Dorcas

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.

~Acts 9:36

Describe what sorts of things you think Dorcas was probably doing.  Compare the verse with Acts 10:38.

• let's take a look at what Acts 10:38 says:
  
  

  how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

  I would have done exactly this

If someone were to write such a verse about you, what would it say?  Are you pleased with the statement?  What could you do to improve on it?

• In Elizabethville there was a disciple named Sarah (in Hebrew her name is Princess); she was always doing good and helping the poor.
• yes
• nothing

About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.  Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

  Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

~Acts 9:37-39

Why do you think the disciples of Joppa wanted Peter to come?  What picture does this verse give of Dorcas's activities for the poor?  Who does it appear she especially helped?

• The knew Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and could possibly raise Dorcas from the dead
• she helped many people that were in need, especialy those that were alone

The help Dorcas provided was an essential part of her character.  She had the gift of helping.  Even if you don't have that particular gift, are there ways you can reach out to the needy, helping to meet their needs on your own or through your church or community?

• I am usually a very helpful person, but if I think about one thing, I think I would say helping to serve food

Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.  He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.

~Acts 9:40-41

Describe what you think the scene was like when Peter brough Dorcas back to her friends and neighbors.

• Those that ere mourning were fill with joy and praise

Have you ever experienced such an event?  What were the circumstances?  How did you feel?

• I don't believe I have experienced something like this on that level

This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.

~Acts 9:42

What sort of response did people have to Dorcas's miracle?

• they were very suprised

God was definitely glorified through Dorcas's life, death, and resurrection.  What if Dorcas had not been raised?  Would God still have been glorified?  How?

• It is possible that God still would have been glorified, I believe Peter would have had a harder time getting the people to come to God had it not been for Dorcas's resurrection