Dorcas: an example of faithful discipleship and the power of God

Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, is a woman from Joppa, a town on the Mediterranean coast, about thirty five miles northwest of Jerusalem. She belonged to one of the earliest Christian congregations and was called a disciple for her practical works of mercy. Dorcas’ greatest joy was to serve Jesus by serving the poor, especially the widows. Her story is told in seven short verses in Acts and yet so impactful. She had fallen gravely ill and lay dead as Peter had been summoned to her home. What happens next is an amazing act of God for his glory. 

The body of the disciple Dorcas lay dead as the ladies prepared her body for burial. The people of Joppa asked Peter to come as they wanted him to know of her faithfulness to Jesus and his commands. When Peter approached the house, the cries of mourning were loud and clear. He cleared the room as he prepared to pray at her bedside. As he prayed, Peter remembered when Jesus healed the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue leader (Mark 5:21-24, 35-42). He remembered Jesus’s words, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father” (John 14:12). Peter then commanded Dorcas to get up and she rose from the bed! Many people would believe in the Lord as they had seen Dorcas alive once again (Acts 9:42). 

Dorcas is the only woman honored with the title of disciple in the Scriptures. Disciple is from verbs meaning “to learn” or “to follow.” The word is used 284 times and almost exclusively to name someone who follows Jesus. To be a disciple has two main requirements. First, a disciple is a learner. Second, a disciple is a follower. Not just a physical follower like the apostles were but to adopt the views and ways of life of Jesus as believers after his death and resurrection. Dorcas embodied this role. She learned of Jesus, decided to follow him and adopted his views and way of life. She lovingly and tirelessly executed his commands by taking care of the poor. Her devotion is recorded in simple words. Peter was shown by the widows “the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them” (Acts 9:39). 

Dorcas’s story is an example of our acts, big and small, can be done for the glory of God. Proverbs 14:31 says “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” God is glorified, not only in her resurrection but through her acts of kindness, her generosity and her willingness to go out of her way to help others. Making clothes for others can be a great noticeable act to bring glory to God. However, small and unnoticed acts can also bring glory. For example, if you lovingly give someone your last $5, so they can eat, it brings glory to God. It may seem small to you, but it was huge to the person who received the money and it will be amazing in the eyes of God. He will be glorified through any act of love and obedience. 

In conclusion, Dorcas was a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. She spent her time making robes and clothing for the poor. Unfortunately, she became ill and died. After prayer, Peter called to her to rise and she was resurrected! Through her resurrection, more people in Joppa came to believe. She is more than a resurrection story. She is an example of a disciple who learned from and applied the teachings of Christ. Through her acts of discipleship, God was glorified. In everything we do, with our words, every day, when we model Jesus’s love, we can bring glory to God.