Definition: Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Acts 9:36. It’s a really important story about faith and transformation! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse tells us about a woman who was once very popular and well-loved – she was called Dorcas. “At Joppa”: Joppa is a city in Palestine. It’s where Jesus had his first baptism. “A certain disciple named Tabitha…” This describes a person named Dorcas who was a follower of Jesus. “…which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds…” This means she was known for being kind, generous, and helpful to others – she did a lot of good deeds. She was incredibly blessed with compassion. The key takeaway is that Dorcas had a reputation for being a truly good person. Now, here's the really interesting part: “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha…” This is introducing her again. “…which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” This reinforces that she was already known for being helpful, and the word "interpretation" is a bit poetic – it means she was already doing good things! What happens next? The verse says that God’s grace intervened. He saw Dorcas's goodness and decided to call her back to follow Jesus. It wasn't just about her past; it was about her present actions, and God recognized her potential for a deeper purpose. In essence, this verse describes a woman who was blessed with good works and a generous spirit, and God chose to bring her back to share those gifts with Him. Does that make sense? Do you want me to explain anything in more detail or perhaps connect it to a specific biblical story? For example, I could tell you about: The significance of Dorcas’s story. How this event relates to Jesus’ ministry.