The Disciples of Christ
8 - Characteristics of Dorcas
We have looked so far in our study of Christian discipleship at its Challenge - its Charter - its Cost and its Commitment. i would like us now to consider some of its Characteristics. One dictionary definition of this word tells us that these are:- "The distinctive qualities of a person, thing or group. They are in themselves distinguishing features which are obvious to others." A Christian disciple should stand out - never to bring honour or glory to himself, but rather to the One he follows. The disciple will be known for his particular way of life. He or she will have priorities and perspectives which are different to the ambitions of this world.
In His wonderful sermon on the mount - recorded for us in Matthew chapters five to seven - the Lord Jesus describes in detail those qualities and practices of life which His disciples should evidence in following Him.
In a previous talk about learning in the school of Christ, we thought about the curriculum of His school. We discovered that this had to do with the Christlike qualities of humility - compassion - meekness -godliness - diligence and service. That these lovely characteristics were seen in the immediate disciples of the Lord Jesus is evident from the Gospel records and from the Acts. His teachings had clearly borne fruit in their lives, as well as in the lives of others. We have two wonderful examples of this in Acts chapter 9. The first is a man called Ananias, and the second a woman called Dorcas. Both of these were dedicated followers of the Master, and are highly commended for their faith and way of life. In Acts chapter 9 verse 10 we read that: "In Damascus there was a DISCIPLE named Ananias." And in verse 36: "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, or Dorcas." So, in both instances they were privileged to be known as disciples.
Now, we must recognise that privileges in the Christian life will always carry with them clear responsibilities. In His teachings Jesus once said this: "By their fruit you shall know them", and that is always the case. How then did these two disciples, Ananias and Dorcas, portray true discipleship in their lives? This time we’ll consider Dorcas whose story is told in Acts chapter 9 verses 36 to 43. It’s a sad story to start with because it is recorded that she became sick and died. Peter, the apostle, is in a nearby place, and he is sent for. When he arrives Dorcas is raised from death under the hand and power of God. The story has a happy ending, and as a result many others believed in the Lord Jesus.
The account of this sweet lady’s life as a disciple is most instructive. Verse 36 says that "she was always doing good and helping the poor." Another version says "she was full of good works." Here then was a disciple who showed the strength of her faith by her works. James, in chapter 2 verse 17 of his letter, tells us that faith by itself if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Dorcas was like a tree that is full of good fruit. You know it is often the case that many of us in the Christian church can be full of good words, but empty and barren when it comes to good WORKS. Dorcas was a great doer rather than a great talker. The old saying that "Actions speak louder than words" is very true.
We also discover in this passage that Dorcas is commended not only for what she GAVE to those in need, but also for what she did for them. She was commended not only for her godliness, but also for her compassion. All this flowed from her love as a Christian for her neighbours. Note too that she was always doing good. Hers was a persistent, an ongoing, activity for the good of others. The result of this was that she made a tremendous impact, as a Christian disciple, upon the people amongst whom she lived. It says in verse 39 that when Peter was taken up to the room where Dorcas lay dead, that all the widows stood around him, and showed him the robes and other clothing that she had made while she was still with them. How like her Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, this lady was. Peter, in a sermon recorded for us in Acts chapter 10 verse 38, says of Christ: "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him." I have the distinct feeling that Dorcas, a true disciple of her compassionate Lord, by her practical testimony and love for others, preached the gospel so effectively that many of her friends and neighbours believed in her Saviour and became His disciples too. May you learn from the life and work of Dorcas, such a compassionate and dedicated disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ.