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Name: Joshua Fouse
BIBLE STUDY PROJECT: INTERPRETATION TEMPLATE
Passage: Acts 9:36-43
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. Remember
two things. First, this passage is made up of both action and dialogue. Thus, this passage
is both showing and telling us something. Second, words like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our”
are application words and not interpretation words. Thus, they should not be used in your
answer for this question. Interpretation is about “then and there” and not “here and now.”
We were not there so the passage is not about us. Our “part” in the passage is the
application or how we will respond to God’s Word.
The authors main point in Acts 9:36-43 is the healing and resurrection of Tabitha by the Apostle
Peter. What this resurrection really does is show the power and empathy Jesus has through his
followers. John 14:12 says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believed in me will also do the
works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” This
further shows the idea that Jesus works through those that follow Him. This helps confirm how
Peter brought Tabitha back to life. Peter believed in Jesus and by that, Jesus was able to work
through him and heal Tabitha. This passage is so important because it proves that Jesus really
does work through his followers, allowing them to do miraculous things in His name. Peter in
this passage not only brought Tabitha back to life but used this whole event to share the gospel.
Acts 9:42 says, “And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.”
This amazing act of Jesus through Peter caused many people in Joppa to believe in Jesus as they
saw a literal dead person come back to life. It served to teach the people that Jesus is not only
loving, but a savior that restores the lost and leads them back to Him.
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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. Please remember that words like
“I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our” are application words and not interpretation words.
Jesus gives power to those who believe in Him, allowing them in prayer and undoubting belief to
do amazing things through His name.
C. Check: Consult at least one scholarly resource in order to offer support for the principle
that you believe the passage is teaching. In 1-2 paragraphs (200-400 words), cite and
interact with this scholarly resource in order to demonstrate that it supports your
interpretive conclusion. Please consult the “Commentaries” as well as the “Bible
Dictionaries & Handbooks” tabs found on the research guide provided by the Jerry
Falwell Library in order to access academic and scholarly resources. The research guide
can be found by following the link below:
https://libguides.liberty.edu/c.php?g=564126&p=3884087
The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary says, “He came to Joppa. Through him Dorcas was
restored to life. This was the first such miracle performed through any of the apostles, and it
resulted in many new believers.” (Brand) The author clarifies the idea that Peter came to Joppa
and that through Him Tabitha was brought back to life. Further stating the idea that Jesus gives
powers to those that believe in Him, just like John 14:12 states. It’s important to note that when
John 14:12 says, “whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works
than these will he do,” That Jesus isn’t saying those who believe in Him will have more
authority, but that they would do great works of sharing the gospel. The MacArthur Bible
Commentary says, “Jesus did not mean greater works in power, but in extent. They would
become gospel witnesses to all the world through the power of the indwelling and infilling of the
Holy Spirit and would bring many people to salvation because of the comforter dwelling in
them.” (MacArthur) The power that Jesus gives His believers might not always be seen in
resurrections but in the birth of new lives, in the expanding of the heavenly kingdom of God.
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Works Cited
MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Commentary Unleashing God’s Truth, One Verse at a
Time. Nashville, Tenn: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2005. Print.
Brand, Chad, Charles Draper, and Archie England. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Ed.
Chad Brand, Charles (Charles W.) Draper, and Archie England. Nashville, Tenn: Holman Bible
Publishers, 2003. Print.
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