Woman of the Bible Study: Dorcas

The Bible Study of Dorcas – March 19, 2016 – Acts 9:36-43

1. Dorcas is Greek and means Gazelle, the Hebrew equivalent is Tabitha. (page 213)

2. She was from Joppa, which means beauty, this town is along the Mediterranean sea approx. 35-38 miles Northwest of Jerusalem. Today it is called Jaffa and it is a suburb of Tele Viv. (V36 & footnote)

3. She is a disciple. Per the text, she is the only woman to be named/called a disciple. Disciple: someone who is taught by Jesus and follows Jesus’ ways. (page 214)

4. Dorcas was known as always doing good works and acts of love in helping the poor. She made robes and other clothes for the poor. (V36&V39).

5. Dorcas became ill and died. Her body was washed and placed in the upper room. (V37)

6. Peter was in Lydda and they sent 2 men to go get him, to come right away. He was approximately 12 miles away. (V38).

7. Burials normally happened the same day the person died in Jerusalem but outside the city the body maybe delayed for up to 3 days and therefore was placed in an upper room. (V39, see NIV footnote)

8. Peter got down on hands and knees and prayed before he said “Tabitha get up” (V40) Peter had the Faith Jesus told him he would need to do the things he saw Jesus do (John 14:12)

9. Peter took her by the hand and helped her to her feet and presented her to the widows and other believers, alive. (v41)

10. The widows of Joppa and many others believed that day, this became known all over Joppa. (V42)

11. Her name Dorcas suggest she was a Hellenist: Jewess who lived among the Greeks and spoke the Greek language, who was a Christian. (page 222 Woman who made Bible History)

Reference:

NIV Study Bible,Zondervan

Women in the Bible:Harold J Ockenga 1962 Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Syswerda, Jean E, Women of the Bible, Zondervan, 1999