Acts 9:36-43 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas… I. THE LIFE OF DORCAS. The brief biography is exceedingly full, though it is comprised in a single verse (ver. 36). 1. Her appearance. It is a most absurd notion that useful women must be commonplace in their looks. The name given to this excellent Christian worker suggests that she was attractive and graceful. 2. Her character. One word is here employed, nowhere else to be discovered, that some assert it was here invented for this occasion — "a disciple"; in its ordinary application this means a learner, but the term here is new, and signifies a female learner. Those were days of degradation for the weaker sex until Christianity came. 3. Her activity. She could not have merited the name of the agile denizen of the desert, if she had not been as brisk as she was affectionate. 4. Lessons. (1) "Handsome is that handsome does." When a Christian lady gives herself to real work for those who are in trouble, there springs up a rare, new, unconscious beauty even in her features, which spreads over her whole life like sweet, bright sunshine. (2) Dorcas was "full of good works," and not of good wishes alone. So her needle was as noble as Moses' rod, or David's sling, or Shamgar's ox goad; for it was her answer to the Lord's question (Exodus 4:2). (3) All these works were done by, not the "Dorcas Society of Joppa," but by Dorcas. Evidently this was not a woman who bought off from labour by a contribution. Perhaps she was so busy in making "coats and garments," that she had no time to make an association. Some people lose a great deal of force in running around to get machines, and then lose more yet in running the machines they get. Organisation sometimes helps; but too much is apt to hinder. It has been known that the election of one secretary has taken more of zeal than would have fitted out three missionary boxes. II. THE DEATH OF DORCAS. 1. Even the best of people may die early. 2. Even Christian people may mourn sometimes. 3. We are bound to weep with those that weep. Very fine example is this of the oneness of sympathy among the primitive believers; they sent up to Lydda for Peter to come and aid them with counsel in their sore distress. III. THE RESURRECTION OF DORCAS. Peter's action must be laid alongside of Elisha's (2 Kings 4:33). Also with Christ's (Mark 5:40, 41). 1. It was done by the sovereign and miraculous power of God. All talk about collusion, trick, animal magnetism, is not worth discussing. 2. But Simon's faith shines more illustriously than ever. When the rationalists point to his close imitation of the "Talitha" of Jesus in his "Tabitha" we may thank them for a beautiful suggestion; it is likely he did think of his Master then. 3. Imagine Dorcas's surprise when she first opened her eyes. How strange it is that no one of those persons who were raised from the dead ever attempted to tell the story of what they saw or heard. As one of the ancient Christian poets said of Lazarus, she was superstes sibi — her own survivor. 4. Still she did not set up for a saint, and go on exhibition. She simply went to work once more among the widows. All Joppa heard of it, and many believed in the Lord. (C. S. Robinson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
    |