The Character of Tabitha in the Acts of The Apostles

Abstract

When reading the ancient Israel narratives exposed in the Bible, one could arguably assert that women have been always putting up a low profile, or rather, forced to do so by the Law. In Genesis 18: 6, the great forefather of the Israelites, Abraham, after having received three visitors, is seen running to Sarah his wife, ordering her to “quick, three measures of bran flour! Knead it and make bread.” Sarah the woman, is not conversing directly with the good visitors, but Abraham the man is. It could also be concluded that women were at most, reduced to running daily house chores. In the New Testament, we are however learning of a disciple, Tabitha, a woman, who rather swims against the tide of what was, and is expected of women. This paper will critically analyse Tabitha, extracting lessons that could be learnt from her. It will also expose how women are being seen in ancient Israel and how she is diverting from this perception.