Dorcas, So Beloved

STUDY: #877-CHURCH IN THE HOUSES FROM: NOVEMBER 10 @ 16, 2015

Topic: "Dorcas, So Beloved" Acts 9: 36-43

Dorcas was a beloved woman by widows and saints of the port city of Joppa in Israel. She was a

woman devoted to God and to the service of the believers, she especially helped the widows. Her name in Greek is Dorcas, which in Aramaic is Tabitha and means "gazelle". In our sister Dorcas there was no complaint or gossip, she worked in the service of those in need around her. This disciple of the Lord died and was of great regret for the brothers. The brothers from Joppa notified the apostle Peter who was in Lydda, which was a town near Joppa, to go and help them in their grief for Tabitha. But, it wasn’t healing what was needed at that time, it was a resurrection in the person of that beloved disciple! While Dorcas was alive she was always full of good works and charities. She was consistent with all her strength. She was a woman loved for her great work, given to the needy; who lived for doing good (Acts 9:36 "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which translated means Dorcas, who was always doing good and helping the poor."). To all this she became ill and died. Her friends washed the body according to custom and set her in the room, the highest part of the house. (Acts 9:37 "About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.") Acts 9:38 "Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once." It was like saying: "Peter, hurry because it's urgent!” Sister Dorcas was dead; it was too late to call a doctor, but not too late to make Peter arrive. Then Peter arose and went with them (Vs.39). PETER WAS EVERYONES SERVANT! He went to see the body that was in the room; there stood by him all the widows, which were grieving the loss of a friend who was full of good works and charities. We know that Dorcas had reached heaven; there was no need to mourn for her. But widows wept for themselves and their children because Dorcas who helped them had died, because she clothed the naked. Those widows showed Peter the coats and garments which Dorcas had made for them. These dresses revealed how laborious and generous Dorcas was. The disciple Dorcas did not see much television as is done today, she had no phone; she was dedicated to the care of her loved ones. She had no complaints, was dedicated to the total service of the needy. A WAY OF LIFE THAT WAS RETURNED TO HER! Peter makes everyone leave the room (Acts 9:40 "Then, pulling out all ..."). The apostle Peter saw there the love and gratitude among the brothers, he knew she was useful and necessary. Then, she needed prayer: "Peter got down on his knees and prayed ..." "... and turning to the body he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat." He called her; Peter's voice was known in Heaven! With Peter's words came God's power so that she opened her eyes which were closed due to death. And when she saw Peter she sat up. And he lifted her by the hand and helped her welcoming her to the new life, with the right hand of fellowship among the living from which she had been separated. There was feast for those in need! Tabitha would now have a big job to continue her work of service to the saints. Now she was known as the resuscitated. Acts 9:41 "He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called

the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive." The despair had ended.

What joy! A "gazelle" in function again. The gazelle has long, thin legs; it is very agile and fast. Its head is light (small). Tabitha was a well crowned woman. Her life was a work of the Lord. Jesus had come to her. The Lord put of His greatness into her: love, service, dedication, commitment, compassion and sacrifice. For such reason, the Lord was seen in her life. Many in Joppa were convinced of the truth of the Gospel and believed in Christ. Her case became known throughout all Joppa; they were converted by the truth (Acts 9:42 "And it was known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord."). Peter stayed many days in Joppa working for the same Jesus of the disciple Tabitha, "the gazelle." (Vs. 43) The life and death of Dorcas opened the door for the salvation of others; much more than the robes she was making. This gospel has no end, well Dorcas opened the door so that Peter could arrive at Joppa and many converted with the preaching of the apostle. Today you and I should be like Dorcas; like a gazelle, with long legs, nimble and quick to run to what we have to do; with a small head so that it won’t feel heavy on the way and we don’t get confused to do good. Jesus began; you and I follow Him. So, "sew the tunic" for your brother, do him good. Dorcas service surpasses all the women of the Bible. Let's follow her example! Amen.