The letter to Philemon (Part 8)

The letter from Paul to Philemon reveals a deep truth about the great change that takes place when one encounters Jesus. The runaway slave was totally transformed from a wanderer to a follower of Jesus. This is not specific to Onesimus. The work of Jesus Christ in our lives sparks a circle of transformation. The sinner who comes to faith is renewed and transformed as a new person. All the bad things of their past are totally wiped away. Paul’s appeal to Philemon was obviously heeded to and the result would have been a changed Onesimus activity involved in the things of God. Paul, a man of faith also spoke about his own restoration in the letter. Remember, Paul’s goal had been to restore Onesimus back to Philemon. However, Paul himself was in chains. He was a prisoner in Rome.

And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. (‭Philemon 1:22)

In Philemon 1:22, Paul writes this: “And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.” The churches had been praying for the release of Paul and Paul was hopeful that this prayer would be answered. Different Bible scholars believe that Paul was released in Rome and rearrested in around AD 66. He was martyred during his final arrest which was credited to Emperor Nero. Paul’s ministry impacted several lives including that of Philemon and Onesimus. If Paul had the opportunity to visit Colossae again before his death, he would have celebrated the brotherly love between Philemon and Onesimus. The church would have shown gratitude to Paul for restoring to them Onesimus. Other people mentioned in Paul’s letter include Epaphras (a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus), Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke (‭Philemon 1:23-24). Earlier in Paul’s ministry, Mark had abandoned him and Barnabas (Acts 16:36-41) and this even brought a sharp dispute between Paul and Barnabas. Seeing Mark again with Paul indicates that an attempt was made to restore the relationship.

While Paul enjoyed the company of his fellow workers while he was in Prison, Paul would later write about Demas deserting him because of his love for the world (2 Timothy 4:10). Our walk with the Lord is a journey with different highs and lows. We need to understand that irrespective of how right we live, there will always be others whose actions are likely to cause us pain. Like Paul, we should rather be agents of transformation and restoration. Our desire should be to see the restoration of those who have fallen along the way. We should be ambassadors of Christ who will hold the hands of the lost sheep and restore them to the body of Christ. If you don’t know what to do, just pray!

The letter to Philemon (Part 7)

Have you ever had the opportunity to be discipled by someone else? Have you also tried to disciple others before? Discipling another believer takes time and dedication. However, if both the discipler and the disciple are committed, the end result is a believer equipped with the right tools to stand. Jesus, our role model, used the method of discipleship to train twelve ordinary people. Now, Christianity has become a global movement because of this concentrated effort to train the disciples. One of the qualities of a good disciple is obedience to the teacher. This is very important to ensure maximum growth. Paul and Philemon must have gone through different stages of discipleship. Philemon, after being equipped, went ahead to even host the church services in his house. Although the discipler and disciple relationship is not like servant-master relationship, disciples still demonstrate respect and obedience for their teachers. Paul’s appeal to Philemon reveals a request that was subtly backed by Paul’s own authority over Philemon.

I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. (‭Philemon 1:20-21)

After Paul had submitted his appeal to Philemon and given different reasons Onesimus should be accepted back, Paul also hints on his ministerial authority over Philemon. Paul wrote that, “I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.” (‭Philemon 1:20-21). In this short letter,  Paul also indicated that he wished to have some benefit from Philemon. What benefit was Paul asking for? Paul as an apostle asked Philemon to refresh Paul’s heart by obeying the request to pardon Onesimus and have him back. Thus, Paul encouraged Philemon to consider obeying the appeal as a way of showing his support and obedience to Paul. Definitely, Philemon would have honoured Paul by obeying the request to forgive Onesimus and to restore him back.

In 1 Samuel 15:22, Samuel the prophet expected Saul to obey his words by waiting for Samuel’s arrival Before the sacrifices were made. Unfortunately, out of fear, Saul disobeyed Samuel and offered the sacrifices on behalf of Samuel. What was Samuel’s response to a disobedient king? Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” This action of Saul denied him and his family the opportunity to have an established kingdom. Both Onesimus and Philemon understood the consequences of disobedience. Onesimus almost lost his place in Philemon’s house because he failed to submit under the authority of Philemon. He fled to Rome where he encountered Paul. Many times, people disobey because of the desire to please themselves and to follow popular trends. We are made in the image and likeness of God and as such we should not find it hard to obey authority. The father of disobedience still remains Lucifer. Don’t be his adopted child. God delights in our obedience than in our sacrifices!

The letter to Philemon (Part 6)

Have you ever had to pay back to someone something that was lost or stolen in your care? Have you ever been the cause of someone else’s loss that you have to pay the person money for the loss? These two scenarios are known as restitution. It is important that whenever we cause someone to lose something, we make amends through restitution. Unless the person who has lost something through our carelessness declares that we should not bother paying back, we should always offer to restore what has been lost. Restitution is scriptural and godly. It restores relationships and builds trust. As we continue our discussion on Philemon, we shall consider how the apostle Paul sought to not only restore Onesimus back to Philemon but also to pay for the charges accrued because of Onesimus’ departure.

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. ‭(Philemon 1:17-19)

Apostle Paul made an appeal for the return of Onesimus and he also identified that Onesimus might have wrongfully owed Philemon because of his actions. Paul writes, “so if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self.” ‭(Philemon 1:17-19). How was Paul the man in chains going to pay back Philemon for what was owed by Onesimus? This sounds unreasonable but Paul understood that the best way to fully mitigate the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus was to restore Onesimus and also to make restitution for any damages. Philemon, possibly a disciple of Paul himself, owed Paul his very life. The transformation of Philemon was possibly the hard work of Paul. Paul might have also spearheaded the growth of the church that meets in the house of Philemon. Thus, Paul was not just a friend to Philemon but a spiritual father and a mentor. In other words, Paul’s plea was to a protégé, a man he Paul has groomed. Thus, in human nature, it was highly unlikely that Philemon would have charged Paul with the losses he incurred as a result of Onesimus’ actions.

The relationship between Philemon and Paul was quite a unique kind of relationship. It was the kind of relationship that made it possible for Paul to make restoration and restitution even while he was in prison. However, we, unlike Paul and Philemon must make conscious effort to restore and make restitution when we are at fault. Never undermine the person you have wronged. Even if they do not show anger and resentment towards you for your actions, it is not an opportunity to take their kindness as their weakness. It is important to know that human relationships thrive on human nature and attitude. Whenever we make amends for wrongdoings, we make room for friendship to continue. However, when we fail to consider those we have wronged and look for opportunities to fix our wrongs,we continue the circle of guilt, shame and pain. Paul in this short letter teaches us that forgiving one another of our sins must be spearheaded by restoration and restitution. Who is on your list for restoration and restitution? Never take people for granted.

The letter to Philemon (Part 5)

“No longer slaves”, a song by Bethel Music, is one of my favourites Christian songs. A slave does not have access to what the children and the siblings of the master have access to. Unless the master specifically assigns a portion of his estate to the slave, the slave has no place in the Master’s house. Imagine being a slave to our own fears. Nothing will ever change in our circumstances. In ‭John 8:35 Jesus states that “a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.” Thanks be to God, the death and resurrection of Jesus changed our statuses. ‭Galatians 4:7 confirms this change in status: “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” As heirs, we share the inheritance in Christ with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.‭ (Philemon 1:15-16)

Onesimus, as we have discussed in a previous post, was a runaway slave of Philemon. We are not given the contextual event that led to Onesimus’ escape from his master. However, from the letter we read from Paul to Philemon, it is obvious that Onesimus was at fault in all dimensions. No wonder Paul deemed it fit to have Onesimus return to Philemon rather than to have Onesimus stay with him in Rome. Paul mentioned that perhaps the reason Onesimus was separated from Philemon for a little while was that Philemon might have Onesimus back forever (‭Philemon 1:15). This time around with a different status other than a slave: “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.” (‭Philemon 1:16). Both Paul and Philemon understood that believers are children of God and as children heirs in the Kingdom of God.  Thus, although Onesimus was returning as a worker of Philemon, the relationship between the two would be that of brothers in Christ as compared to a slave and master relationship.

In Christ, our statuses have changed. We have become recipients of God’s adoption into sonship. According to Galatians 4:8 “formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.” In Christ, we have become new members of the family of God. Like Onesimus, our sins are pardoned and we are no longer slaves but brothers and sisters in Christ. Understanding our current situation in Christ is a reminder for us to live right and eschew evil. Our positional advantage in Christ has also ushered us as “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10). It is only mercy that can make a former slave a royal member of the family, and an heir to the king. Don’t belittle yourself. You are God’s special possession.

The letter to Philemon (Part 4)

Onesimus, the slave of Philemon, was the center of Paul’s appeal to Philemon. After running away from Philemon and going to Rome, Onesimus encountered Jesus through the apostle Paul. The runaway slave became a changed person whose transformation was quite visible. Instead of keeping Onesimus with him in Rome, Paul decided that the right thing to do was to restore Onesimus back to Philemon. Paul’s letter to Philemon was therefore an attempt to restore the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus, and also to explain to Philemon how Onesimus has been transformed and is now useful in the kingdom and in assisting Philemon. One of the formidable leaders of the church in Colossae was Philemon and he even hosted a cell group in his house. Paul, being aware of all this background information crafted his letter to be able to convey the message of restoration and forgiveness.

I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favour you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. ‭(Philemon 1:12-14)

After the conversion of Onesimus, he became a help to Paul, assisting him with his basic needs. Remember Paul himself was a prisoner for the gospel and he needed all the help possible to be able to get his needs met. Yet, Paul released Onesimus to return to Philemon rather than keeping Onesimus to attend to Paul’s own needs. In his letter, Paul wrote that. “I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favour you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.”‭(Philemon 1:12-14). In releasing Onesimus and sending him back to Philemon,  Paul demonstrated godly principles in restoration. He knew that the only way to reconcile the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus was to have Onesimus return to his former role. Onesimus, while in Rome, became a special person to Paul. He was so helpful that Paul referred to him as the one “who is my very heart”. Paul mentioned the fact that although he would have loved to keep Onesimus so that he could receive all the help from Onesimus, Paul was also careful not to do anything without the consent of Philemon.

Restoration, the act of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition was clearly demonstrated by Paul. He does not only plead for Onesimus, he makes the effort to return Onesimus back to Philemon. Many people preach restoration but do not practice it in reality. When we genuinely encounter Jesus, like Zaccheaus (Luke 19: 1-10), we should be willing to give back to others what we have wrongfully taken from them. If you owe a brother or a sister, true repentance and restoration is to pay back what you owe. Unless they genuinely cancel all your debts, never take their kindness to be their weakness. This week, ponder over these things and consider those little things you have to restore. Don’t miss the opportunity to make peace. If you are Philemon, when those who have treated you wrongfully genuinely want restoration, don’t drive them away. Even if they cannot take their former position, make peace with them and liberate yourself from the pain they have caused you.

The letter to Philemon (Part 3)

In Paul’s letter to Philemon, Paul reveals that his prayer for Philemon is that the partnership with the saints in the faith may be effective in deepening Philemon’s understanding of every good thing they share for the sake of Christ (Philemon 1:6). Thus, although Paul recommends Philemon in the introductory part of his letter, Paul also reveals that there is more room for Philemon to grow in his knowledge of Jesus Christ. However, Philemon’s love for the church  gives Paul great joy and encouragement, because Philemon refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people (Philemon 1:7). One will say that Philemon was that brother who had a contagious love for the people of God. He would have sacrificed a lot to ensure the growth of the church. It was after Paul’s words of praise and encouragement that delve into the main focus of his letter: an appeal for Onesimus.

that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. (‭Philemon 1:10-11)

Onesimus was the slave of Philemon. However, Onesimus ran away which was against the rules binding him to his master. It is also possible to postulate that in his flight, Onesimus might have taken some things that belong to Philemon. Remember,  as a slave, Onesimus didn’t have what it takes to make the long journey from Colossae to Rome. So, Onesimus the runaway slave met Paul in Rome. One way or another, Onesimus converted to become a believer in Rome. Paul, a man of peace, might have spoken with Onesimus and after knowing the background of Onesimus, Paul decided to restore Onesimus to his master. Paul, being aware of the consequences of dealing with a runaway slave, began his appeal on the basis of love. In Philemon 1:8-9, the apostle Paul wrote that, “Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.” Paul didn’t use spiritual and mentoring authority over Philemon to force him to accept Onesimus. Rather, Paul made an appeal: “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.” (‭Philemon 1:10-11).

Was Onesimus useless to Philemon? Paul’s appeal revealed that as a runaway slave, Onesimus was of no use to Philemon. Surprisingly, the Greek definition for Onesimus is “useful”. Yet, when Onesimus left his master, there was no use for him. However, when Onesimus encountered Paul in Rome, the reverse happened. He became useful not just as a helper to Paul but also as a brother in Christ. Paul’s appeal was for Philemon to first accept Onesimus as a useful person and also as a changed person. Onesimus, remorseful of his attitude towards his master, was ready to return to Colossae as a slave of Philemon. It was now the turn of Philemon to accept his slave back to his home. There are many types of ‘Onesimuses’ in our world. men and women who succeed in hurting the people God sent to help them rise. Instead of being helpful to their helpers, ‘Onesimuses’ become useless time wasters who waste all the investments done in their lives. Whether you fall in the place of Philemon or Onesimus, remember that second chances are not always promised. However, when God allows you the opportunity to start over again, let your transformation impact the world.

The letter to Philemon (Part 2)

Some of the distinctive features that should be synonymous to all believers is love for God’s people, faith in the Lord Jesus, intercession for one another among many others. Believers have the perfect model when it comes to loving one another. We have freely received the love of God. Our transgressions, which were many, were all forgiven because of God’s love. Therefore, being agents of love, should be something the church encourages all believers to aspire for.  Further, you cannot claim to love the Lord Jesus if you do not have faith in Him. Thus, being a believer implies that you have placed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This faith is visible in your way of life and extends to the people who are in your life. To add to these, because of the love we have for one another and our faith in God, it should be easy for us to pray for one another.

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. ‭(Philemon 1:4-5)

In Paul’s letter to Philemon, he mentioned that he always thanked  God as he remembered Philemon in his prayers. Paul does this because he heard about Philemon’s love for all God’s holy people and his faith in the Lord Jesus (Philemon 1:4-5).  Philemon seemed to be the kind of believer who was worthy to learn from. He loved the church and the people in the church. His faith in the Lord Jesus would have been so obvious as he even opened his house to host the church services. He is more likely to have contributed to both the  spiritual and logistical development of the church. His family would have been an active part of the church. Yet, in all his godliness and goodness, his slave decided to run away from him. As the letter does not indicate the time frame at which Onesimus, the slave of Philemon took off, we cannot postulate that Onesimus encountered Jesus in the house of Philemon. The departure of Onesimus might have caused Philemon pain. In those days, slaves were owned by their masters as possessions. They could only leave under certain conditions. Yet, Onesimus left without a trace.

Being a godly and kind person doesn’t mean you are free from being hurt by the people around you. There is a possibility that  those you love and care for, including family members,  friends,  employees and neighbours could hurt you when you least expect it. However, we also need to understand we do many of the things we do because we are compelled by the love of Christ. You can be a modern day Philemon who has sacrificed so much but receives no reward. Do not lose heart. God is still working for your good.

The letter to Philemon

The apostle Paul (also known as Saul) wrote the greater part of the New Testament Bible. His Letters were addressed to churches, communities, individuals, among many others. One individual recipient of Paul’s letter is a man named Philemon. This letter was an appeal letter written to ask Philemon to consider forgiving his runaway slave. Paul wrote this letter out of love for the Master and the slave, who were both believers. In this short introduction, we shall  consider a few lessons from this letter and how we can apply these lessons in managing conflicts within and outside the church.

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker (‭Philemon 1:1)

Who was Philemon? He was a wealthy Colossian who was also a believer. Philemon also hosted the church in his home and that accounts for why Paul’s letter addressed the church that meets in Philemon’s home (Philemon 1:2). Philemon seemed to have worked together with a woman named Apphia and another man called Archippus (Philemon1:2). Thus, working as a team wasn’t new to Philemon. In his letter, Paul addressed Philemon as “our dear friend and fellow worker” (‭Philemon 1:1). Paul on the other hand was still serving a prison term in Rome as at the time he wrote this letter. The apostle Paul, who was in chains for the gospel, didn’t relent in interceding for another person who had become a family in Rome.

In this short letter from Paul, we are reminded of the need to make room for each other and how to restore relationships within the church. It is obvious that Paul’s appeal was accepted by Philemon. In subsequent posts, we shall consider the details of the appeal and Paul’s advice to Philemon. We need to understand that irrespective of our spiritual maturity, there would always be the need to resolve issues within the church. Be always willing and ready to be an agent of peace.

Cornelius encounters the Lord

The Lord reveals Himself to us in diverse ways. For some people, it is a still small voice that prompts the need to  give their lives to the Lord. Others encounter God through life’s experiences and challenges. Some encounter God through preaching messages. Some through angelic encounters. These are not exhaustive lists, there are different ways that many people get the attention of God. What was your own story? Maybe you can share your personal testimony of your salvation experience with someone today. It is a powerful tool to get people to think about God. Not all of us have the same encounters and as such it is important that we do not make one encounter seem better than the other. What is necessary is that the person encounters the Lord. How the Lord does it, is not our way to decide.

Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.  Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. (‭Acts 10:4-5)

In the book of Acts, we are introduced to a pious man by the name Cornelius. This is the story of Cornelius. According to Acts 10:1-2, at Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. ‭Cornelius was not your everyday centurion. He wasn’t the busy type of Roman soldier. He lived among Jewish people but he did not consider himself better than others. Both him and his family were devout and God-fearing. They loved God and were devoted to serving the needs of others. Their giving was facilitated by a heart of generosity and they prayed to God regularly. Cornelius’ life caught the attention of heaven. As He continued his dedication to God, he had an angelic visitation. 
“One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” (‭Acts 10:3-6)

Cornelius immediately sent two of his servants to Joppa. Even before the servant’s arrived in Joppa, Peter had a similar vision that confirmed to him what God had revealed to Cornelius. Peter who would have refused any encounter with a Roman citizen was more than convinced that God shows no favoritism. When Peter arrived in the house of Cornelius, he met a group of people ready to experience the Lord. As Peter shared with the people the message of the gospel the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message (‭Acts 10:44). Peter, amazed by this said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.‭ (Acts 10:47-48).

The household of Cornelius experienced the hand  of God. In just one day, all the years of Cornelius’ dedicated service to the Lord was rewarded. Heaven acknowledged his great contribution to the kingdom of God and an angel was sent to convey this message. After that, God brought in the apostle Peter who led the entire family to understand the gospel and baptized the household of Cornelius. Imagine the transformation that will take place in Caesarea because of the salvation of Cornelius. This encounter also reveals the heart of God, He wants all people everywhere to be saved. None is beyond redemption. One other lesson is that our good deeds alone cannot save us. Thus being a good person is not a license to eternal life. We need to understand that our goodness should stem from the understanding that we have been saved to save others. If we are not motivated by Jesus, then we still need a ‘Peter’ to lead us to encounter salvation. You have a task to reach out to the unreached. Be the Peter that will lead good people to become Jesus loving people. A ‘Cornelius’ in your neighbourhood needs your prayers and support.

Tabitha’s Miracle

On a daily basis, we encounter different sorts of miracles. Even to wake up itself is a miracle most of us fail to acknowledge. We are daily surrounded by different miracles; from the little answered prayers, to the heart desires that are met, to the sicknesses that are healed, among many others, we should learn to count our miracles. Sometimes, we fail to appreciate the miracles in our lives because we fail to consider those things as miracles. In the early church, the dependence on God was so great that they encountered diverse instances where only God could have done those things. From miraculous rescues, healing the sick, raising the dead, encounters with great personalities and many others,the church thrived under the knowledge that God is working through them. At that time, the church in Joppa faced a challenge. They sent for Peter and their challenge became their testimony.

Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. (Acts 9:40)

The apostle Peter travelled around strengthening the churches. He went to Lydda where Aeneas was miraculously healed. There was another group of disciples in another city close to Lydda known as Joppa. 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). Tabitha had a good reputation and obviously she was so much loved by the church. According to Acts 9:37-38, about that time that Peter was doing his church tours, Tabitha also became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 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!” Tabitha’s death was a major loss to the church. The church wasn’t ready to let go. In fact, they requested for Peter to come around. When Peter arrived, he was taken upstairs to the room. 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 (Acts 9:39). Tabitha’s life had been a miracle. She had constantly provided the needs of the widows.

The widows needed a miracle. They had lost their spouses and Tabitha had been a source of inspiration for them. She had also provided their needs. Their tears were legitimate, they wanted Tabitha alive. Peter might have been moved by the testimonies concerning Tabitha. He sent the widows all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, Peter said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up (Acts 9:40). The dead woman was raised from the dead. A great miracle happened in Joppa. Peter took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive (Acts 9:41). This miraculous encounter would have brought joy to all the believers in Joppa. Other than the joy it brought to the church, this miracle also became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord (Acts 9:42). When miracles happen, lives are transformed and many people are turned to the Lord.

Imagine the next church service in Joppa after Tabitha’s miraculous restoration. The meeting place would have been full. Many people who were skeptical about the Jesus movement would have believed and joined the church. Tabitha’s testimony was enough to send a message to them. Whenever believers experience miracles, it is not just for them but to make known the power of God to others. Pray for daily doses of miracles,  and pray that each miracle will draw someone closer to the Lord.