Acts 9:36-43

Information about DORCAS (Greek word for TABITHA)

Her Ministry: Dorcas is remembered mostly for her acts of charity. She was a wonderful example of a disciple of Christ. She served the Lord with the use of her hands as Seamstress and Benefactress

Her Home Life: Genealogy unknown. Dorcas lived in Joppa (Jaffa), a Mediterranean Port. A maiden leading a solitary life. God's Word does not imply that Dorcas ever married. Her true husband? The Lord Jesus Christ.

Her Status: A Christian disciple to be exact. Dorcas is the only woman disciple mentioned in the New Testament.

Her Purpose: She just wanted to be a testimony and witness of good works in her kindness towards others. Dorcas used the gifts God had given her to minister to peoples' needs. Dorcas used her needle to sew things for the disadvantaged and provided money to give alms to those living in hardship.

Her Character: A true humanitarian in a spiritual sense. In the area of Joppa, where Dorcas lived, many widows resided. Joppa was a seaport where, in those days fishermen often shipwrecked at sea and left their wives behind. She saw and heard the needs of the widows and spent time with them, then went home to see what she could do to meet those needs. She did what came naturally and used it supernaturally. Her joy was in doing for others.
And the King will and answer and say to them 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'
Matthew 25:40 NKJV

Her Physical Attributes: Dorcas was an altruistic Christian woman. She was so full of God works (rather than "good" works) she overflowed with an inward loveliness and grace.
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, thou has faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works
James 2:17, 18

Meaning of her name: "Gazelle" or Emblem of Beauty. Nowadays we often name someone after a flower, such as "Iris, Rose, or Heather," but in ancient times, people often complimented their children by naming them for animals.

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