A Woman Named Dorcas

A Woman Named Dorcas

Q: What was Dorcas (Tabitha) known for?

• a. baking cookies for the disciples
• b. leading a Bible study
• c. doing kind things for others and helping the poor

Can you think of a person in your church or community who reaches out to others in little ways that make a big difference? Dorcas, one of the early Christians who lived in Joppa, was known for her good deeds. Dorcas cared about the poor and the widows. Sometimes these people had no one to take care of them, so they lived in poverty. Dorcas sewed clothing and coats for them.

Dorcas became sick and died, and the poor and the widows mourned for her. The believers heard Peter was nearby and sent for him. When Peter arrived in the upstairs room where Dorcas was, the people showed him the clothing she’d made for them and told him about her good deeds.

Peter sent everyone out of the room, and then he knelt and prayed. Peter turned to Dorcas and told her to get up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. All the people gathered there were happy to see Dorcas alive and well. Many people came to believe in Jesus after seeing Peter’s miracle.

Dorcas made a difference to those around her by using her talent of sewing to help people in need. She was known for doing good. You don’t have to have a lot of money or impressive abilities to help others. You just need to meet the needs around you.

For You

What things can you do to help others? It may be as simple as tutoring someone in reading or raking leaves or shoveling snow for someone who can’t do it himself or herself. Take time this week to do something for someone else without accepting anything in return, so you, too, will become known for doing good deeds in Jesus’ name.

Answer: c

There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.   Acts 9:36

(The Whole Story: Acts 9:32-43)