Topical Encyclopedia Dorcas, also known by her Aramaic name Tabitha, is a notable figure in the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles. Her story is a testament to the early Christian community's faith and the power of God working through the apostles. Dorcas is remembered for her charitable works and her miraculous resurrection from the dead, which served as a powerful witness to the burgeoning Christian faith.Biblical Account The account of Dorcas is found in Acts 9:36-42. She lived in Joppa, a coastal city in ancient Israel, and was known for her good works and acts of charity, particularly her care for the poor and the widows. The Berean Standard Bible describes her as "full of good works and charity" (Acts 9:36). Her life exemplified the Christian virtues of love and service, making her a beloved member of her community. Tragically, Dorcas fell ill and died, leaving the community in mourning. The disciples in Joppa, aware of the apostle Peter's presence in the nearby town of Lydda, sent for him urgently. Upon his arrival, Peter was taken to the upper room where Dorcas' body lay. The widows stood by, weeping and showing Peter the garments Dorcas had made for them, highlighting her generosity and the void her death had left. In a scene reminiscent of Jesus' own miracles, Peter sent everyone out of the room, knelt down, and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and upon seeing Peter, she sat up (Acts 9:40). Peter then presented her alive to the believers and widows, and this miracle became known throughout Joppa, leading many to believe in the Lord (Acts 9:42). Theological Significance Dorcas' resurrection is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the power of God working through the apostles, affirming the divine authority bestowed upon them. This miracle served as a testament to the truth of the Gospel and the reality of the resurrection, a core tenet of Christian faith. Secondly, Dorcas' life and subsequent resurrection highlight the importance of charity and service within the Christian community. Her good works and care for the marginalized reflect the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love and service to others as central to the Christian life. Dorcas serves as a model for believers, demonstrating that a life of service is both impactful and honored by God. Lastly, the account of Dorcas illustrates the communal nature of the early Church. The believers' collective grief and their faith-driven response to seek Peter's help reflect the interconnectedness and mutual support that characterized the early Christian communities. Her story is a reminder of the power of communal faith and prayer. Legacy Dorcas' legacy endures in the Christian tradition as an exemplar of charity and faith. Many Christian organizations, particularly those focused on charitable work, have adopted her name to honor her memory and continue her mission of service. Her story continues to inspire believers to live lives marked by compassion, generosity, and faith in the transformative power of God. Nave's Topical Index Acts 9:37-40And 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. Nave's Topical Index Library Copies of Christ's Manner The Resurrection of the Dead Synopsis. --Arbitrary Criticism of the Biblical Narratives of the ... Divine Healing. Talitha Cumi Canticles 4:12 the Lord's Garden. That the Christian Miracles are not Recited, or Appealed To, by ... The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ Concerning John of Gischala. Concerning the Zealots and the High ... A Home Mission Sermon Resources What is the importance of the Dead Sea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said "Let the dead bury the dead" (Luke 9:60)? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day of the Dead? | GotQuestions.org Dead: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dead (People): Burnings of Incense Made For Dead (People): Jairus' Daughter Dead (People): Prepared for Burial by Washing Dead (People): Raised to Life, (See Dead (People): The Shunammite Woman's Son Dead (People): The Son of the Widow of Zarephath Dead (People): The Widow's Son Dead (People): The Young Man Laid in Elisha's Grave Dead (People): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Dead (People): Wrapping in Linen The Dead in a House Rendered It Unclean The Dead were Washed and Laid Out The Dead were Wrapped in Lined With Spices The Dead: A Priest not to Mourn For, Except when Near of Kin The Dead: A State of Deep Affliction The Dead: All offerings To, Forbidden The Dead: Characterised by Absence of all Human Passions The Dead: Characterised by Being Incapable of Motion The Dead: Characterised by Being Without the Spirit The Dead: Characterised by Ignorance of all Human Affairs The Dead: Characterised by Inability to Glorify God The Dead: Even Bones of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Eyes of, Closed by Nearest of Kin The Dead: Freedom from the Law The Dead: Freedom from the Power of Sin The Dead: Heathenish Expressions of Grief For, Forbidden The Dead: High Priest in No Case to Mourn For The Dead: Idolaters: Consecrated Part of Their Crops To The Dead: Idolaters: Invoked and Consulted The Dead: Idolaters: Offered Sacrifices For The Dead: Idolaters: Tore Themselves For The Dead: Instances of, Restored by Christ The Dead: Instances of, Restored to Life Before Christ The Dead: Man's State by Nature The Dead: Mourning For, often by Hired Mourners The Dead: Mourning For, often with Plaintive Music The Dead: Mourning For, often: Lasted Many Days The Dead: Mourning For, often: Loud and Clamorous The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Change of Apparel The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Covering the Head The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Taring the Hair The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Tearing the Garments The Dead: Mourning For, often: Very Great The Dead: Nazarites not to Touch or Mourn For The Dead: Regard often Shown to the Memory of The Dead: Return not to This Life The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Carcases The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Corpses The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Deceased The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Those Who are Not The Dead: The Jews Looked for a Resurrection From The Dead: They Who Have Departed This Life The Dead: Those Defiled By, Removed from the Camp The Dead: Touching of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Uncleanness Contracted From, Removed by the Water Separation Related Terms |
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