THE record concerning Tabitha is very brief, nevertheless it is highly suggestive. "She was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did." What the "good works" were, is not specified. But from the scriptural use of the term "good works" we know that Tabitha must have exhibited a very comprehensive obedience. "Good works" is a Scriptural phrase embracing our whole duty. It includes sound doctrine (John 6:29; 2 Tim. 3:16,17); upright, irreproachable conduct towards those who are without (1 Pet. 2:12); and a loving and faithful discharge of those duties, which association with those in the truth entails (Tit. 2:4, 5, 7). It is not uncommon, even amongst those in the household, to hear such characters as Tabitha spoken of as if their works proceeded merely from rich natural endowments. This is a mistake. Tabitha could only shew forth good works through having brought her mind into captivity to the law of Christ. The natural mind is contrary to this law. This admits of no exception. Therefore when an example of obedience is presented to us, we know that it is the outcome of a struggle - a crucifying process. Had Tabitha waited until she felt a natural liking or aptitude for obeying Christ's commands, we should have had no such record of her as that contained in Acts 9. In addition to Tabitha's other good works, her alms-deeds receive especial mention. She was evidently in the habit of plying her needle for the poor, for after her death we have the interesting incident of the display of the garments and little coats which she had made. There is no evidence that Tabitha founded any such institution as the sewing class or Dorcas meeting of the present day. This class is, no doubt productive of good, inasmuch as collective forms of working create a stimulus which is a means of provoking unto good works. Tabitha, however, seems to have entered upon her task alone - the garments had been made by her own hands (v.39). It is an example well worthy of imitation by those who cannot engage with others upon such a work. Tabitha was evidently a pattern of industry. Her works made this manifest. This wise use of her time must in itself have proved to her a stronghold. A woman who fears Gad eats not the bread of idleness. Those who strive to act as Tabitha acted will not lay themselves open to the long list of sins that idleness brings in its train: the wandering about from house to house tattling, the busying about others affairs, and the speaking of things which ought not to be spoken of. There is a strong current of Gentilism around us, and we have to guard against being carried along with it. The Gentiles boast in their idleness. Let us redeem the time while it is day. Let us contrive to make sacrifices that we may be enabled to reach forth our hands to the poor and needy. The Gentiles devote much time to visiting their well-ta-do neighbours. Let us take heed that we neglect not to visit the sick and afflicted. When we are tempted in any of these directions let us think of Tabitha.

Let no one think that, whilst he is unmindful of the poor, he is in favour with Gad. Only those who show a kindly feeling towards their less fortunate fellows needs look for salvation. Hath he oppressed the poor and needy? Then "he shall not live." Hath he given his bread to the hungry? Then "he shall surely live, saith the Lord" Ezek. 18.

Selah Contents

Also available in chapter format (one chapter --- on one web page)