Free Bible lesson for kids · The Gospel Spreads
Dorcas Lives Again
Dorcas was full of good works and made coats and garments for widows. When she died, Peter knelt down, prayed, and said, “Tabitha, arise,” and she opened her eyes.
- Bible passage
- Acts 9:36–43
- Big idea
- Small kindnesses matter to God.
- 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.
Acts 9:36 (KJV)- Ages
- Preschool to preteen (3 to 12), with tips for each age
- Time
- About 45 minutes
- Included, free
- Animated story film, coloring page, class sheet, teacher guide, questions and answers, a game
The story
In the town of Joppa lived a disciple named Tabitha, also called Dorcas (Acts 9:36). She was “full of good works” and made coats and clothes for widows (Acts 9:36, 39). One day Dorcas became sick and died, and her friends laid her in an upstairs room (Acts 9:37). The disciples sent two men to bring Peter from nearby Lydda (Acts 9:38).
When Peter came, the widows stood by him weeping and showed him the coats and garments Dorcas had made (Acts 9:39). Peter sent everyone out, knelt down, and prayed (Acts 9:40). Then he said, “Tabitha, arise.” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up (Acts 9:40). He lifted her up and showed her alive to the believers and widows (Acts 9:41). News spread through all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord (Acts 9:42).
Read it in the Bible: 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. 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. 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.
Questions to ask
What town did Dorcas live in?
Joppa.
What did the widows show Peter?
The coats and garments Dorcas had made.
What happened when Peter prayed?
Dorcas opened her eyes and sat up.
What this story teaches
- Kind deeds done for others matter in God’s family (Acts 9:36, 39).
- God has power over sickness and even death (Acts 9:40).
- We can bring our sorrows to God in prayer (Acts 9:39–40).
- God’s mighty works lead people to believe in Him (Acts 9:42).
- Serving people in need is a way to follow Jesus (Acts 9:36).
Jesus Is the Resurrection
God raised Dorcas back to life. Jesus is the resurrection and the life; those who believe in Him will live, even though they die.
John 11:25
A 45-minute lesson plan
| 5 min | Welcome and pray. Greet each child by name and pray: Ask God to show us a kind thing to do this week. |
|---|---|
| 10 min | The story. Play the story film: each verse appears on screen in the King James Version while the scene plays. Pause to ask what happens next. |
| 10 min | Talk about it. Ask the three questions below. Then ask: “Small kindnesses matter to God.” What does that mean for us? |
| 5 min | Memory verse. Say Acts 9:36 together, covering one word at a time until the children can say it alone. |
| 10 min | Activity. Younger children color the coloring page while you retell the story; older children do the class sheet (memory-verse fill-in, word search and questions). |
| 5 min | Pray and send home. Pray together and send the sheet home so families can talk about the first question this week. |
- Preschool: keep it short and physical. Act out the story, use a simple prop, and repeat the big idea in one sentence.
- Elementary: let children find the passage in their own Bibles. Ask “who, what, where” questions first, then “why.”
- Preteens: read the verses before and after the passage, and ask how this story fits the whole story of the Bible.
Game time
For kids · activity · indoors · about 15 minutes
Coats for Neighbors
You need: Donated coats, hats or blankets; cardstock tags; crayons
- Kids decorate tags with a picture and a short note: “Jesus loves you!”
- Tie a tag to each coat or blanket.
- Give them through a shelter or a family in need.
Dorcas was full of good works, making coats for widows. When Peter prayed, “Tabitha, arise,” she opened her eyes.
For youth group · activity · indoors · about 45 minutes
Blanket Tying Night
You need: Fleece fabric, scissors, a sample no-sew blanket
- Cut fringe around two layers of fleece and tie the strips together: no sewing needed.
- Talk while you work about people in your town who need warmth.
- Deliver the blankets to a shelter or children’s hospital.
Dorcas’s good works were remembered by everyone she helped. Simple kindness matters to God.
Pray
Ask God to show us a kind thing to do this week.