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Name: William C. Wardell
BIBLE STUDY PROJECT: OBSERVATION TEMPLATE
Passage: Acts 9:36-43
I. Observation
A. I have read Acts 9:36-43 in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, or CSB) and a
functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the correct answer. Please use the translation provided in
your digital library or found at Biblegateway.com
Yes
No
B. Having read the passage in both formal and functional translation, list at least two similarities and
three differences between the way both translations cover this story. You may list as many similarities
and differences as you find as long as you meet the minimum amount.
1. Similarity – They all mention a disciple named Tabitha, which is Dorcas in
Greek. She was full of good works. And she helped everybody out.
2. Similarity – Peter sent them all from the room and prayed over Tabitha. Through
Prayer and Jesus, Peter performed a miracle and brought her back to life. After calling the
Saints and widows, he presented her alive, and it became known all over Joppa. And many
believed in the Lord.
3. Difference – The KJV States that Tabitha was full of good works and almsdeeds
(an old English word meaning to give alms or charity.) Whereas, The NLT Says she was always
doing kind things for others and helping the poor. Furthermore, NASB states She was
excelling and acts of kindness and charity, which she did habitually.
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4. Difference - The KJV states that after Peter prayed, he turned to her body and
said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up, and he
gave her his hand and lifted her up. The NLT states, "After Peter prayed, he turned to the body
and said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes; Peter gave her his hand and helped her
up. The NASB version is the same as the NLT version, Other than it says, “He gave her his
hand and raised her up.” The translations used—different words but still Conveyed very much
what Peter had done. He performed the miracle of restoring her life, but they all agree that he
did restore her life. They also differ slightly in wording. Peter lifted her up, helped her up, or
raised her up.
5. Difference - The KJV States That Peter tarried many days in Joppa with one
Simon, a Tanner. Not giving any indication of time. NLT States Peter stayed a long time in
Joppa, living with Simon, a Tanner of hides. This indicates a more extended period. The
NASB Says Peter stayed in Joppa many days with a Tanner named Simon. Even though each
translation uses different words to state that Peter stayed in Joppa, they all indicate that he did
stay for a period with a Tanner named Simon after performing the miracle of restoring Tabitha's
life.
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
The main characters Are:
1. Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek)
2. Peter
A distant supporting character is:
1. Simon
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Anonymous Character Referrals:
1. Disciples.
2. Widows.
3. Saints.
4. Believers.
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
There was a female disciple In Joppa named Tabitha. She excelled in acts of kindness and
charity but became sick and died. According to customs at the time. The disciples washed her body and laid it in
an upstairs room. They heard that Peter Was close by in Lyyda. So, they sent two men to get him. Peter came at
once, and when he arrived, they bought him Up to see the body. All the widows stood around, weeping and
showing the garments That Tabitha used to make. Peter sent Everyone out of the room. Prayed And said.” Tabitha,
arise." At this point, she opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up. He was
calling to all the Saints and widows and presenting her as alive. It would become known Through all of Joppa.
That Peter had Performed a miracle, and many believed in the Lord. After this, Peter stayed with a Tanner named
Simon for an unknown period of time.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Story Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
Introduction: A kind and charitable female disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek) died.
Inciting Incident: The Disciples sent two men to the nearby town of Lydda To get Peter, who was ministering
there.
Rising Action: Peter makes no haste in getting to The House of the disciple. To see What Was going on.
Climax: Peter performed a miracle. By praying and bringing Tabitha back to life.
Falling Action: After Tabitha. A rose. Peter called to the Saints and widows and presented her as alive.
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Resolution: Because of Peter's miracle, many believed in the Lord.
D. List basic observations about this passage using the “Key Question” for observation.
Remember to consult the list of items from the observation section in studying the Gospels
in Chapter 36. This will help you be more detailed in your answers to “who,” “what,” “where,”
“when,” “why,” and “how.” Please be detailed and specific.
1. Who:
Luke. - author. The book of acts Is Part 2 of Luke's Gospel.
Peter. -one of Jesus' disciples. (Central to the story because he performs a miracle.)
Tabitha (Dorcas)
2. What:
A kind and charitable female disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek) died.
The Disciples sent two men to the nearby town of Lydda To get Peter, who is ministering
there.
Peter makes no haste in getting to The House of the disciple. To see What Was going on.
Peter performed a miracle. By praying and bringing Tabitha back to life.
After Tabitha. A rose. Peter called to the Saints and widows and presented her as alive.
Because of Peter's miracle, many believed in the Lord.
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3. Where:
The City of Joppa (Near Lydda)
o Where Tabitha lived.
The Main story takes place inside Tabitha's house. However, the disciples do send to a
nearby village to summon Peter.
4. When:
Circa AD 45
The story takes place As the Acts gospel spreads through Judea and Samaria.
5. Why:
Why was Peter close by in Lydda?
o Acts 9:32-34 says Now, as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he also came down to the saints
who lived at Lydda. 33There he found a man named Aeneas who had been bedridden for eight years because he was
paralyzed. 34Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your own bed." Immediately he got up.
o He was traveling through all the local regions, practicing his ministry.
o He was performing miracles Through the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ.
Why did Peter visit Tabitha's house?
o His disciples Called him there
o To perform A miracle.
o To keep many believing in the Lord.
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6. How:
Peter performed his miracles. Through Prayer to the Holy Spirit, And through Jesus Christ.
After prayer, Peter used the spoken word. Such as “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up
and make your own bed.” Or. “Tabitha, get up.”
II. Interpretation
A. Summarize: Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (200-400 words) explain
what you think the author is trying to communicate in this passage.
Tabitha was a Christian woman. A female pupil who was full of many good deeds. And charitable
work for the poor. For whom he had active compassion and tender mercy that she showed over and over
by personally performing alms for the less fortunate. Now her talent Wasn't that of a preacher Or even a
counselor. Quite simply, she was a seamstress. She's sewed and altered tunics and garments. Being a
seamstress in those days included many steps. It required ordering and purchasing materials: Cutting,
fitting, adjusting, and sewing garments, cloaks, and robes by hand. She willingly and habitually gave her
time and effort to help. People less fortunate than herself. Unfortunately, she became ill and died.
However, the apostle Peter was nearby practicing his ministry. I'm not able to come to her. And resurrect
her with a miracle.
I believe the main point of this Reading is how God uses his power to preserve the life of his
servants as they minister to the people. God uses his power to help people who aren't as well off as they
should be. Among the people he frees from death and sickness are widows like Tabitha and people with
no one else to turn to.
B. Identify: Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage. You should
be able to express this principle in 1-3 sentences.
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That people Should endeavor. To serve others by whatever talents God has blessed them with. God
had a purpose for everyone, and no job is too big or too small when it comes to doing the work of bringing
close people closer to the Lord.
C. Check: Consult at least one scholarly resource in order to offer support for the principle that
you believe the passage is teaching. In your WORDsearch library you have access to the
following resources that could help here: The HCSB Study Bible, The Holman Illustrated
Bible Dictionary, Easton’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, or Mathew Henry’s Concise
Commentary. Be sure to quote from and cite the resource you are using for support.
A Christian woman of Joppa was known for her charitable works (Acts 9:36). She was also called Tabitha,
an Aramaic name. When she became sick and died, friends sent for the Apostle Peter. He came to Joppa. Through
him, Dorcas was restored to life. This was the first miracle performed through any of the apostles, resulting in
many new believers.
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, edited by Chad Brand, et al., B&H Publishing Group, 2003. ProQuest Ebook Central,
III. Correlation
A. How does this passage from Luke’s 2nd Gospel, The Book of Acts, fit within the metanarrative of
the Bible? State what type of story you believe this to be (creation, fall, redemption, or new creation),
and explain why you believe this to be so. Your explanation should be at least 1 paragraph in length.
The story of Tabitha and Peter Fits within the redemption Metanarrative of the Bible, Death. In this story,
he worked miracles through his prophets, disciples, and servants. In much the same way, Jesus Christ worked his
miracles.
B. How does your principle from Acts 9:36-43 fit with the rest of the Scripture? This principle is the
one you have written out in 1-3 sentences in the Interpretation section. If your principle is a true
Biblical principle, it will be reflected throughout the Scriptures. Where is the principle discovered
in this New Testament narrative found elsewhere in the Scriptures? Your explanation should be at
least 1 paragraph in length.
Her life pleased God because God values and emphasizes the person who acts with love, kindness,
selflessness, and forbearance in righteousness more than faith to move mountains or to accomplish great
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achievements in the church. Acts of love that help those in need are a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, such as
miracles, signs, and wonders. Peter emphasizes this truth in 1 Corinthians 13.
C. How does this passage from Luke’s Gospel reflect the person and work of Jesus
Christ? State and explain at least one way that the principle of this passage identifies something of
the person and work of Jesus Christ. Your explanation should be at least 1 paragraph in length.
. Tabitha is the woman who lived for Christ. This passage from Acts reflect the work of Jesus Christ. This
is what you must Christians do today, live for Christ. When you live in Christ, it is not difficult for you to help
others, do good (not just do good but full of good works), and give your life for the benefit of all. Like Christ, His
only desire is to do the will of His Father in heaven.
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IV. Application
What points of application can be made using the Four Questions for Application? State and explain 1
point of application for each of these four questions. Your explanation for each of these points should be at least
1 paragraph in length.
A. The question of duty.
As one of Jesus' apostles, it was Peter's duty to oversee the disciples’ welfare. So when he was requested
to go to Joppa because of Tabitha’s demise, he went. He stayed in Joppa for some time. Those were his duties
being an apostle of Jesus. As a call of duty, he chose to extend his stay there.
B. The question of character
Because of how she lived her life, she was loved by many, as the verse narrates how the widows wept,
cherishing the tunics and clothes she made. Her character was also why God gave her a second chance to live by
the miracle made in reviving her life through Apostle Peter.
C. The question of goals
As Jesus’ apostle, Peter was His duty to make God and Christ known to many. Just like what Jesus teaches
in John 17:3," Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have
sent." Peter fulfills the goal as Jesus teaches by proclaiming about God, Jesus, and eternal life through the works
of miracles he performs.
D. The question of discernment
Discernment is the ability to judge well (Oxford languages); to distinguish right from wrong. To make a
sound judgment. That was what Peter did. He did not rely upon his own judgment but seek for God's guidance,
"then he got down on his knees and prayed." (Acts 9:39)
,
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Bibliography
Brand, Chad; Draper, Charles; England, Archie. Holman illustrated Bible dictionary.
E-Book: BS440 .H65 2003eb Holman Bible Publishers, 2003
Hindson, Ed and Elmer L. Towns. Illustrated Bible Survey: An Introduction. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic,
2017.
John Cartwright and Chris Hulshof, Everyday Bible Study: Growing in the Christian Faith, ed. Gabriel Etzel
and Ben Gutierrez, 2nd edition., Everyday Bible Series (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2019)
