BIBLE STUDY PROJECT
Passage: Acts 9:36-43

I. Observation

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 translations (NKJV and NIV), the disciple Tabitha was from Joppa, near Lydda, where Peter was staying.

2. Similarity –
The two translations also indicate that these people mourning Tabitha (the Church) sent two men to convince Peter to accompany them back to Joppa.

3. Similarity –
The two versions also narrate that when Peter was taken to the upstairs room where the body was lying, he sent everyone out of the room so that he could pray.

4. Difference –
The first difference is that the NIV translation notes that in Greek, Tabitha’s name is Dorcas. In contrast, the NKJV translation simply indicates that the name Tabitha translates to Dorcas without stating the language from which the translation is derived.

5. Difference -
Another difference is that the NKJV translation narrates that Tabitha was known for her good works and charitable deeds, while the NIV states that her virtues included helping the poor, besides doing good.

6. Difference -
In the NIV translation, there was an emphasis on widows on the part of Peter as those he called and presented to a resurrected Dorcas. However, in NKJV, Peter is said to have called both saints and widows.

C. Identify the basic elements of the story you are studying

1. Main characters: (List them)

Tabitha (Dorcas), Peter, and Simon, who was a leather tanner

2. Plot: (50-100 words)

Tabitha, a believer in Joppa, had died after an illness. Her fellow believers prepared her body and placed it in the upstairs room. Much mourning followed her death since she was a woman of good deeds and a gifted tunic and garments maker. When the people heard Apostle Peter was in Lydda, not far from Joppa, they sent two men from their midst to have him return with them without delay. He did and was taken to the room where the body had been kept. He prayed therein alone, and she came back to life.

3. Story structure: (50-100 words)

Note: Plot and Story Structure are not the same thing (see the tutorial and student example)
Introduction: Tabitha, a disciple of Christ known for her charitable deeds, had just died in Joppa.

Inciting Incident: Two men are dispatched to go and bring Peter, who was in the nearby town of Lydda.

Rising Action: Peter arrives, is taken to the body, and is immediately greeted by a somber mood and widows weeping.

Climax: Peter orders everyone to leave the room where he kneels and prays and turns to Tabitha, saying, “Tabitha, arise.” Miraculously, God resurrects her.

Falling Action: He then presents Tabitha alive.

Resolution: Through this resurrection, many believed 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.

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