Acts 9:36-43 NKJV At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out and 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. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
Joppa is a city on the cost of the Mediterranean Sea. It lays about a day’s journey for Jerusalem. It would appear this is the same city as the Old Testament Japho, which belonged to the tribe of Dan. Today it is called the city of Jaffa and is still a city of considerable importance. This city has a long history among the Jewish nation. Solomon’s timber imported from Lebanon for the temple came to the city first. A long-time later Jonah would seek a ship for Tarshish in Joppa. Now while Peter was traveling spreading the gospel a beloved sister and great Christian lady name Tabitha had died there. Her name meant “gazelle” and translated into Greek was “Dorcas.”
Certainly, every elder, deacon, member and preacher knows and loves the Dorcas’s of the church. Luke does not reveal any remarkable talent such as apostle, prophet teacher, miracle worker or the like. She seems to be one who brought cheer to the down trodden, help to the weary, clothes to the needy and in general good works to all around her. Truly, she is one who “chose the more excellent way” 1 Corinthians 12:31. In every congregation of the Lord this preacher has served there has always been at least one Dorcas and often several. She was not flashy or bold. Often her work and good deeds were held between the recipient, herself and God. The church would seem a happier, warmer place just because she had entered. Her talent was so remarkable it was experienced by many and appreciated by all. Truly God has blessed His church when such a women is doing what she can for those in need.
But at last as is the case of us all she became sick and died. We do not know if it was a long illness or sudden.
We may wonder why those at Joppa did not call for Peter while she was still sick and before she had died. Surely, they had heard of the apostles who were able to heal the sick and injured? But not until after she had been prepared for burial did they send for Peter who was in Lydda.
Maybe word had just arrived of Peter’s presence in Lydda. If so then they would know of Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, paralyzed that was made to walk again. One must understand the “signs” or miracles were not common place among the Apostles. Since the peace had come to the church after the conversion of Saul they were able to go about the countryside putting in order the things lacking in the early church. Associated with these ministries they would have compassion on the needy and the miracles would confirm the word. But make no mistake the word of our Lord was the focus of their efforts.
The restoration of life to the lifeless was even more sparse in Gods word. No other miracle compares to raising the dead. Indeed, death is the greatest fear of all mankind and God is able to breakdown the barrier as He wills. God’s prophets raised the dead twice in the Old Testament 1 Kings 17:22, 2 Kings 4:35 and once a dead man came to life without any help form a prophet, 2 Kings 13:21. It has been recorded Jesus restored life on three occasions, Matthew 9:25, Luke 7:15, John 11:44. Here Peter raised Dorcas and later Paul restored life to Eutychus Acts 20:9. The Resurrection of Jesus is a category all by itself.
Peter was called by the two messengers from Joppa. They would have taken a little over an hour to make the walk from Lydda to Joppa. No mention is made of their conversation as all that could be said had been said already. Maybe Peter was recalling the raising of the little girl by Jesus sometime before. For when he entered to room and saw the widows weeping as they showed him the clothes Dorcas had made for them. He put them out, 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. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. Acts 9:40-41 NKJV The news of such an wonder went far and wide and “many believed on the Lord.” Peter would stay “Many days” and Simon and tanner by trade would provide him lodging.
We know nothing more of Tabatha, Dorcas after this time. But knowing the women she had been there remains no doubt she carried on with an even greater zeal. The affection the church had for her and the willingness of God to continue her life is a testament to this great Christian lady. Dorcas like every child of God in the New Testament had to first experience the grace of our Lord Jesus. Foundational to that grace is obedience to our Lord throughout one’s lifetime. Dorcas is a reminder that small, ordinary deeds of goodness are the stuff of Christian living.
Questions:
- Where did the messengers from Joppa find Peter?
- What miracle had Peter performed in that town?
- What are two Old Testament occurrence of Joppa to the Jewish people?
- What is the Hebrew (Aramaic) name of Dorcas?
- What were the “good works and charitable deeds” of Dorcas?
- Where did they lay the body of Dorcas?
- What did Peter do when he entered the room where Dorcas lay?
- What were the results of this miracle?
