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Dorcas, a Faithful Disciple |
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In a dramatic miracle that energized the early Church, a woman was raised to life again. But did this momentous event overshadow an important lesson we need to learn? by Joan Osborn |
In the city of Joppa, Dorcas (or Tabitha), one of the disciples of the Lord, lay dying.
In spite of the diligent care of the other disciples and perhaps physicians, she died. Her body was prepared for burial and laid in an upper room of the house. From the few brief words we have of this account in Acts 9:36-42, the events surrounding her death appear to have happened quickly.
The brethren in Joppa were saddened by this tragic turn of events. Having heard that the apostle Peter was in Lydda, a city close to Joppa, they sent for him to come to them. Perhaps they hoped he would attend to the funeral. Or perhaps they had heard of the healing he had performed at Lydda and hoped for another such miracle. Whatever their intentions, we read that Peter did come to Joppa. Then, in an amazing miracle, he was the instrument of God's raising of Dorcas from the dead.
This momentous event was early in the history of the Church, sometime shortly after Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. This miracle-which had great impact on the people of the city of Joppa-"became known throughout Joppa, and many believed on the Lord."
This miracle was important to the early Church. People could see Dorcas and speak with her after her return to life. She was a walking proclamation of the truth and power of God.
Example for Christians
The Bible account of Dorcas stands as a memorial to her and as testimony to the working of the Holy Spirit in the early Church. Her resurrection back to physical life greatly strengthened their faith and caused many to believe in Jesus Christ. However, it is the example she set in her daily life more than this miraculous event that holds greater significance for us.
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