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."
