Dorcas

Dorcas (Greek dorkas, meaning a female roe-deer or gazelle—the Greek equivalent of the Aramaic name Tabitha) was a Christian disciple at Joppa (modern Jaffa) renowned for her charitable works, particularly making robes and garments for the poor widows of the community (Acts 9:36–42). When she died, the believers sent urgently for Peter in nearby Lydda. Peter came, dismissed the mourning widows, knelt in prayer beside her body, and commanded "Tabitha, arise"—whereupon she opened her eyes, sat up, and was presented alive to the saints and widows.

The miracle became widely known throughout Joppa and directly led many to believe in the Lord. Dorcas is notable as one of only two women in the New Testament explicitly called a mathētria—a female disciple (Acts 9:36). Her story illustrates the early church's practical ministry to widows and the poor and provides one of the clearest New Testament analogies to the resurrections performed by Elijah (1 Kgs. 17:17–23) and Elisha (2 Kgs. 4:32–37).