The early church
A disciple in Joppa, full of good works, whose sewing the widows held up at her deathbed.
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Not typed · why →A disciple in Joppa, full of good works, whose sewing the widows held up at her deathbed.
“She was full of good works and acts of charity.”
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. Luke says she was full of good works and acts of charity. She fell sick and died, and they washed her body and laid her in an upper room.
The disciples heard that Peter was nearby in Lydda and sent two men to beg him to come without delay. When he arrived, all the widows stood beside him weeping, showing him the tunics and other garments Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter sent them all out, knelt and prayed, and said, Tabitha, arise. She opened her eyes and sat up. It became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
She was full of good works and acts of charity.
Beginning
A disciple who sews and gives.
Low point
They lay her in an upper room.
Turning point
They show Peter what she made for them.
High point
Peter prays, and she sits up.
Ending
The news spreads through Joppa.
Starts as a quiet disciple with a needle. Ends as a sign that brought a city to the Lord.
Only places Scripture records. Softer, dotted pins are traditional or uncertain sites. Tap a pin for the passage.
Dorcas appears only in Joppa.
Why there's no type here
Luke gives Dorcas seven verses and none of her own words, too little to type her honestly.
Full of good works (). Practical love for widows (). Deeply loved ().
Scripture records no failings.
Scripture does not say.
Scripture does not say.
Friends
PeterHe came from Lydda, prayed, and raised her (Acts 9:38-41).
Where this points to Christ
Peter had once watched Jesus clear a room, take a dead girl by the hand and say, Talitha cumi (). In Joppa he did the same, kneeling to pray first (). The power that raised Dorcas belonged to the risen Jesus, and through her many believed in the Lord ().
The widows told Dorcas's story with the clothes she made. What will the people around you hold up?
Her love was ordinary and practical. What small, steady work has God given you?
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