Topical Bible: The Poor: Regard For: Dorcas

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Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, is a notable figure in the New Testament, recognized for her charitable deeds and compassion towards the poor. Her account is found in the Book of Acts, where she is described as a disciple who lived in Joppa. Dorcas is particularly remembered for her acts of kindness and her dedication to helping those in need, especially widows.

In Acts 9:36-42 , Dorcas is introduced as a woman "full of good works and acts of charity." Her life exemplifies the Christian call to care for the poor and marginalized. The passage highlights her commitment to making garments and clothing for widows, a vulnerable group in society. This act of providing clothing is significant, as it not only met a basic need but also demonstrated love and respect for those who were often overlooked.

Dorcas's regard for the poor is further emphasized by the reaction of the community upon her death. The widows she had helped gathered around, showing Peter the garments she had made, and mourning her loss deeply. This outpouring of grief and gratitude underscores the impact of her ministry and the void her absence created among those she served.

The miraculous event of Dorcas being raised from the dead by Peter (Acts 9:40-41) serves as a testament to her faith and the value of her work. Peter, upon arriving in Joppa, was taken to the upper room where Dorcas's body lay. After sending everyone out of the room, he knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and upon seeing Peter, she sat up. This miracle not only restored Dorcas to life but also reinforced the importance of her charitable actions, as many in Joppa believed in the Lord as a result (Acts 9:42).

Dorcas's life and resurrection highlight the Christian principle of serving others, particularly the poor and needy. Her example encourages believers to engage in acts of kindness and charity, reflecting the love of Christ through tangible support and care for those in distress. Her account serves as an enduring reminder of the impact one individual can have through selfless service and devotion to the well-being of others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 9:36,39
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Copies of Christ's Manner
... word by the bedside of the dead Dorcas is, with ... Him in his heart, will, like the
poor cloth, give ... a specific point given to this lesson in regard to Christian ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/copies of christs manner.htm

A Seeker for Truth
... and when she saw Peter, she sat up." Dorcas had been ... the sincerity of his faith by
compassion to the poor. ... Simon." Thus God gave evidence of His regard for the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 14 a seeker for.htm

From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch.
... infant church and gives us all the light we have in regard to its ... (3) Dorcas, Mary,
etc. ... then made a visit to Jerusalem to carry gifts to the poor and returned ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xix from the ascension.htm

The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ
... Many a poor soul clasping a crucifix clings to the ... impelling to faith at first is
distinctly self-regard. ... no praying, as when Peter raised Dorcas; only the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the touch of faith and.htm

A Home Mission Sermon
... one, "but I was thinking about organizing a Dorcas Society, or ... be the visitation
of the poorest of the poor or the ... to do those duties which we regard as being ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a home mission sermon.htm

The Power of the Holy Ghost
... them, how they taught, how Peter raised Dorcas, how he ... Very free will to evil but
very poor will to ... With regard to myself, my imagination will sometimes take ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the power of the holy.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead
... Have you forgotten that Dorcas who made garments for the ... resurrection has comfort
for the mourners in regard to the ... a harp one day; and those poor fingers, now ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the resurrection of the dead.htm

The Women of the Apostolic Age
... in Jerusalem, trouble was encountered in regard to the ... In the account of the raising
of Dorcas, who was ... the manufacture of garments for the poor was recognized ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ii the women of the.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 ...
... is mortification of lusts, charity, simplicity, open-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