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Name: Caitlyn Thompson
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 the ESV and NLT versions state that Tabitha became ill and died.
2. Similarity – Both the ESV and NLT versions state that when Peter arrived, he went
to the upstairs room where all the widows stood weeping.
3. Similarity – ESV version states that Tabitha is a Disciple. NLT version states that
Tabitha is a Believer. In Biblical times, both words are interchangeable. Meaning, if
Tabitha is a Believer in Christ, she is also a Disciple.
4. Similarity – Both the ESV and NLT versions states that once Peter presented
Tabitha alive, many believed in the Lord.
5. Difference – ESV version states that Tabitha was “full of good works and acts of
charity” where the NLT version states that “she did kind things for others and
helped the poor”.
6. Difference - ESV version states that Tabitha is a “Disciple”, but the NLT version
states that she is a “Believer”. In today’s world, it could be translated that
“Believer” and “Disciple” do not actually mean the same. For example. You can
“believe” in Christ, making you a believer but you do not follow Christ, then you
are not a “Disciple”. You are a “Disciple” of Christ if you believe and follow Him.
7. Differences – ESV version states that Peter stayed in Joppa for “many days”. NLT
version states that Peter stayed a “long time”. Many days and a long time could
mean a different length of time in both versions.
8. Differences – ESV version tells us that Peter stayed with Simon, a tanner, but does
not tell us a tanner of what. NLT version tells us that Peter stays with Simon, a
tanner of hides.
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C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying
1. Main characters: (List them)
•
Tabitha (Dorcas)
•
Peter
•
Two men
•
Widows
2. Plot: (50-100 words)
•
Tabitha is a beloved servant that does kind things for others and helps the poor
in the city of Joppa. One day, she becomes ill and died. After they prepared her
for burial, the disciples heard that Peter was nearby in Lydda. Two men were
sent to find Peter and bed him to come and help. Once peter arrived in Joppa, he
went to Tabitha’s both and sent everyone out of the room. He then knelt and
prayed. He told Tabitha to get up, in which she opened her eyes and sat up when
she saw Peter. Once the widows and believers saw that she was alive, the news
spread over the whole town and many people believed in the Lord. Peter then
decided to stay in Joppa for some time with Simon, who was a tanner of hide.
3. Story structure: (50-100 words)
Note: Plot and Story Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
Introduction: A women named Tabitha in Joppa dies and is laid in an upstairs room.
Inciting Incident: Two men hear that Peter is in Lydda, so they go and beg him to come
back to Joppa.
Rising Action: Peter returns to Joppa where he goes to the room Tabitha in. He knelt and
began to pray.
Climax: Tabitha opens her eyes and sits up the moment she sees Peter.
Falling Action: Peter helps Tabitha up. He called in all the widows and believers and
presented her alive.
Resolution: The news became known throughout all of Joppa, which increased the
number of believers. Peter then decides to stay in Joppa with 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.
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1. Who:
•
Tabitha
•
Peter
•
Simon
•
two men
•
Disciples
•
believers
2. What:
•
When the disciples learn that Peter is in Lydda, a town close to Joppa, they sent
two men to beg him to return to Joppa with them. When they arrive, Peter is taken
to an upstairs room where Tabitha is lying in a bed. All the widows were present
showing the clothes Tabitha had made. He orders everyone to leave the room,
then he knelt to pray. He says to the woman, “Tabitha, arise” (9:40). Tabitha opens
her eyes and Peter takes her hand. He helps her to her feet and then presented her
alive.
3. Where:
•
Joppa: Where Tabitha died
•
Lydda: where Peter is
•
The upstairs room: where Tabitha is laying
4. When:
•
The Book of Acts was written by Luke the Evangelist in Rome
•
The passage Acts 9:36-43 takes place in Joppa where Tabitha is but also goes to
Lydda where Peter is.
5. Why:
•
Why were two men sent to Lydda?
▪
To find Peter and beg him to come back to Joppa with them
•
Why did the widows show Peter the clothes that Tabitha made?
▪
To show that Tabitha was a good person who liked to help the poor
•
Why did Peter make everyone leave the room?
▪
So, he could pray over Tabitha and heal her
•
Why did many believe in the Lord after they heard the news?
▪
They seen the miracle that Peter has performed and knew it was the
work of the Lord.
6. How:
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•
How did Tabitha help the poor and do kind things?
o She made clothes for the poor
•
How was Peter able to revive Tabitha?
o “But Peter put them all outside and knelt and prayed; and turning to the
body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” Acts 9:40
•
How did Tabitha respond to Peter saying “Tabitha, arise”?
o She opened her eyes, and then she sat up.
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