Topical Bible: Poor: Kindness to Dorcas

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Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, is a notable figure in the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles. Her account is a profound example of kindness and charity towards the poor, reflecting the Christian call to serve those in need.

Biblical Account

The account of Dorcas is found in Acts 9:36-42. Dorcas lived in Joppa and was known for her good works and acts of charity. The Berean Standard Bible describes her as "full of good works and acts of charity" (Acts 9:36). Her life was marked by her dedication to helping the poor, particularly through the making of garments for widows and others in need.

Acts 9:36-42 :

> "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to urge him, 'Come to us without delay.' So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down and prayed. Turning toward her body, he said, 'Tabitha, get up.' She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. Peter took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord."

Significance of Dorcas' Kindness

Dorcas' life exemplifies the Christian virtue of charity. Her actions were not merely acts of kindness but were deeply rooted in her faith and commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ. The garments she made for the widows were tangible expressions of her love and care, serving as a testament to her selflessness and dedication to the well-being of others.

The impact of Dorcas' kindness extended beyond her lifetime. Her resurrection by Peter, through the power of God, served as a powerful witness to the early Christian community. It demonstrated the value God places on acts of charity and the importance of caring for the poor and marginalized. The miracle of her being brought back to life led many to believe in the Lord, highlighting how acts of kindness can be a powerful testimony to the faith.

Christian Duty to the Poor

Dorcas' example underscores the biblical mandate for Christians to care for the poor. Scripture consistently calls believers to show compassion and generosity to those in need. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This principle is echoed throughout the New Testament, where followers of Christ are encouraged to emulate His love and compassion.

The account of Dorcas serves as an enduring reminder of the Christian responsibility to serve others, particularly the poor and vulnerable. Her life and legacy continue to inspire believers to live out their faith through acts of kindness and charity, reflecting the love of Christ to a world in need.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 9:36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and giving of alms which she did.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Seeker for Truth
... near Lydda, there lived a woman named Dorcas, whose good ... of Jesus, and her life was
filled with acts of kindness. ... and she freely ministered to the poor and the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 14 a seeker for.htm

Divine Healing.
... the dead are raised up, and the poor have the ... showing the coats and garments which
Dorcas made while ... barbarous people showed us no little kindness; for they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter ix divine healing.htm

The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ
... Many a poor soul clasping a crucifix clings to ... Strange kindness that; strangely
contrasted with His ordinary ... no praying, as when Peter raised Dorcas; only the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the touch of faith and.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... Joppa, where the raising of Tabitha, Dorcas, "the gazelle ... wanted to make money of
the poor people; and ... it was not merely condescension, kindness, sympathy, even ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... she shewed to all and her far reaching kindness even to ... What poor man, as he lay
dying, was not wrapped ... made famous by the raising again of Dorcas [2762] and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Acts ix. 26, 27
... "Which," it says, "Dorcas made while ... How then if one be poor? ... both they and we may
attain unto the promised blessings, by the grace and loving-kindness of His ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxi acts ix 26.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... I also will pay thee for thy kindness which thou showest to me and my children ... that
she had a companion, but also that she had prevailed with this poor maid to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... dead, [41]321; profits both the dying and the dead, [42]322; raised Dorcas to life ...
to be substituted for luxury, [206]215; may be exercised by the poor, [207]216 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... has received the love, the mercy, the kindness, grace and ... heartedness, with a liberal
hand to the poor, and their ... 1 Corinthians 8:13) Where is Dorcas, with her ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm