The Life, Death, and Life of Dorcas The Disciple

The Call to Discipleship

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:17–18 ESV

And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Are Women Called to Discipleship?

In what way are they called to Discipleship?

1 Timothy 2:9–10 ESV

likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

1 Timothy 2:9

Women are called to Discipleship!

Women are not called to be preachers, elders, deacons, but they are called to teach. They can assist a man in teaching other men, but should lead in teaching men.

Acts 18:26 ESV

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Women are called to teach and lead other women, especially young women.

We must get better at bridging the gap between the older women and they younger women in our congregations as it pertain to programs, especially group teaching.

Titus 2:1–5 ESV

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

And this scripture is not isolated to the home, but is a command to the ladies of the church in general.

Dorcas was a Godly woman and disciple of Christ in the non-denominational sense. She led by her works and example.

Dorcas the Disciple Had a Great Ministry ()

Acts 9:36 ESV

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.

Dorcas the Disciple’s Death Had a Great Impact ()

Acts 9:37 ESV

In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

Dorcas the Disciple Was Delivered From Death ()

Acts 9:38 ESV

Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.”

Acts

Acts 9:39 ESV

So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.

Acts 9:40 ESV

But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

Acts 9:41 ESV

And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

Acts 9:42 ESV

And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Acts 9:43 ESV

And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.