(story told in Acts 9:32-42)
Dorcas, also known by her Greek name Tabitha, was a beloved follower of Jesus who lived in the city of Joppa. She was known for her kindness and generosity, always caring for others in need. The Bible describes her as “full of good works and acts of charity.” She spent her time making clothes for widows and the poor, quietly living out her faith through compassion and service.
One day, Dorcas became very sick and died. Her friends were heartbroken. They washed her body and laid her in an upstairs room. When they heard that Peter, one of the apostles, was nearby in the town of Lydda, they sent two men to ask him to come quickly. The people in Joppa loved Dorcas deeply and hoped that God might do something miraculous.
When Peter arrived, he was taken to the room where Dorcas’s body lay. The widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the clothes Dorcas had made for them. Touched by their love and faith, Peter knelt and prayed. Then he turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” At once, she opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up.
Peter helped her to her feet and called the believers to see what God had done. News of this miracle spread throughout Joppa, and many people came to believe in the Lord because of it.
Dorcas’s story reminds us that simple acts of love can have lasting impact. Her life and kindness reflected God’s heart, and even after her death, her faith and compassion continued to inspire others to believe.