Dorcas, a Woman of Good Works

GOLDEN TEXT: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”—Matthew 25:40

THE Golden Text chosen for this lesson applies to those who come into harmony with the Lord during the future judgment day period, although the principle expressed in it is true of all those who in any age unselfishly devote their time and strength and means for the blessing of others. In any age of God’s plan he counts this as a service rendered to him. The reason we know that the text does not apply specifically to believers in this age is that it forms a part of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, a parable which Jesus introduced by a time identification, saying, “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him.” (Matt. 25:31) This is a reference to the time of Jesus’ second presence, when his entire church will be with him in glory and will participate with him in the work of judgment outlined in the parable. “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?” asks Paul.—I Cor. 6:2

A careful study of this parable indicates that the righteous, those represented by the sheep, seemed to be unaware that their unselfish attitude is what gained for them the lost inheritance, the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world. They had not worked for a reward, but because they had caught the true spirit of the times, they had joined wholeheartedly in the kingdom work and were in heart harmony with it. It is only such unselfish service that is pleasing to God at any time.

ACTS 9:36-42—Our Scripture lesson indicates that Dorcas was just such an unselfish servant of the needy as is indicative of the sheep class in the parable. Not much is said about her except that she was “full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” The record gives little detail as to the nature of her “good works” except that those who mourned her death showed Peter the “coats and garments” which she had made. These were at least some of the visible evidences of her interest in others.

The record also tells us that Dorcas was a disciple, so we may assume that her good works were first of all on behalf of the household of faith. But, as Paul explains in his letter to the churches of Galatia (Gal. 6:10), we are to do good unto all as we have opportunity, especially to the household of faith. So we may assume that the good works Dorcas performed were not restricted wholly to the believers. She was evidently one of those referred to by the apostle as being “zealous of good works.”—Titus 2:14

Not all are qualified to serve the Lord in the same way. We can’t suppose that Dorcas withheld the Gospel message when there was an opportunity to witness for Jesus, although apparently her main avenue of service was not along this line. However, her faithfulness in good works along other lines resulted, in the Lord’s providence, in a wide witness for the truth which brought about many conversions.

Not all of us can be at the forefront in witnessing for the truth, but blessed are we if, in a small way, and because we are faithful in doing what we can along any needed line, we can have a share in the general cause of Christ. The work of the Lord is not the work of one individual, but a work of all whom he calls into his service. To have a share in any phase of it is a high honor and those who are faithful in it are richly blessed.

The facts are not clear as to why the disciple Dorcas was awakened from the sleep of death miraculously, for this was not God’s arrangement for believers as a whole. The consecrated followers of Jesus were not promised immunity from sickness and death. They were promised a share in the “first resurrection,” but that was to occur at the end of the age; and it was to be a resurrection to glory, honor, and immortality, not merely an awakening as human beings still subject to the frailties of the fallen human race.

Nevertheless, the Lord in his providence sometimes makes exceptions to his usual way of doing things, that is, when his wisdom sees there is a good reason for it. This was evidently what occurred in the case of Dorcas. The fact that many believed as a result of this miracle indicates that there was a situation in Joppa that called for just such an outstanding demonstration of God’s intervention on behalf of his people. Dorcas was certainly worthy of this extra bit of divine favor, and doubtless she was greatly blessed in being permitted to serve a while longer before she fell asleep to await the first resurrection when, like Paul, she was to receive the “crown of righteousness” which had been laid up for her.—II Tim. 4:8

In seeking to discover the reason for the manner in which the Lord’s providences operated in connection with the awakening of Dorcas, we notice that being called to Joppa, Peter remained there and was entertained in the house of Simon the tanner. It was while staying in this home that the messengers from Cornelius came to invite him to visit their master, who became the first Gentile convert of record. It may well be that the house of Simon was the best place for Peter to receive these messengers. Daily do we have cause to marvel at the providences of the Lord.

QUESTIONS:

During what age in the divine plan does the Golden Text apply?

Did the Lord promise believers immunity from sickness and death?

What was the nature of Dorcas’ good works, and why were they pleasing to the Lord?

When are all the saints resurrected from the dead?

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