The Woman Full of Good Works and Almsdeeds
The early New Testament Church, facing persecution and rapid expansion, relied not only on the powerful preaching of the apostles but on the practical, loving service of its members. Dorcas (Aramaic: Tabitha) stands as the most prominent biblical exemplar of Christian charity, a disciple whose life was a living testament to the truth of the Gospel through her tangible, consistent good works.
The Life of Sacred Service
Dorcas lived in Joppa, a coastal city, and was specifically noted by the Scripture with the highest possible commendation for her actions:
“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.” (Acts 9:36, KJV)
The Greek phrase “full of good works” ($plērēs$ $ergōn$ $agathōn$) does not merely suggest a generous spirit, but a life dedicated and saturated with intentional acts of mercy and care. Her focus was on almsdeeds—works of charity, particularly directed toward the poor and the widows. The evidence of her ministry was not her words, but her hands, which were busy sewing clothes for the needy. Her actions perfectly fulfilled the injunction of James:
“If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” (James 2:15-16, KJV)
Dorcas understood that true faith must be expressed through physical, compassionate action.
The Miracle and the Witness
The profound value of Dorcas’s life to the community was starkly revealed upon her sudden death. Her passing created such genuine, desperate grief among the widows she served that they sent urgently for the Apostle Peter, who was nearby in Lydda:
“And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. … Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.” (Acts 9:37, 39, KJV)
The evidence presented to Peter was not a eulogy, but the physical fruit of her labours—the very garments she had sewn. This was the ultimate demonstration of costly grace and sacrifice: the clothes themselves bore witness to her unwavering conviction.
Peter, following the example of Christ, commanded her to rise:
“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: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.” (Acts 9:40, KJV)
The Result of Resurrection
Dorcas’s resurrection was not a private miracle; it served as a powerful engine for the uncompromised mission of the Gospel:
“And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.” (Acts 9:42, KJV)
The miracle that restored Dorcas demonstrated God’s approval of her life of compassionate service and provided irrefutable proof of Christ’s power to conquer death. Her resurrection was proof of the truth, leading directly to the conversion of many. Dorcas’s life thus stands as a timeless challenge: that the most effective evangelism is often the ministry of mercy, transforming belief into visible, physical action that glorifies the Lord.