Bible Character Explorer
New Testament • 1st century AD
Dorcas (Tabitha)
Full of Good WorksA beloved disciple known for her charity, raised from the dead through Peter's prayer at the grieving widows' request.
"This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did."
Acts 9:36 (KJV)
Overview
Dorcas, also called Tabitha, was a disciple living in Joppa, described simply and memorably as a woman 'full of good works and almsdeeds,' known especially for making coats and garments for the widows in her community. When she became sick and died, the disciples, having heard that Peter was nearby in Lydda, sent two men urging him to come without delay. Upon his arrival, Peter found the upper room filled with weeping widows displaying the coats and garments Dorcas had made for them, tangible evidence of her generous life. Peter put everyone out of the room, knelt and prayed, then turned to the body and said, 'Tabitha, arise,' and she opened her eyes and sat up. The miracle became known throughout Joppa and resulted in many believing on the Lord.
Gospel Connection
Dorcas's raising from the dead through the prayer of Peter, an apostle acting in the authority and power of the risen Christ, foreshadows in miniature the greater resurrection hope the gospel proclaims for all believers, while her life of practical good works models the fruit that genuine faith is meant to produce, exactly as James teaches that faith without works to show for it is dead.
Discover More
See how this life points to Christ in the Gospel Connection section above.