In brief
Dorcas, called Tabitha in Aramaic, was a disciple of Jesus who lived in Joppa, on the Mediterranean coast, in the early days of the Church. The Bible says she was full of good works and acts of charity. When she died, the disciples sent for the apostle Peter, and God brought her back to life through his prayer. This miracle made the Lord known throughout the town. She is remembered for a practical faith turned toward widows and the poor, and for a God who gives life back.
What does the name Dorcas (Tabitha) mean?
Tabitha is an Aramaic name, generally linked to the word for a gazelle, and Dorcas is its Greek equivalent. The Bible itself gives this equivalence in Acts 9:36, where Tabitha is said to be the name that is translated Dorcas.
The story of Dorcas (Tabitha)
A disciple rich in good works
Acts 9:36In Joppa, among the disciples, lived a woman named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. The text describes her by what she did: many good works and acts of charity. Luke says nothing of her rank or her family, but speaks of a faith that could be seen in what she did for others.
Her illness and death
Acts 9:37Dorcas fell ill at that time and died. The disciples washed her body and laid it in an upper room. This restrained scene shows that the community of Joppa mourned her and did not treat her death as a small matter. Something precious had just been lost.
The disciples send for Peter
Acts 9:38-39Lydda is near Joppa, and Peter was there, where he had just seen Aeneas healed. The disciples sent two men to ask him to come without delay. Peter went with them. When he arrived, he was taken to the upper room, where all the widows stood around him weeping and showed him the tunics and garments Dorcas had made.
Peter prays and Dorcas rises
Acts 9:40-41Peter sent everyone out, knelt down and prayed. Then, turning to the body, he told her to get up. Dorcas opened her eyes, saw Peter and sat up. He gave her his hand, raised her, then called the saints and the widows and presented her to them alive. The power comes from God, whom Peter serves in prayer.
Many believed in the Lord
Acts 9:42-43The news spread throughout Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Peter then stayed in Joppa for several days with a certain Simon, a tanner. The raising of Dorcas did not only comfort those close to her: it served the gospel, just as the healing of Aeneas at Lydda had led the people there to turn to the Lord.
What Dorcas (Tabitha) teaches us
- Faith is recognized by concrete actions: Dorcas is known for her good works, and a needle and some cloth could become a service to God.
- God sees and honors the quiet acts of service done for widows and for the most vulnerable in the Church.
- Facing death, the believer prays: Peter kneels before he speaks, and the power remains the Lord's.
- A miracle is never an end in itself: in Joppa, it leads many people to believe in the Lord.
- Every member of the Church matters, because their absence is felt and their life bears fruit.
Key verses
The verse presents Tabitha, translated Dorcas, as a disciple in Joppa who did many good works and acts of charity. It is the only portrait the Bible gives of her.
The widows show Peter the tunics and garments Dorcas made for them. This detail tells what she had sown: clothing, but above all an affection their tears confirm.
Peter sends everyone out, kneels and prays before telling Dorcas to rise. The miracle is born of prayer, not of a spectacular gesture.
Sermons about Dorcas (Tabitha)
Frequently asked questions
Who was Dorcas in the Bible?
Dorcas, or Tabitha, was a disciple of Jesus who lived in Joppa. Acts 9:36 says she did many good works and acts of charity. When she died, the apostle Peter prayed and God raised her up, which led many people to believe in the Lord.
What does the name Dorcas mean?
Dorcas is the Greek name that corresponds to Tabitha, an Aramaic name. Acts 9:36 states that Tabitha is translated Dorcas. Both names are generally linked to the word for a gazelle, but the Bible does not develop this meaning.
Where can I find the story of Dorcas in the Bible?
The story of Dorcas is found in the book of Acts, chapter 9, verses 36 to 43. It follows the healing of Aeneas at Lydda and comes before Peter's vision at Cornelius's house in the next chapter.