An Elegant Gazelle
Acts 9: 36
Tabitha was a certain disciple: a chosen, child of God, redeemed by Christ's blood, born of the Holy Spirit. She believed on Christ, followed him in baptism, and was made a willing student of the sound doctrine of Christ and him crucified. Her name by interpretation is called Dorcas--an elegant gazelle. This was an appropriate name for Tabitha. She was full of good works: she made her living honestly and conducted herself honestly before all men. Tabitha was a seamstress. That may seem insignificant, but she found a way to use it for the good of her brethren. Tabitha was full of mercy and love toward her brethren. She gave to the poor saints in the church at Lydda. All the widows (those too poor to provide for themselves) stood by [Peter] weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them (v39.) She did not intend to do these things then use her sinful flesh as an excuse for not following through (Isa 32: 7, 8.) Those to whom the Lord Jesus Christ has liberally shed his grace upon are not takers but liberal givers.