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Name: Shannon Leveille
BIBLE STUDY PROJECT: OBSERVATION TEMPLATE
Passage: Acts 9:36-43
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
oYes
oNo
B. Having read the passage in both formal and functional translation, list at least 2 similarities
and 3 differences between the way both translations cover this story. You may list as many
similarities and differences that you find as long as you meet the minimum amount.
1. Similarity – Both of them state that Tabitha’s name translated is Dorcas.
2. Similarity – They both say that when she got sick and died that they washed her
body and put her in a upstairs room.
3. Similarity – Both state that there were two men that were sent to Lydda to get Peter
to come to Joppa.
4. Similarity - In them both it says when Peter got there that he sent everybody out of
the room, knelt down, and prayed; then he told her to “rise up” and her eyes opened.
5. Similarity - Both state that many people believed in the Lord.
6. Similarity - Both passages state that Peter stayed in Joppa afterward with a tanner
named Simon.
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7. Differences – The NASB says that Tabitha translated means Dorcas while the NIV
version states that it is translated in Greek it means Dorcas.
8. Differences - NIV says she was always doing good and helping the poor and the
NASB version says she was excelling in acts of kindness and charity which she did
habitually.
9. Differences – NIV stated the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the
robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made and the NASB says all the widows
stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas
used to make.
10. Differences – NIV says he turned toward the dead woman and said, “Tabitha, get
up” while the NASB stated he turned toward the body and said, “Tabitha, arise”.
11. Differences – NIV said that Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named
Simon and the NASB says that Peter stayed in Joppa many days with a tanner named
Simon.
12. Differences – NIV stated that seeing Peter she sat up so he took her by the hand and
helped her up while the NASB says when she saw Peter she sat up and he gave her
his hand and raised her up.
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
A. Tabitha (Dorcas)
B. Peter
2. Plot: (50-100 words) Tabitha, whom was a very kind woman that always helped other
people, suddenly grew ill and died. So when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda,
they sent two men there to bring him back to Joppa. When Peter arrived, he was taken to
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the room upstairs where Dorcas’s body had been taken to. He sent everyone out of the
room, knelt down on his knees, and he prayed, then he turned toward the woman and
told her to “arise” and her eyes opened. He then called in the saints and widows and
presented her to them alive. He stayed in Joppa for many days afterward with a tanner
named Simon.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Story Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
A. Introduction – In Joppa, a very kind disciple lived there named Tabitha who loved
helping other people and doing acts of kindness.
B. Inciting Incident – Tabitha suddenly grew ill and died.
C. Rising Action – Two men were sent to Lydda to get Peter to come back with them
and help.
D. Climax – Peter sent everyone out of the room then he got down on his knees and
prayed.
E. Falling Action – He turned to her body and told her to “arise” and she opened her
eyes. When she saw Peter she sat up and then he took her hand and helped her up.
F. Resolution – He called for all the saints and widows and then presented her to them
alive. Then he stayed in Joppa for a while with a tanner named Simon.
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:
A. Tabitha (Dorcas)
B. the disciples
C. Peter
D. the widows
E. Simon
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2. What:
A. Tabitha was a disciple who was always kind and helping others.
B. Tabitha grew ill and died.
C. Two disciples were sent to Lydda to get Peter and bring him to Joppa.
D. The widows stood around him crying while showing him all the things that she had
made for them.
E. Peter made everyone leave the room, knelt down, and prayed.
F. When he got done praying, he turned toward her and tells her “Tabitha, get up” and
her eyes opened. So he helped her up.
G. He called for the saints and the widows to come see her alive.
H. He stayed in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
3. Where:
A. Joppa
B. Lydda
4. When: It states in the scripture “at that time” or “those days” when Tabitha got sick.
However, reading more about it, it says it’s normally dated by researchers AD 33-36
5. Why: It happened because Dorcas selflessly served God and helped others and touched
many lives, so when she passed many people prayed asked God to bring her back. So the
Lord used Peter to bring her back and show the people what he could do and that
miracles can happen.
6. How: The people seen how the Lord worked and the power he has through Peter when
he resurrected Tabitha and made a miracle happen.
Interpretation:
A. Summarize -
Tabitha, also known as Dorcas in Greek, was a very generous, self-less, and kind woman
whom loved to help the needy, the poor, and basically anyone that needed help. She also was a
disciple and a follower of the Lord, which showed in her actions of helping others.
Then she suddenly grew ill and died. It deeply saddened the people of Joppa, so they sent two
men to Lydda to get Peter and bring him back. So when Peter got there, he was led to the upstairs
room where her body had been put. While in there the widows stood around him weeping and
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showing him all the things she had made for them. He asked everyone to leave, knelt down, and
prayed. After praying, he turned to her and told her to “arise” and her eyes opened up. It was
through Peter that the Lord showed what he was truly capable of and the power he has over life
and death, and also how rewarding a life of following him can be. Miracles like her resurrecting
don’t just happen and definitely don’t happen without the Lord by our side.
B. Identify-
This passage tells us that no matter how big or small a problem is that we encounter, if we
follow Christ and have him beside us and within us, that anything is possible, even a
resurrection.
C. Check – In Faithlife Study Bible it also tells us that “Dorcas’ resurrection shows Jesus’
power over life and death.” - Barry, John D. Faithlife Study Bible. (2016).
Correlation:
A. I believe Acts 9:36-43 falls into the redemption metanarrative of the Bible. Redemption
ultimately refers to the saving work of Christ, and that’s what he did for Dorcas through the work
of Peter.
B. It tells us a couple times in John something quite similar, the first one is John 15:4, “So, as
we remain in Him, we will have our peace no matter what troubles that come our way.” Then the
next one is John 16:33, “Yes, we will have many troubles and tribulations while we are here, but
Jesus said that “in him we will have peace.” In Psalms 9:9-10 it says, “The Lord is a stronghold
for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their
trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” Then the last one I am
going to share is one I really like myself, and it is Psalms 34:4, “I sought the Lord, and he
answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
C. The story of Dorcas and Peter reflect the work of Jesus Christ in Acts 9:36-43. It reflects
the work of Christ firstly because of Dorcas and her selfless ways is always helping others
in need no matter if they are indigent, sick, rich, poor, or hungry. Her good nature and kind
heart doesn’t know any other way to be because she is a disciple of the Lord.
The next thing reflects the work of Christ again when Peter is called to Joppa for Dorcas.
He gets taken to the room she is in where he makes everyone leave, he kneels down, and he
prays. After he prays, Peter tells her to “rise up”, and she opens her eyes. When she sees him
she sits up.
Both of these are examples of Christ working through his disciples.
Application:
A. Question of Duty: In Acts 9:36-43, Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, and Peter were called
upon by God to do amazing things and they they excelled in completing those duties.
Tabitha was exceptionally generous and kind. She was well known in her community for
her good works of charity and her need to help others. Men like Peter address the Temple
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officials, while preaching about disable men can move about, and then Tabitha who helps
the underprivileged in Joppa. In those times, the widows were frequently living in
poverty, were at the bottom of the social scale, and had nobody to defend them or help
them if they needed. Those were the ones that Tabitha generally helped and shined a little
light into their lives and gave them hope in life again. As followers of Christ, we are all
called to do the same and to be “devoted to good works and acts of charity.” Acts 9:36-
43. In Christianity, it is things like respect, tenderness, and caring that reflect God’s love.
Good deeds and charity can also be carried out with words, time, and helping your
families and neighbors.
B. The Question of Character: In Acts 9:36-43, everyone is stepping out in faith. The
question of character is about how God is using the Holy Spirit through Tabitha and
Peter. It is present among the women whom are trusting and believing that Peter can help
them with Tabitha, whom has already been prepared for burial. Tabitha always stepped
out on faith when investing her time, money, and efforts in those who needed it the most.
She was admired and respected for her caring ways and the way she followed the Lord.
Peter had taken a leap of faith when he was asked to come help with a woman who had
already passed away. We all, when asked to do something or face a circumstance that
seems too tough, are commanded to go out in faith and ask God for assistance.
C. The Question of Goals: As miracles are meant to inspire our faith, they urge witnesses to
believe in a strong God whom is capable and willing to help on their behalf. People’s
belief in God and the church will continue to grow because of people such as Tabitha and
Peter who lived a faithful God-centered lives and did such excellent things in their lives.
We should all live lives that serve as a purpose for showing the world and reminding
them that we do have a God that is willing and able to work and help on our behaves and
all we have to do is believe in him and follow his guidance.
D. The Question of Discernment: Every one of us have the potential to make a difference in
the lives of others, and at times it may be with individuals or in situations that we would
have never expected. God says that if you have faith, hope, and love; if you have the
bravery to care and the humility to pray, things can always change. The Lord showed his
power over life and death when Tabitha opened her eyes again, and in that moment we
also seen that miracles can happen as well. Knowing this should give all Christians hope,
along with the beautiful thinking and knowledge that we will all live again.
Bibliography
Bible Gateway. (2001). The Holy Bible New American Standard Version. Acts 9:36-43. United
States Crossway Bible.
Bible Gateway. (2001). The Holy Bible New International Version. Acts 9:36-43. United States
Crossway Bible.
Hulshof, J.C. (2019). Everyday Bible Study: Growing in the Christian Faith. Nashville,
Tennessee: B&H Academic.
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