonstrating the power of God working through His apostles. This story is found in Acts 9:36-43.
Where is “Dorcas Raised from the Dead” found in the Bible?
“Dorcas Raised from the Dead” is found in Acts 9:36-43, in the book of Acts.
What can children learn from “Dorcas Raised from the Dead”?
This story teaches children about Resurrection Power, Acts of Mercy, Faith, Miracles, Compassion for the Poor. When a kind woman named Dorcas dies, Peter prays and God brings her back to life, making everyone amazed at God's power.