“A Christian Woman”
(Acts 9:36-42)
I. Introduction.
A. Are a variety of ways to approach the study of scriptures.
Can focus on text itself, or on a topic, and look at
scriptures that discuss whatever it is we’re interested in.
Among most interesting, and profitable, of studies are those
of characters; the people who make up story of Bible.
1. From Jesus Himself to some of least-known
individuals, can be great lessons learned by
considering the lives, or what we know of lives, of
Bible personalities.
2. In our studies, it’s probably true to say we spend
more time on men than on women. But, it’s good for
us to look at the Christian woman and, rather than talk
about what she can’t do, consider what she can do and
how women can be truly effective servants – in ways
even that men cannot, or generally, are not.
B. New Testament tells us of some notable women like Lydia,
first European convert to Christianity, Priscilla, who taught
gospel to many along with her husband, Aquilla, Phoebe (who
probably carried Paul’s letter to Christian’s at Rome), Lois and
Eunice, grandmother and mother of Timothy. Think, also, of
Mary, mother of Mark, whose home was used as meeting
place for disciples in early days of church (in Jerusalem.)
1. All these women made positive contributions to
Lord’s work in first century.
2. So, apparently, did another Christian woman who will
be focus of our attention today.
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C. Her name was Tabitha, or, in Greek, Dorcas. We are
introduced to her, in Acts 9. at the time of her death and
her restoration to life by apostle Peter, in Joppa, port city in
northern Judea. Dorcas’ death is not so noteworthy; that’s
common experience. It’s her life that should interest, and
instruct, us.
D. The evidence available suggests that Dorcas was a woman
with some wealth who died very suddenly. In her life, she
had shown a great deal of kindness and benevolence, a
woman “…full of good works…” (Acts 9:36). She served
others – as seen in garments she made (Acts 9:39).
1. She was probably a Hellenistic Jewess, like
“Grecian widows” referred to in Acts 6 (1). Hence,
both her Aramaic and Greek names are referred to in
scriptures.
2. Name “Dorcas” in Greek meant “female gazelle”, and
was used as general term of endearment for women at
that time.
E. But what else can we say about this woman? Want to look at
four (4) specific things in remainder of lesson.
II. Facts About Dorcas.
A. The first thing we can say about her, first thing scriptures say
about her, is that she was a “disciple” (v. 36).
1. This word means so much because it reflects on her
relationship to God. She was a “learner,” one who
had been taught Gospel of Jesus Christ and whose
concern for her eternal soul was great enough for
her to take necessary steps to secure its salvation.
2. For her, that obedience was only a first step, only a
beginning. Disciples are learners, but also followers –
followers in steps of Master teacher.
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3. To say Dorcas was a “disciple” is to say much about
her. When she “was sick and died” (v. 37), her
relationship to God, her discipleship, was of greatest
importance. Being a disciple did not allow her to
escape death, but it did give her new life. Her
relationship to God through Christ was reflected in
her manner of living – in the other things we can say
about her.
B. We can say, she was a servant. Her attitude of service was
demonstrated in what she did, while she could do it.
(v. 36: “This woman was full of good works and charitable
deeds…”).
1. She, apparently, didn’t dwell on what she was going to
do, when time and opportunity was right, or what she
had done in past times, but her life was caught up in
what she was doing at the moment.
2. Peter saw results of some of her service: “…the widows
stood by her weeping, showing the tunics and garments
which Dorcas had made while she was with them”
(Acts 9:39).
a. That last phrase is of special significance. If,
indeed, death came suddenly, unexpectedly,
upon Dorcas, it could be truly said of her she
served others while she had opportunity to do
so, and death did not catch her waiting for some
future time of service.
b. Her attitude was the attitude of Jesus:
(Mark 10:45 “…the Son of Man did not come
to be served, but to serve…”)
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3. When it comes to our relationship to God, as a servant,
He’s not interested in past – what we have done that is
good. Not concerned about future – what we’re planning
to do “someday.” He’s most interested in what we’re
doing now in His kingdom, for His church.
4. Dorcas did good things for others, instead of expecting
others to do good things for her. She is not pictured in
scripture as a selfish, demanding person, but a selfless,
giving one. She was mourned because she would be
missed.
C. Dorcas’ discipleship meant she would be missed because she
had shown love and was herself loved and respected.
1. An 80-year old volunteer worker, for a number of good
causes, once confided secret of her vitality: “It’s a
selfish secret. I try to live so that somebody will miss
me when I’m gone.”
2. Dorcas’s friends did all they could to show their love
and respect for her. They carefully prepared body and
they sent for Peter.
3. Their sadness was genuine. No one had to pretend
Dorcas would be missed, or that she was loved.
D. So, fourth thing we can say about this Christian woman:
she was remembered for good reasons. Her influence upon
others was good.
1. Her influence was good before her death, in example
she set. Again, her life reflected what was said of
Jesus: “…[she] went about doing good.” (Acts 10:38).
2. Her good influence continued after she died.
Positively or negatively, the way we live outlasts us.
As was said of Abel: “he being dead still speaks.”
(Hebrews 11:4).
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a. No doubt, all of us can easily think of people we
remember because of good they did and good
influence they were upon us and others.
b. What will be our legacy? Again, if we died
today could it be said we had influenced people
for good? Is that how we’ll be remembered?
3. Dorcas’s influence was good even after she was
restored to life: (v. 42; Read). No doubt, she
continued to live as she had before this experience,
for however long her life was extended.
4. (Illust.) There is a story attributed to an evangelist
named L.R. Scarborough about a young man he had a
conversation with:
“I have heard sermons on the deity of Christ, the
inspiration of scripture, and the atoning blood. But,
a few weeks ago, as I stood with my mourning
family by the grave of my mother, I thought:
‘I want for myself whatever it was that made my
mother what she was.’”
5. The influence of one good life of discipleship, service,
and love is a powerful force. Men or women, we
commit ourselves to this when we accept
discipleship.
III. Conclusion.
A. There are many good, influential, Christian women, here
and elsewhere. Women who are following in the footsteps
of Dorcas. You have an impact on world around you. Are so
many things women can do that result in so much good.
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B. In Revelation 14:13, there is an affirmation of blessings for
those who “die in the Lord”, as Dorcas did:
“… ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now
on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their
labors, and their works follow them.’”
1. What a peaceful rest that is; what a great reward
awaits; what a significant legacy is left. That’s what
this story of a Christian woman is all about.
2. It’s also, what story of every life ought to be about.