“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)
Dorcas is a Greek name and Tabitha an Aramaic one Both mean gazelle and the fact both are mentioned likely indicates Dorcas was a Hellenistic Jewess This means that she spoke Greek and would have adopted some customs characteristic of Greek culture (perhaps reflected in her choice of clothing or home furnishings)
She is called a “certain disciple” The term “disciple” is used of one who has learned principles from another and follows them on his confidence in the other’s authority While the term is generally used of the followers of Christ, including both men and women, this is the only instance of a specific woman being called a disciple The unique usage strongly suggests Dorcas was a very devoted follower of the Lord and what she did in life she did because she felt this was right service to Jesus Based on her convictions, she practiced kindness, benevolence and compassion, giving so generously of herself that even today her name is synonymous with acts of charity The motivating principle of her life is given in six words “full of good works and almsdeeds ” The NIV reads “who filled her days with acts of kindness and charity”
Helping the widows
Dorcas lived in Joppa, a port city 34 miles northwest of Jerusalem It has a picturesque harbor and is situated halfway between Mt Carmel and Gaza at the southern end of the fertile plain of Sharon At the time, it was the only port city where more Jews than Gentiles lived and possibly for this reason became an early city of Christianity.
As a port town, many families would be dependent on the sea for their living Many of the men of Joppa would head out most mornings into the Mediterranean, taking their fishing boats out even when the weather might be threatening A glance at a map reveals there are no islands in this section of the Great Sea, storms can gather full momentum with nothing to break their fury Furthermore, the coast is many miles between harbors, which means sailors caught in a storm have few places to shelter History records that the bodies of early seamen were often swept into the churning waters and sometimes landed back on the shores of Joppa The result would be an uncommon number of young widows with families in this area.
Dorcas had done what she could to relieve their plight “And all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them” (Acts 9:39)
The dead is raised
Some of Jesus’ disciples sent word to Peter, who was at Lydda about 10 miles from Joppa When Peter learned of Dorcas’ death, he hastened to her home. When he arrived, he found a scene of great sadness. Dorcas’ body was laid out for burial in the room upstairs. The widows, lamenting her death, gave tribute to her goodness.
Dismissing the mourners, Peter kneeled in deep and earnest prayer and turning “to the body said, Tabitha, arise.” Reaching out his roughened fisherman’s hand, he lifted her up that she might continue to serve her Lord by helping the families of many who had lost their men.
“He called the members of the congregation and the widows and showed her to them alive” (v. 41 NEB). It would appear the entire ecclesia was assembled there at Dorcas’ house along with the widows. Were the widows believers? Perhaps some were not, but surely after experiencing the love of Dorcas the disciple, and seeing the power of Christ through Peter, those who were not would have great impetus to join the assembly in Joppa.
The record of Dorcas has been left for us so that we can use her faith, goodness and willingness to work for others as a model of true discipleship.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One