Bible Character Studies: Dorcas. Full of Good Works and Compassion for others.
Good Morning,
Proverbs 31: 20, 30-31
v.20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
v.30-31 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Photo of Joppa.
Acts 9:36-42 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. 37 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. 38 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. 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. 40 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. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
I would like to consider a dear Christian woman named "Tabitha" which the text tells us is interpreted as the name "Dorcas." She is dead when we first are introduced to her but we discover what kind of a Christian she was by the testimony from those who knew her.
Dorcas died at a city called Joppa and another town named Lydda was nearby. Peter was staying there. We do not know much about Lydda other than it was located in a rich and fertile plain and had very favorable conditions for vineyards and farming. Joppa by contrast was an ancient sea port and a busy center for commercial fishing activities.
Dorcas lived a life full of good works.
We are told that Dorcas was "full of good works." Whatever needed to be done in ministry to others, she was involved in it. She prepared meals and sewed clothing. She made coats and garments for those who had a need. She visited the sick and elderly. She was a wonderful Christian woman.
Dorcas lived a life full of almsdeeds.
She was also full of almsdeeds." This means that Dorcas was full of mercy and compassion for the poor and did all that she could to help meet their needs including financial support.
These 2 texts show us the spirit that Dorcas had with regard to the less fortunate in life and to those who were poor.
Psalm 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
Proverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
There were many who mourned Dorcas and loved her.
Notice the care that the other Christian women lavished upon the deceased Dorcas. They carefully bathed her and prepared her for burial and laid her in an upper chamber. Then they sent two men to Lydda to bring the apostle Peter back to Joppa.
When Peter arrived he saw all the other widows weeping and mourning for Dorcas. They showed Peter the coats and garments that she had lovingly made to meet the needs of others.
Peter prayed and God raised her from the dead.
Peter wasted no time. He put everyone out of the room because he needed to pray to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Only Jesus could do something for Dorcas and Peter implored Him on her behalf and for the consolation of the other Christian ladies that she ministered with.
When Peter finished praying he turned to her body and commanded "Tabitha Arise" and she opened her eyes and sat up. What an amazing thing Christ did in raising Dorcas from the dead.
The resurrection of Dorcas caused many to be born again.
Peter extended his hand and helped Dorcas to stand. He called all the other widows back and presented Dorcas alive to them. This wonderful news spread like wildfire and many people in Joppa believed on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.
Points to Ponder....
Proverbs 31: 20, 30-31
v.20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
v.30-31 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Photo of Joppa.
Acts 9:36-42 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. 37 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. 38 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. 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. 40 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. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
I would like to consider a dear Christian woman named "Tabitha" which the text tells us is interpreted as the name "Dorcas." She is dead when we first are introduced to her but we discover what kind of a Christian she was by the testimony from those who knew her.
Dorcas died at a city called Joppa and another town named Lydda was nearby. Peter was staying there. We do not know much about Lydda other than it was located in a rich and fertile plain and had very favorable conditions for vineyards and farming. Joppa by contrast was an ancient sea port and a busy center for commercial fishing activities.
Dorcas lived a life full of good works.
We are told that Dorcas was "full of good works." Whatever needed to be done in ministry to others, she was involved in it. She prepared meals and sewed clothing. She made coats and garments for those who had a need. She visited the sick and elderly. She was a wonderful Christian woman.
Dorcas lived a life full of almsdeeds.
She was also full of almsdeeds." This means that Dorcas was full of mercy and compassion for the poor and did all that she could to help meet their needs including financial support.
These 2 texts show us the spirit that Dorcas had with regard to the less fortunate in life and to those who were poor.
Psalm 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
Proverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
There were many who mourned Dorcas and loved her.
Notice the care that the other Christian women lavished upon the deceased Dorcas. They carefully bathed her and prepared her for burial and laid her in an upper chamber. Then they sent two men to Lydda to bring the apostle Peter back to Joppa.
When Peter arrived he saw all the other widows weeping and mourning for Dorcas. They showed Peter the coats and garments that she had lovingly made to meet the needs of others.
Peter prayed and God raised her from the dead.
Peter wasted no time. He put everyone out of the room because he needed to pray to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Only Jesus could do something for Dorcas and Peter implored Him on her behalf and for the consolation of the other Christian ladies that she ministered with.
When Peter finished praying he turned to her body and commanded "Tabitha Arise" and she opened her eyes and sat up. What an amazing thing Christ did in raising Dorcas from the dead.
The resurrection of Dorcas caused many to be born again.
Peter extended his hand and helped Dorcas to stand. He called all the other widows back and presented Dorcas alive to them. This wonderful news spread like wildfire and many people in Joppa believed on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.
Points to Ponder....
- Dorcas is an example of a Christian woman committed to serving the Lord however she could. How committed to Christ are we today?
- Her life was marked by being full of good works that she unselfishly bestowed upon others. Are we seeking to be a blessing to others?
- Her life was marked by compassion for the poor and doing what she could to help them. Do we have compassion for the poor?
- Dorcas had a strong Christian testimony and was loved by many. What is my testimony? Does it bring honor and glory to God or is it self centered?
Dorcas reminds me of my maternal Grandma . She was very active in her church all of her life. She was a caregiver to those who were fighting illness and she frequently worked on making things for those who had needs.
I pray that we can all see the beautiful Christian spirit exhibited in the life of Dorcas as something worthy of our own pursuit. Selfless instead of selfish. Giving instead of demanding. Working instead of whining. May our Lord speak to us about these things.
Bob
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