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Name: Anna Bowling
B
IBLE
S
TUDY
P
ROJECT
: O
BSERVATION
T
EMPLATE
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
o Yes
o No
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 talked about Tabitha coming back to life.
2. Similarity – Both said that the disciples sent two men to get Peter to come pray for
Tabitha.
3. Difference – In NKJV the widows said Tabitha made them “tunics and garments”
but in NIV the widows said Tabitha made them “robes and other clothing.”
4. Difference – In NKJV they called the room they took Peter to was the “upper room”
and in the NIV they said Peter went “Upstairs.”
5. Difference - In NKJV it says that Peter called to the “Saints and widows” after she
arose, but in NIV Peter called for the believers and “especially” the widows.
C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
•
Tabitha (in Greek her name was Dorcas.)
•
Peter
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2. Plot: (50-100 words)
The plot of this story in the Bible is this:
In the early church Peter was going around and healing sick individuals in the name of Jesus
Christ all around, and there was a sick disciple and her name was Tabitha (Dorcas) and she grew
very ill and her illness led her to pass. Peter the man who was going around healing people in the
name of Jesus Christ was actually near the same town Tabitha was at this time and it was called
Joppa. Tabitha died but there was Peter around the same area who was healing at this time and
could heal her.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Story Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
The story starts out with giving details and context about the story, then the story explains the
main issue which is sickness and the passing of one of the main characters, then there is hope
and a chance she can be healed but there is still uncertainty, then the other main character who
was the person that could heal her comes and heals her, and then everyone rejoices and
celebrates.
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 disciple named Peter.
2. What: The healing of a disciple named Tabitha.
3. Where: Joppa which was near Lydda.
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4. When: The time of the early Church.
5. Why: God called Peter to go heal in His name and Tabitha needed healing.
6. How:
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