The resurrection of a precious woman named Dorcas in the Bible is a powerful story that shook the ancient city of Joppa.
One of the more beautiful stories in the New Testament is found in Acts 9:36-42 where we learn of a precious Christian woman named Dorcas (or Tabitha, in Aramaic). She lived in the ancient city of Joppa, which was an active seaport city on the Mediterranean Sea and one of the oldest functioning harbors in the world. (Ancient Joppa is now modern-day Jaffa.)
Dorcas’ name means gazelle in the original Greek. Image: Dorcas gazelle. (Image Source: Wikipedia)
The name Dorcas is a Greek word translated from the name Tabitha in Aramaic. Tabitha means “gazelle”, which is a beautiful and swift animal known for its large bright eyes.
(FYI: Dorcas is the first Greek name of a female in the New Testament.)
While the Bible says nothing of her physical beauty, it does indicate that her life was one spent in service towards those who were less fortunate. She was committed to good works and gave alms to the poor continually.
Indeed, her life of service inspired the 1800’s Dorcas Society and the African Dorcas Association movements, which involved local church volunteers seeking to provide clothing to the poor.
The Blessed Apostle Peter Raised Dorcas (Tabitha) From The Dead
As the Apostle Peter was ministering in the neighboring town of Lydda, Dorcas fell ill and died. According to the custom of the day, her body was bathed and groomed and placed into an upper room awaiting burial.
Peter Raised Tabitha (Dorcas) From the Dead. Image: Section of Healing of the Cripple and Raising of Tabitha by Masolino da Panicale, 1425.
However, when the disciples in Jaffa learned that the apostle Peter was in Lydda (which was around a 17-mile journey), they sent two disciples to summon him back to Joppa. Peter did not hesitate to accompany them back. When they arrived in Joppa, the disciples led him to the upper room where Dorcas’ body laid.
As he entered, he was greeted by many grieving widows who wept for Dorcas. They shared stories about Dorcas with Peter, even showing him many of the garments and coats that she had produced while she was alive. While it is not explicit in the text, it is inferred that these widows were the recipients of these gifts woven by the loving hands of Dorcas.
After listening to them, Peter ordered the widows out the room and knelt down and prayed next to Dorcas’ body. Then, he said “Tabitha, arise.” (Tabitha was her name, in Aramaic.)
Upon his utterance, Dorcas opened her eyes and sat up when she saw Peter. He then reached out his hand to Dorcas and she arose from her deathbed. Peter then called for the widows and other disciples and presented Dorcas alive before them all! It must have been a moment of overflowing joy and amazement!
Soon, the fact that the Apostle Peter had raised Dorcas from the dead through the power of the Holy Spirit spread like wildfire throughout the town of Joppa, causing many to trust in the Lord.
There’s nothing like raising someone from the dead to inspire salvations!
You can read the complete Biblical account from Acts 9:36-42 below.
Acts 9:36-42
"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.
But it happened in those days that she became sick and died.
When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
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.
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.
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.
Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord."
(NKJV)
Featured image source: The modern paint of scene Saint Peter raised Dorcas from St. Peters Church in old Jaffa. Renata Sedmakova / Shutterstock.com
Beautifully composed.
Thanks Janie. I had beautiful material to work with.
Waooooh, our God is so good. He can use anyone at any time. We just need to be available for him.
HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH what a MIGHTY GOD we serve!!!
My grandmother was named Darcus. She never worked outside the home. My grandfather said she had enough to keep her busy with 10 children to keep her busy. After raising her children she raised 5 grandchildren, me from a newborn. Mother baked and sold sweet potato pies, and sewed everyday. this story is so her.
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
Oh what a mighty God we serve
Am Dorcas, and I pray God help me to leave my life as Dorcas in the bible did. Thank you God.
Glory to Jesus. Can someone please explain what the spiritual connection of this name is?
Our God can do everything!!
My mother’s name is Dorcas, She is a loving beautiful woman. She lives in Florida by herself and is very vibrant at the age of92. She is a free spirit who speaks to everyone!
Hello God bless you
I wish ever believers can learn from this beautiful story and be generous to those that are in needs. And I also pray that God gives each and everyone of us the believers grace of generosity.
Wonderful story of Old. I still believe God still does greater works than this in our time. Our God is an awesome God. Hallelujah!!
wonderful God
Wooow! God is so mercyful. O God use me in my own time to deliver my generation. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Waooooo, this is real , am called Dorcus and l do feel the needs of helping the needy it’s too much in to my life , sometimes l feel the little share l offer is not always enough.
Hallelujah God is so so good
Glory be to God in the Highest. It shows that, it is good to be good and that is why the Bible sald, our God is not a human being that he will forget our good deed. Thanks, Jesus is Lord.
He was! He is and He is to come. Same way God used Peter for Dorcas. God used sincere Men of God for my husband. And he was likened with Dorcas case in the Bible. What an Awesome God we serve. Thank You Jesus
My mother is just like Dorcas. She loves to do good to everyone. She fell sick at the point of death. But many people formed prayer groups just to pray for her to get better. And the Lord answered and Heald her. Do good to everyone that comes your way and it will speak for you. Our Lord is good and will always remember your good works.
Amen Priscilla. Thanks for your beautiful comment.
What a great God we serve. My own case will be settle.
Ameeeen,Dorcas was brought back to life because of her kindness to the poor, Have learned that Generosity can usher anyone into the greatness of God.what an Inspiration.
I would also like to be like or more of her in my society.
Thanks.
whereas explained in detail in simple terms and such knowledge is given to you by Holy Spirit
Praise and Glory to LORD
Beautifully narrated
I thank God for the life of Dorcas. I am building a relationship with God and I had never fully understood the story of the first Dorcas even though growing up I’d been curious about the life of the disciple I was named after.
The one attribute I am proud of is my generosity. So many times when I give, I do not have enough for myself, but knowing that I am doing it for God is suffice. I love that Jesus in his teachings mentioned the one great law that encompasses almost half of the commandments, Love your neighbor as yourself.
I pray that God continues to put love in our heart.
Amen! Thank you for sharing.