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Bible Study Project
Maisha O’Neal
Liberty University
BIBL 104
Professor Brown
October8,2022
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Bible Study Project
Question of Duty
The question of duty requires people to serve one another. Christians have a role in
helping one another (Daimoi, 2015). Peter 4:10 says, "Every person should use whatever gift he
has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms (Liberty
University)." Acts 9:36-43 first raises the question of duty with Tabitha, also known as Dorcas.
Acts 9:36-43 tells us that Tabitha was always doing good and helping people, especially the poor.
She used her talent to make clothes for the poor. Many people in the region loved Tabitha
because of her devotion to charity. Acts 9:36-39 states, "All the widows stood around him, crying
and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with
them." Acts 9:36-39 shows that Tabitha was essential to the lives of the widow, and that's why
they cried, pointing to the robes and the clothing she made. Probably the widows thought they
would have nobody to provide them with articles of clothing after Tabitha's death. People ought
to model themselves after Tabitha so that future generations would remember them for
something positive when they perish. Everything they do should be for the benefit of others.
Question of Character
The question of character addresses one's traits. Biblically, a character is who we are due
to our relationship with God. Peter depicts the question of character. As a disciple of Christ, Peter
received authorization to pray, preach, heal, and raise the dead. Acts 9:36-43 reveals Peter as a
very committed character. When the disciples sent two men to go and summon Peter to come to
Joppa, he did not hesitate or question the request. Instead, Peter followed the two men to Joppa.
Peter displayed a character of a committed person. He was committed to his duties as authorized
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by Christ. While performing his task, Peter knelt and prayed for Tabitha. Peter's character tells
Christians that they should be committed to serving God's work without compromise, just like
Peter. Christians should also be prayerful and pray to God to intervene when they have problems,
just like Peter, who prayed to God to raise Tabitha from death.
The Question of Goal
Peter also depicts the question of goals in Acts chapter 9:36-43. The question of Goal
addresses one's motive when doing something. As a disciple of Jesus, Peter obtained
authorization to continue ministering God's work, including evangelization, praying, healing the
sick, raising the dead, etc. (Best, 2016). Peter depicted that his Goal was to continue with God's
work by performing the stated duties. When Tabitha dies, Peter is in Lydda preaching, and when
the two men call him to go to Joppa, he does not hesitate. It is like Peter knew why the populace
summoned him. Guided by faith, Peter stayed prepared for the tasks as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Peter's beliefs provided strength in faith, and duty willed Peter's movement and guided him to the
point that he could leave somewhere without knowing where he was heading. He was always
committed to achieving responsibilities as a faithful Christian. Therefore, all Christians should
also strive to accomplish goals. They should always have a purpose in life, just like Peter. They
should set goals to perform God's work and not fear challenges.
Question of Discernment
In Acts 9:36-43, the question of discernment relates to obtaining spiritual guidance and
understanding. Discernment is the ability to judge well or comprehend what is obscure. When
Tabitha died, the disciples sent two men to Peter to come and raise Tabitha. When the disciples
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arrived in Lydda, they just told Peter, "please come at once." Peter did not hesitate, and therefore
he followed them immediately. When the disciples went for Peter in Lydda, he was ministering,
but he was ready to leave what he was doing to follow them. Peter did not question them why
they were calling him. Peter's actions reveal the ability to Judge why the men requested him to
Joppa. When he reached and found Tabitha dead, he knew the only act to take to raise Tabitha
was to pray for her. He had enough faith that if he prayed, she would rise from the dead.
Discernment is a gift God has given us, and Christians should utilize it to judge what is good and
evil.
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References:
Daimoi, J. (2015). Spiritual Formation in Bible and Theological Colleges. Melanesian Journal of
Theology, p. 5-2.
Best, E. (2016). The Role of the Disciples in Mark. New Testament Studies, 23 (4), pp. 377-401.
Phillips, C. (2017). Liberty University. (2017). Minimalism.
http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?id=953879&blogpid=34854&pid=9720
