Dorcas—A Disciple of Service

By Rev, Lonnie C. Crowe

Act 9:36-42:  “And in Joppa was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which translated is called Dorcas). She was full of good works and kind deeds which she did. 

And it happened in those days, becoming sick, she died. And washing her, they laid her in an upper room. 

And, because Lydda was near Joppa, hearing that Peter is in it, the disciples sent two men to him, begging him not to delay to come to them. And rising up, Peter went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper room. And all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. 

And putting them all out, Peter knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he 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, he presented her alive. 

 And it was known throughout all Joppa. And many believed in the Lord.” 

Her life of service: 

The Bible emphasizes her "good works and kind deeds". She was well known for sewing clothing for the needy, especially widows.  They mourned her death by showing Peter the garments she had made. 

Dorcas was an active and faithful disciple "full of good works and acts of charity". Both her names, Tabitha and Dorcas, mean "gazelle," denoting grace and beauty.  However, the Word of God emphasizes on her character and charitable works.

Remember James 2:16-18  “and if one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them those things which are needful to the body, what good is it? Even so, if it does not have works, faith is dead, being by itself. But someone will say, You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith from my works.”

James 2:26  “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

Dorcas knew that while we are not saved by our works, we are saved in order to do His work.

Christians, we are saved to serve.