Dorcas (Tabitha)
Disciple of Joppa
Disciple of Joppa, full of good works — raised from the dead through Peter's prayer.
Acts 9:36-42 names Tabitha (Dorcas) of Joppa — 'this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.' She fell sick and died. The widows showed Peter the coats and garments she had made.
Her Story
The disciples sent two men to Lydda for Peter. He came up to the upper chamber where she lay, put them all out, kneeled and prayed, turned to the body and said, 'Tabitha, arise.' She opened her eyes; he gave her his hand and presented her alive to the saints and widows. 'And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord' (Acts 9:42).
What Scripture Teaches
- 1Disciple of Joppa — 'full of good works' (Acts 9:36)
- 2Made coats and garments for the widows (9:39)
- 3Raised from the dead by Peter's prayer (9:40-41)
- 4Many believed in the Lord because of her resurrection (9:42)
Key KJV Scriptures
"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did."
"But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes..."
Why It Matters
A quiet disciple's hands and a city's gospel hearing are joined in one woman. The needle and the prayer met in the upper room.
Application for Today
Faith is shown in coats sewn for widows as truly as in sermons preached. The Lord remembers every stitch done in His name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why two names — Tabitha and Dorcas?
Tabitha is Aramaic; Dorcas is the Greek equivalent. Both mean 'gazelle.' The two names reflect the bilingual world of the early church.
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