Bible women: Dorcas, also called Tabitha

There are only seven verses in the book of Acts, chapter 9 that speak of this  woman Dorcas, also called Tabitha.  But she is an example of a Proverbs 31 woman, that whose price is "above rubies".   What a wonderful role model she is:

Acts 9:36 "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."

Firstly we know that Dorcas lived in Joppa, which was a port town, and that she is called a "disciple".   A disciple is one who has believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and received Him as their Saviour.  One who is abiding in Jesus, one who is trusting  in Him for their day to day life, one who has left the world and the things in the world behind, one who is a light. 

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16. "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." John 16:8

We know that Dorcas was "full of good works and almsdeeds which she did".  And how her life glorified God.   Dorcas is not remembered for beauty, or for riches.   She is remembered for her being "full of good works and almsdeeds."  Proverbs 31:31 "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."  Dorcas would have had a compassionate heart,  for an "almsdeed" is a "act of charity, a charitable gift" according to Websters 1828 dictionary.  And so Dorcas saw where there was a need, and she gave according to that which the Lord gave to her.

Acts 9:37-38 "And 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. And 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."

 

This sickness and death was unto the glory of God, much as Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, and also the daughter of Jairus.  It seems that Dorcas' friends heard that Peter had healed a man called Aenaus, who had been sick of the palsy, calling upon the name of the Lord, and that he abode in Lydda.  And since Lydda was near to Joppa, Dorcas' fellow disciples sent two men to Peter to tell him what had happened, and to request that he come as quickly as possible.  Two men were sent, because both would verify the truth of the request, and no doubt would tell Peter that Dorcas was a much loved and respected disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, one who abounded in good works and charity to those in need..

Acts 9:39 "Then 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."

And so Peter did not hesitate.  He went to Joppa with them, and was brought to the upper room where Dorcas lay.  Now we find a little more about Dorcas.  Perhaps as there were widows in the room with Dorcas, she was also a widow who had dedicated her life to doing good works as she was led.  And to this end, she had spent much time making coats and garments, no doubt to distribute not only to the poor and needy, but also to the needs of other disciples of Christ.  The widows were weeping, Dorcas must have been greatly loved by them.   Peter was shown these things that Dorcas had made, so that he would know that this woman's life was lived in the service of the Lord.

Acts 9:40-41 "But 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. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive."

This so brings to mind when the Lord Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus,  to whom he said "Damsel, I say unto thee, arise....and straightway the damsel arose and walked..." Mark 5:41-42

There is no audience to witness.  Peter's actions are committed to the Lord, nothing is done of his own strength, just as earlier he had said to Aeneas "Jesus Christ maketh thee whole..." he kneels down and prays.  We are not told the words, but we know that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16...    and then believing his prayers will be answered, Peter says "Tabitha, arise"  her name is spoken, a command is given,  and immediately Dorcas opened her eyes and sat up, and then, to the great happiness of the disciples and widows who were no doubt waiting and praying for a miracle,  their beloved Dorcas is presented to them alive.

Acts 9:42 "And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord."

And just as many believed on the Lord Jesus after the raising of Lazarus, so also many believed in the Lord Jesus when they heard of, and probably saw, that Dorcas had been raised from the dead.

And that is the last we hear of Dorcas, but no doubt she went on with a thankful heart, continuing on in good works and almsdeeds, as the Lord led and provided for her, in however many days or years more she was given to serve him.

vcg/February 2016