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BIBL 104
Gracie Frame
Bible Study Project: CORRELATION
Passage: Acts 9:36-43
III. Correlation
A. How does this passage from Luke's Gospel fit within the metanarrative of the Bible?
The story of Peter and Dorcas in Acts 9:36-43 resembles the redemptive theme of the
Bible's metanarrative. Dorcas was a woman known as a disciple of Christ and famous
for her clothes-making skills and good deeds toward others. It was a sad day when
she died, and the members of the church of Joppa mourned her death. Those that she
had clothed and fed were the ones who mourned her the most. However, we know
Dorcas' story had not come to an end, and God had other plans. The Bible tells us,
"But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the
body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat
up" (v.40). These statements responding to the power of God help us understand the
redemptive theme of this narrative. I like to compare it to our salvation. Before we
accept Christ as our savior, we are practically dead inside, just as Dorcas was dead.
When we accept Christ and believe in Him, we are brought to life as a new creature
and made whole, just as Peter did for Dorcas.
B. How does your principle from Acts 9:36-43 fit with the rest of the Scripture? Where
is the principle discovered in this New Testament narrative found elsewhere in the
Scriptures?
In Acts 9:36-43, Jesus sees that Tabitha was a disciple ready to be used by Him, and
because she was willing, He used her. Another similar scripture appears in Philippians
2:12-13. It states, "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not
only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your salvation with
fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his
good pleasure" (KJV). In this passage, Paul is telling us to look to Christ alone and
pursue Him with a passion, and He will fulfill the purpose that He has for us. Paul tells
us that Christ understands how to deal with the difficulties in our lives, but if we trust
in the power that He holds, He will work things out according to His perfect plan.
C. How does this passage from Luke's Gospel reflect the person and work of Jesus
Christ?
The story of Peter and Dorcas in Acts 9:36-43 reflects the miraculous work of Jesus
Christ. Dorcas was a disciple of Christ whose good deeds and charity helped those
around her. God allowed her to die to make a point and impact those around her. God
allowed Peter to raise Dorcas from the dead, a significant turning point in his life. Not
only was it a turning point in Peter's life, but it was an impact on the people of Joppa.
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Many people saw the work of the Lord and the things He was capable of and began to
follow Him. If we want to be followers and disciples of Christ, like Dorcas and Peter
BIBL104 were, we have to have faith that God can do what He says He can and that
He can do it in His timing. Hebrews 6:11 says, "But without faith, it is impossible to
please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a
rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (KJV). This passage lets us know that
without faith, it is impossible to please God. God will reward those that seek Him and
have faith in His works.
