Tabitha (also called Dorcas, meaning “gazelle”) lived in the city of Joppa, approximately thirty-four miles from Jerusalem, where she was a follower of Jesus. The first mention of her is in Acts, which states that Tabithawas a woman “…full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died…” (9:36–37). Many widows cried over the loss of the woman who, among other things, made cloaks for the poor.
Her body was placed in an upper room, so that it might be washed with water and smeared with aromatic oil in preparation for burial. Some of the disciples of Jesus in Joppa knew that Peter was nearby, in the city of Lydda. They sent two men to entreat him to come to Joppa. It's unclear whether the disciples thought Peter might attend Tabitha's funeral, or if he might perform a miracle upon the lifeless body
Peter went to Joppa. Perhaps he heard the widows wailing through the windows of the upper room. Perhaps they were wearing some of the clothing Tabitha had sewn. The widows showed Peter the cloaks. How could he not be moved by the loving work this woman had done for the poor in her community?
Holy Scripture mentions and remembers her for “abounding” deeds of kindness and charity. What a wonderful way to be remembered 2000 years later. She must have been extraordinary! With all of the women who were alive, Luke mentions her actions and how those around her felt when she died. It’s in Acts that we read that the community was so saddened by her death that they summoned Peter to come.
Peter, just as Jesus had done when he raised Jairus's daughter from the dead, asked everyone to leave the room. He knelt and prayed. Then, using the words that Jesus had used with the child of Jairus, Peter said, “Tabitha, arise” (Acts 9:40), and she opened her eyes. Finally, as Jesus had also done, Peter gave the woman his hand and lifted her up. He called the people in the house and presented Tabitha to them…alive.
WHAT DID SHE DO?
a) SHE DID "GOOD WORKS"-A BENEFACTRESS
She was always doing good - "always" means "full"; from a word meaning to swell from a burn, i.e. bursting: she was bursting with deeds that were generous and stemmed from feelings of pity.
b) She helped the poor (ACT 9:36)
c) She sewed clothes (ACT 9:39)
d) She helped widows (ACT 9:39)
Clearly Dorcas was a servant of the Lord. She was a true comforter to those around her. It seems that Dorcas was always ready and willing to “EXTEND HERSELF.” It shouldn’t surprise us that she is the only woman in Scripture to be given the label of “disciple.” If we look at what a disciple is, we’ll discover that the word comes from Greek and English words that link it to the verb, “to learn.” A disciple after all takes in all that they can from their leader. In this case Dorcas has learned all that she could from the life that Jesus led and became a true follower. A disciple listens and learns. Dorcas listened, learned and then she went out and lived out the traits that she had learned from what she knew of her Lord, Jesus. As the only woman referred to as a disciple, her character demonstrated those traits of mercy and kindness which made her a reflection of Jesus. (Acts 9:36)
We don’t know much about Dorcas from Scripture. In Acts, we are not told if she is married or how old she is. We do know, however, that she is the only woman in Scripture to be called a disciple. That alone tells us she was passionate. Passionate as a doer and follower of Jesus. She lived for others, earning the honor of the title “disciple
Dorcas was different. The community called Peter in at the time of her death. Her life impacted her community and thus Luke mentions this story. It seems that what set her apart was her passion for the cause. She was truly a disciple in word and deed. What set her apart was that she was unceasing in her commitment to discipleship. She was a woman living in desperate times, and yet she found a way to live passionately for Christ, by serving and tending to the needs of those around her. It’s not that she did it occasionally, but continually. One word, made all the difference. “Continually” doing for others, not occasionally, as the mood strikes, but ALL the time. She was the one who noticed who needed what and simply did what she knew to do. She chose to DO, all the time! And, continually she lived the life of a disciple, not just when SHE was in the mood.
Dorcas lived a life that glorified God. Her acts of goodness and kindness are done to help others in the name of Christ. Then God does as He will, and He allows her to be raised from the dead by Peter, again glorifying His name through her willingness to be used in any way God needs her. Dorcas was not a woman of nobility. The account given in Luke tells us only that she was a believer. That was enough for God to use. She was a willing vessel through with God could freely flow.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM HER?
1. God requires believers to do good to others, especially the poor and widows.
GAL 6:10 "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
JAM 1:27 " Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
1TI 6:18 "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."
2. Our good works testify about our faith: they prove that we are believers.
JAM 2:26 "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."
3. God will use our good works to not only benefit others but to bring glory to Himself.
MAT 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
4. God can use our lives to draw men toward salvation.
What fruits of the Spirit can we see in her?
A. love
B. kindness
C. goodness
Dorcas was a woman that is remembered in Scripture for her kindness and mercy. What wonderful traits to be remembered 2,000 years for. If you were to no longer exist, what would those around you say about you? Would they attach adjectives such as merciful, gracious, hospitable, and kind to your name? Reflect on these traits and ask God to guide you in the areas that would help you to be a better disciple.
Take time out of your week to extend yourself to someone in need. It can be a simple act of kindness or an impromptu extension of mercy. Write out
Matthew 6:3-4.
“When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Allow this verse to guide you this week as you strive to live a disciple’s life. The glory is God’s, not ours. Look around you and meet the needs of those that you may not otherwise extend yourself to. Remind yourself that Dorcas did continually, not conveniently. A wonderful example of discipleship for us to follow.