A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Dorcas, or Tabitha
DORCAS, or TABITHA,
(The first was her name in Greek, the second in Syriac) signifies a roe, or gazelle, and was the name, probably, given to indicate some peculiar characteristic of this amiable woman. Dorcas lived in Joppa, now called Jaffa, a seaport upon the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, about forty-five miles north-west of Jerusalem. She had early become a convert to the Christian religion, and must have been a most zealous disciple, as she "was full of good works and alms-deeds, which she did." She was not satisfied with advocating the right way, or giving in charity; she worked with her own hands in the good cause—she made garments for the poor; she relieved the sick, she comforted those who mourned. We feel sure she must have done all these deeds of love, because, when she died, the "widows" were "weeping, and shewing the coats and garments Dorcas had made." Peter, the apostle, was journeying in the country near Joppa when Dorcas died. The disciples sent for him to come and comfort them in this great affliction; he went, and prayed, and raised the dead Dorcas to life.
This was the first miracle of raising the dead to life performed by the apostles. A woman was thus distinguished for her "good works." And her name has since been, and will ever continue to be, synonymous with the holiest deeds of woman's charity, till time shall be no more. Every "Dorcas Society" is a monument to the sweet and happy memory of this pious woman, who did her humble alms-deeds more than eighteen hundred years ago. See Acts, chap. ix. verses 36 to 43.