The Women’s Fellowship at Hendon Baptist Church studied the story of Dorcas last year. Joan Mueni shares some of the insights we can gain from this woman’s life at a time when there are many in need around the world.
The story of Dorcas is one of great importance, evoking a sense of responsibility towards those in society who may be hidden, forgotten or even mistreated based on their circumstances.
Summary – Acts 9:36-43
Dorcas’ story begins in Acts 9:36 where we are introduced to a woman described as full of good works and charitable deeds. Tabitha, translated as Dorcas in Greek, lives in Joppa, a city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. We are not told about her family or background, but some speculate that she must have been well off, while others speculate that she was a widow. What we do know is that she used her needle and thread to make tunics and garments for widows in her community, building close relationships with them.
She falls ill and dies, with many weeping and full of grief. We are told of two men who are sent to Peter, who is in the nearby town of Lydda. Peter at the time has been evangelising and performing miracles, but he heeds their call and follows them to the upper room where Dorcas’ body lies. There, a miracle happens and through the power of God, Dorcas is raised from the dead! News of this miracle spreads, and through this many believe in God.
Her ministry
Dorcas’ ministry empowered widows through her gifts and talents, but why widows?
In Isaiah 1:17 we are urged to “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless [and] plead the widow's cause”. James 1:27 goes on to state that “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world”.
Through these verses we see that in both the Old and New Testament, widows are of special concern to God. They also provide a glimpse into the cultural attitude towards widows, where often they were poor and lowly, regarded differently from present-day attitudes, where more support is given to such women, whether by government institutions or through local churches. However, a lot more needs to be done, especially where negative attitudes still remain.
What is the attitude towards widows in your culture?
Application
Dorcas’ ministry emphasises the command for every Christian to be a doer
of good works. It encourages us to:
· look inwardly and find ways in which we can use our gifts and talents to be a blessing toward others
· uphold community and live in fellowship with one another
· serve genuinely for the glory of God, not the praise of man.
Long after this account, Dorcas’ life continues to have a tremendous impact in the way widows in our community are supported. Various churches across the world have a ‘Dorcas Ministry’ which seeks to continue her charitable acts in true discipleship. Who knew the tremendous impact a needle and thread could make.
By Joan Mueni