Topical Bible: Faith: Faith in Christ: The People of Joppa

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Joppa, an ancient port city located in modern-day Jaffa, Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly in the context of faith in Christ. The city is mentioned several times in the New Testament, most notably in the Acts of the Apostles, where it serves as a backdrop for the demonstration of faith among early Christians.

Tabitha (Dorcas) and the Miracle of Resurrection

One of the most compelling accounts of faith in Joppa is the account of Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, a disciple renowned for her good works and acts of charity. In Acts 9:36-42, Tabitha falls ill and dies, prompting the believers in Joppa to send for the Apostle Peter, who was nearby in Lydda. The faith of the Joppa community is evident in their urgent request for Peter's presence, reflecting their belief in the power of Christ to work miracles through His apostles.

Upon arrival, Peter is taken to the upper room where Tabitha's body is laid. Surrounded by widows mourning her loss, Peter kneels and prays, then turns to the body and says, "Tabitha, get up." She opens her eyes, sees Peter, and sits up. This miraculous resurrection leads many in Joppa to believe in the Lord, as stated in Acts 9:42 : "This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord."

Peter's Vision and the Inclusion of Gentiles

Joppa is also the setting for a pivotal moment in the early Church's understanding of the Gospel's reach. While staying at the house of Simon the tanner, Peter receives a vision that challenges Jewish dietary laws and signifies the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith. In Acts 10:9-16, Peter sees a sheet descending from heaven, filled with all kinds of animals, and hears a voice telling him to "kill and eat." When Peter objects, citing the animals as unclean, the voice responds, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."

This vision prepares Peter for his encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household, who become some of the first Gentile converts to Christianity. The events in Joppa thus underscore the expanding scope of the Christian faith, breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles and affirming the universality of the Gospel message.

The Role of Joppa in Early Christian Faith

The accounts of Tabitha's resurrection and Peter's vision in Joppa highlight the city's role as a place where faith in Christ is both tested and affirmed. The believers in Joppa demonstrate a profound trust in the power of Jesus to heal and restore life, while Peter's vision marks a significant theological shift towards the inclusivity of the Gospel. These narratives illustrate the dynamic and transformative nature of faith in the early Christian community, as they navigate new understandings and embrace the fullness of Christ's message.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 9:42
And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Communion of Saints.
... This is a great mystery; but when faith has accepted ... right use of the means ordained
by Christ Himself the ... Me?" said the Lord to the persecutor of His people. ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter x the communion of.htm

The Work Awaiting the Worker
... which has ever since continued to be the badge of faith in Christ"and Antioch ... They
were the people of cleverness and genius, the perfect masters of commerce ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter v the work awaiting.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... no respect to his sacrifice, for without faith it is ... servants, assisted by some of
Solomon's people, who had ... but herein Solomon fails to be a type of Christ. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

An Exposition of the Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles.
... 1369] nor to hypocrites, but to saints by faith; also * of ... U. How, when they had
preached Christ in Iconium, and ... of which they were taken by the people of the ...
/.../pamphilus/the writings of pamphilus/an exposition of the chapters.htm

Copies of Christ's Manner
... it will be no presumption, but simple faith which He ... and stand by a paralytic and
say, 'Jesus Christ maketh thee whole,' or go and stand by people dead in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/copies of christs manner.htm

Fruits and the Two Works.
... man, fearing God, giving much alms to the people, and praying ... Therefore being justified
by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vi fruits and the.htm

Acts XVI
... for the truth would have convinced the people that there ... with the apparent sanction
of Christ, the prophesy ... times men shall depart from the faith, giving heed ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

A Soldier's Training
... turned him about, and said unto the people that followed ... soldier gained his great
faith; his faith that all ... whom we read as having acknowledged Christ, he to ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon iv a soldiers training.htm

Divine Healing.
... give I:thee: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth ... And all the people saw him walking
and praising God ... This miracle of divine healing was done by faith in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter ix divine healing.htm

'God is no Respecter of Persons'
... And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to ... through the manifested character
and work of Jesus Christ is given on condition of faith to any and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/god is no respecter of.htm