Dorcas - Acts 9:36

The physician Luke wrote, “as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ makes you whole: arise, and make your bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord”, and in chapter nine and verse thirty-six of the book of Acts Luke shared about “a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas” where we read:

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which by interpretation is called Dorcas).

this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

The verse begins, “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which by interpretation is called Dorcas).” Luke began with the words, “In Joppa” which means “within the city of Joppa whose name means beautiful and was a city of Palestine on the Mediterranean, lying on the border of the tribes of Dan and Ephraim” “there was a disciple named Tabitha” or “there existed a student, pupil and attendant of Jesus who was called Tabitha which means female gazelle” “(which by interpretation is called Dorcas)” which means “that when explained, expounded and translated means Dorcas or gazelle”. Luke shared about a woman named “Tabitha or Dorcas” who was a follower and believer in Jesus.

The verse continues, “this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” Luke added the words, “this woman was full of good works” which means “the female human being named Dorcas was filled, complete, permeated and covered with useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful and happy business, employment and that which she was occupied” “and almsdeeds” or “and merciful, charitable and compassionate acts” “which she did” which means “that Dorcas performed, made ready and produced”. Luke shared how “Dorcas” was filled with “charitable and loving” acts which she performed.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn about “Dorcas” who was a “student, attendant and pupil” of Jesus and was “filled” with “charitable acts” that she performed for others. God loves people, and when they yield themselves to His Son Jesus, He will forgive their sins, grant them everlasting life and enable them to perform acts of charity for others. As we examine the life of “Dorcas”, let us be inspired to surrender our lives to Jesus and allow Him to use us in His Kingdom to share His love, mercy and grace with others.

Next time Luke shares how Dorcas, “became sick and died”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".