Dorcas Ministry – What every Christian Should Emulate

Part 1

Study verses: Acts 9:36-43

The story of Dorcas has been an inspiration to thousands; it is packed full of valuable lessons, all of which are important, and some of which need particular emphasis in these days. Dorcas lived at Joppa, a town situated on the shores of the Mediterranean, and was at that time the main seaport of Palestine (look up and compare Jonah 1:3; Acts 10:5-8). There was a Christian church at Joppa, and it is even possible that the believers met for worship and prayer in the home of Dorcas, because this was the custom in those days (Acts 12:12; Romans 16:5). We know very little about her, her age, her position in life, whether she was married, whether she lived alone, or whether she was rich or poor. But we do know that we have met many people like Dorcas, “who “was always doing good and helping the poor””. She had a wonderful name, meaning ‘’gazelle’’ or ‘’antelope’’, or ‘‘full of grace’’ (Acts 4:33). What can we learn from this passage of scripture?

1. Being a disciple is more than being a Christian

In verse 36 Dorcas is described as ““a disciple””; of course ‘’disciple’’ here means ‘‘Christian’’. This was (and is) applied to all who follow the Lord Jesus, but it is important to notice the significance of the word. A Christian is someone who comes to God as a lost sinner and accepts, or trusts, Jesus Christ as his or her personal Saviour (John 1:12; 3:16; 6:37; 7:37; 10:9). Being a disciple involves more than the initial act of trusting Christ; a disciple is someone who follows Christ, but who accepts His discipline, acknowledges His authority and lordship and submits to His rule. Just think about this: if a disciple follows the example of Christ (1 Peter 2:21), accepts the teaching and authority of Christ (Luke 10:39), submits to the lordship of Christ (John 20:28), are we, in fact, true disciples? Look up Matthew 11:28-30, and be sure that you do not stop at verse 28.

2. Faith without works is dead

In verse 36 we are told that Dorcas was not just a talker but was ““always doing”” and in verse 39 we are told about the particular ministry which occupied much of her time; she made ““robes and other clothing…”…” A needle is a very small thing, and the ability to use it is fairly common, but here is a ministry which is most acceptable to the Lord and which has brought much comfort and relief to His children. The Amplified Bible says of Dorcas that she was ““abounding in good deeds and acts of charity””. Notice that her faith in Christ was seen by the works that she did. No-one can ever be saved by works (Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5); but the obligation of every saved person is to be like Dorcas – – “full of good works”” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV). If you compare the two following ‘‘trustworthy sayings’’ you will notice that, whereas the first stresses that salvation is given to us apart from works, the second emphasizes the fact that the result, the evidence and the outflow of being saved is doing good works (1 Timothy 1:15; Titus 3:8). James has much to say about good works (James 2:14-26), and especially notice the last verse.

3. Sudden death can fall upon any of us

We say this, not to make anyone fearful, but simply because it’’s true (verse 37)! Dorcas was ill and grew worse –- and she died; her friends and loved ones said, ‘‘She’’s gone!’’ It was a bitter blow for that little community. Why did she die?

1. 1. Had she sinned, and was this a chastening that came upon her from the Lord? It could have been but there is no indication of this –- look up 1 Corinthians 11:26-32 and compare 1 Corinthians 4:5.
2. 2. The Lord permitted it for some wise and loving purpose. Romans 8:28 was in operation! We cannot explain why suffering, sickness, accident and death afflicts us, but God knows what He is doing and one day we shall understand (John 13:7).
3. 3. While we are in our physical bodies we must walk by faith, meaning that we are to trust God in His gracious dealings with us. He is altogether wise and is working out His plan in the lives of His children (Psalm 138:8).

Sickness, suffering, trials –- these are meant to be channels of grace and power for God’’s glory (Philippians 1:12). When John Calvin was dying he said, ‘‘The Lord is bruising me, but I am abundantly satisfied since it is from His hand!’

’ 4. There is room for all in the service of God

We are all different, but there is work for each one of us to do for the Lord. Notice the variety of ministries at work in the Church:

1. 1. Dorcas used her needle for the glory of God (verse 39) –- it was small but acceptable. No work is too small for Him (Zechariah 4:10).
2. 2. Some women attended to her (verse 37). We do not know who they were.
3. 3. Two men went to Lydda to fetch Peter (verse 38) –- God’’s errand boys!
4. 4. Some disciples sent the two men to Joppa (verse 38) –- who were they?
5. 5. Then Peter came, as we learn from verse 39.
6. 6. Then, there were the widows (verse 39).

There are plenty of opportunities for Christian service, and the sphere of service is just as much in the home as in the church (Ephesians 4:4-7). In a sense there is no such thing as a ‘‘one-man ministry’’!

5. The power of God is still operating today

How does His power operate? Look at verses 40-43 and see:

1. 1. The power of prayer –- verse 40.
2. 2. The power of faith –- verses 40-41.
3. 3. The power of salvation –- verse 42.

Part 2

(Scripture Portion: Acts 9: 36-42)

The story of Dorcas, which forms the subject of this study, has been an inspiration to thousands. It is packed full of valuable lessons, all of which are important and some of which need particular emphasis in these days. Dorcas lived in Joppa, a town situated on the shore of the Mediterranean, which at that time was the chief seaport of Palestine – – compare Jonah 1:3 and Acts 10:5-8. There was a Christian church at Joppa, and it is possible that the believers met for worship in Dorcas’ home, which in those early days was the custom –- look up Acts 12:12 and Romans 16:5.

1. Notice the significance of her name.

Verse 36 tells us that her name in Aramaic was Tabitha, but in Greek it was Dorcas, which means “antelope” or “gazelle” –- a very graceful animal! One writer says that “her name stands in the Bible as the symbol of Naphtali (Genesis 49:21), the giver of goodly words; then as panting after the water brooks, seeking everything in God (Psalm 42:1); and as nimble of foot (2 Samuel 2:18); and so, leaping (Isaiah 35:6); expressive too of tender love (Proverbs 5:19); of beauty of form (Song of Solomon 2:9); and as fruitful through the voice of Jehovah (Psalm 29:9).” Ponder this! Our lives should be gazelle-like –- graceful – – look up Acts 4:33 and 11:23, and compare John 1:14.

2. Notice that Dorcas is spoken of as a disciple.

Look at verse 36 –- “a disciple”. The name disciple was applied to the early followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, and any concordance will show how frequently it is used in the gospels and the Book of Acts. But what is a disciple? A learner. A disciple of Jesus is one who sits at His feet and learns of Him –- look up Luke 10:38-42 and Matthew 11:29. In the way which the word was used, a disciple meant a Christian, as we learn from Acts 11:26 and many other references. But today there are many Christians who are not in the true, practical sense of the word disciples. To be a real disciple means to accept the Lord’s authority, His lordship, His discipline and to do His will. You are a believer –- but are you a disciple?

3. Notice that Dorcas devoted her life to doing good deeds.

Verse 36 tells us that she “was always doing good and helping the poor.” She was a doer, not just a talker! And in verse 39 we are told about the particular ministry which occupied so much of her time –- “she made robes and other clothing……” A needle is a very small thing, and the ability to use it is fairly common today, but here is a ministry that is most acceptable to the Lord and that has brought much comfort and relief to His children. Take note that Dorcas was a lady who was full of good works and here is a most needful lesson. No one can ever be saved by works, as we learn from Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5; but the obligation of every saved person is to be like Dorcas, to do good works; look up Ephesians 2:10. Compare the following two faithful sayings: the first stresses that salvation is given to us apart from works, but the second emphasises that the result and evidence and the outflow of being saved is doing good works –- look up 1 Timothy 1:15 and Titus 3:8. Read James 2:14-26, and especially notice the last verse. And ladies, the best adorning is mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:9-10. We all need to be Titus 2:14!

4. Notice the variety of ministries in operation in the work of the church.

When Dorcas died we read that:

1. Some of the women folk ministered by washing her body and laying it in an upper room –(verse 37).
2. Two unnamed men ministered by going on an errand to Lydda to fetch Peter – (verse 38).
3. Peter came and exercised a special ministry of faith and prayer –(verses 39-41).
4. The widows also ministered –(verse 39).

There is plenty of scope for willing workers in the church of God. Not all can do (1)……but all can be (2), God’s errand boys; and some of us can exercise more of (3)……and others can do (4). Look up 1 Corinthians 12:4-14 and Ephesians 4:11-12. God’s plan is not a “one man ministry”; it is an “all-at-it ministry” –- a ministry in which every believer finds his allotted task and does it.

5. Then Peter prayed the prayer of faith, and Dorcas was raised from the dead.

His approach to this whole situation is most instructive; it provides us with a lesson on how to seek the restoration of dead souls, of those who are “dead in transgressions and sins” –- look up Ephesians 2:1.

1. Peter sent them all out of the room (verse 40). Only God could restore Dorcas, so Peter must be alone with Him.
2. Peter got down on his knees and prayed (verse 40). Reverence, sincerity, earnestness –- the prayer of faith (James 5:13-18).
3. Peter spoke to Dorcas (verse 40). In seeking the restoration of souls we must testify (Job 22:29; Psalm 107:2).
4. Peter helped Dorcas and showed sympathy (verse 41). How needful this is if we would nurture the new converts!
5. Peter presented her alive (verse 41). What joy for Peter, for Dorcas and for the saints in Joppa! What joy for us when God blesses our ministry (Psalm 126:6)! What joy in Heaven over every dead soul raised to life –- look up Luke 15:5; 8-10 and 23-24.

6. All that happened turned out for the glory of God in the extension of His kingdom.

Look at verse 42. Yes, many believed, so it was worthwhile for Dorcas to be ill, to die and to be raised again! The things which happened to her turned out for the furtherance of the gospel –- look up Philippians 1:12.

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