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Name: Cheyenne Francis
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 – In both version Tabitha, is a good woman who helps the poor and those
in need. She gets sick and dies and word is sent out to Peter.
2. Similarity – In both versions Peter kneels down and prays. He then turns to her
body and commands her to get up. It is said that it became known all over Joppa
and many became believers of God.
3. Difference – The KJV says that Tabitha is by interpretation called Dorcas, whereas
in the NIV it just puts in parenthesis that in Greek her name is Dorcas. While they
both show that her name is different in another language the NIV states which
language it is that her name is Dorcas.
4. Difference – The NIV states that he sent all the widows out of the room while the
KJV says that he put them all forth.
5. Difference - While both state that two men were sent to peter the NIV says they
urged him to come at once. The KJV simply says that he would not delay in coming
to them.
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C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
- Tabitha (Dorcas)
- Peter
-God
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
A woman in Joppa named Tabitha, who is a very good and charitable woman, becomes
sick and dies. She is then washed and placed in an upper room. The disciples, having heard that
Peter was in Lydda which was very close to Joppa, sent two men to ask him to come to Joppa
and help the woman. Peter then arrived where all the widows stood in mourning. Peter sends
everyone out of the room. He kneels down and prays to the Lord. He then turns to Tabitha and
urges her to rise. She then opens her eyes, sees peter and sits up. He then helps her to her feet and
presents her alive to the people. The story was spread throughout Joppa and many people became
believers in the Lord. Peter then stayed in Joppa for awhile 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)
Introduction: Tabitha’s introduced as a good woman. She grew ill and died
Inciting Incident: The disciples send two men to peter to bring him back, as he is close by.
Rising Action: Peter arrives at Tabitha’s side and orders everyone away from the room.
Climax: Peter kneels and prays, showing obedience to God. He then turns to the body and urges
her to rise. Tabitha then arises from the dead, through the power of God
Falling Action: Peter calls the believers, and the widows to come see her alive
Resolution: The people in Joppa become believers 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-The author
•
Peter
•
Tabitha-also known as Dorcas
•
The believers
•
The widows
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BIBL 104
•
The disciples, and the two men they sent to Peter
2. What:
Tabitha, a good woman who is charitable, becomes ill and dies.
The widows mourned the loss of a kind friend who helped them with their needs.
The disciples hear that Peter is in a town called Lydda which is close, so they send to men
to urge him to Joppa.
Peter comes back with them and goes to Tabitha’s body. He orders everyone out of the
room. He then kneels down and prays to God. He then turns to Tabitha and tells her to
rise, and due to the power of God she does.
Peter presents Tabitha to the people and they rejoice. This story spread and many of the
people in Joppa became believers in Christ.
3. Where:
The City of Joppa.
Tabitha’s house
4. When:
When Peter was in Lydda, which is where Jesus healed Aeneas from being paralyzed
5. Why:
•
Why was Tabitha allowed to die?
o God had a plan for her, and her life (and death) had a purpose
o She was a disciple of Chris who was known for her good deeds.
•
Why was Peter in Lydda
o He was in Lydda to show how great Christ was and the miracles that Jesus
could do.
o He was healing a man named Aeneas who was Paralyzed
•
Why did Peter pray for her to be risen from the dead?
•
Peter was showing how powerful Jesus Christ is, and Jesus’ loyalty to his disciples.
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6. How:
•
How did the people display their grief over losing Tabitha?
o The widows were crying, and clinging to the robes and clothes she had
made for them.
•
How did Peter raise Tabitha from the dead?
o He did not, God was ultimately the one who did. Peter prayed to God to
heal her, and God did.
•
How was this significant?
o The raising of Tabitha from the dead shows how powerful Jesus truly is.
o It shows how God can use us for his glory if we let him
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