BIBLE STUDY PROJECT: INTERPRETATION TEMPLATE

Passage: Acts 9:36-43

A. Summarize: Determine the author’s main point. In 1-2 paragraphs (200-400 words),
explain what you think the author is trying to communicate in this passage.
Remember two things. First, this passage is made up of both action and dialogue.
Thus, this passage is both showing and telling us something. Second, words like “I,”
“We,” “Us,” and “Our” are application words and not interpretation words. Thus,
they should not be used in your answer to this question. Interpretation is about
“then and there” and not “here and now.” We were not there, so the passage is not
about us. Our “part” in the passage is the application or how we will respond to
God’s Word.
In the book of Acts 9; 36-43, God depicts His strength by raising a person from death
through his servant. The story’s main point is the need for Christians to step out in faith to
perform God’s work. The chapter also tells how God depicts His work and miracles through His
servants, emphasizing the need for Christians to get involved in God’s work. This story is similar
to previous episodes in which Jesus performed miracles. In this chapter, God used Peter to raise a
dead woman, Tabitha, in Joppa’s little-known town. The chapter discusses Tabitha’s good deeds
and charitable work for Joppa, but she later got sick and succumbed to an unknown disease.
People washed her body and laid it in the upper room. At that time, Peter was at Lydda, a place
near Joppa, and the disciples sent two men to request him to go to Tabitha’s house without delay.
Peter got to the room upstairs where Tabitha’s lifeless body was laid, spoke a few words, and she
woke up and joined others outside the room.
People were amazed by this act, and many believed in God. This chapter teaches about
God’s ability to restore and redeem people even during their weakest moments. It further
emphasizes God’s manifestation through His servants. The book also teaches how stepping out
in faith, remaining optimistic, and wholeheartedly serving others can be rewarding to believers.
During her time, widows tended to be poor and ranked the lowest in the community. Her healing
is a clear teaching that God will reward charity and service to others. Tabitha dedicated her
generosity and charity to widows, and after she died, the women were optimistic that Peter
would resurrect her. Calling Peter to come to their aid was a step of faith. It becomes hard for
faith communities to lose their leaders. Tabitha’s absence would leave a void in the lives of
widows and the church where she fulfilled most responsibilities. She dedicated her life to helping
others, and such kindness impacted growth in God’s kingdom. Peter also stepped out in faith and
spoke words that raised Tabitha. Peter knelt and prayed to help bring Tabitha back to life. The
act of faith was more about his relationship with Christ.
B. Identify: Based on your answer above, write out one principle from this passage.
You should be able to express this principle in 1-3 sentences. Please remember that
words like “I,” “We,” “Us,” and “Our” are application words and not
interpretation words.
One principle interpreted from this chapter was stepping out in faith. Both Peter and
Tabitha demonstrated their faith in God by devoting themselves to doing good work. As a result
of Tabitha’s resurrection, many people believed in God hence expanding the kingdom of heaven.

BIBL 104

Page 2 of 2
Though people face difficulties in their journey with Christ, they should seek God’s guidance,
meditate with Him, and step out in faith.

C. Check: Consult at least one scholarly resource to support the principle you believe
the passage is teaching. In 1-2 paragraphs (200-400 words), cite and interact with
this scholarly resource to demonstrate that it supports your interpretive conclusion.
Please consult the “Commentaries” and the “Bible Dictionaries & Handbooks” tabs
found on the research guide provided by the Jerry Falwell Library to access
academic and scholarly resources. The research guide can be found by following the
link below:
https://libguides.liberty.edu/c.php?g=564126&p=3884087
Both Peter and Tabitha stepped out in faith to serve people and show God’s kindness and
love. Just like any other person, Tabitha could have had doubts when she started her ministry
with widows in Joppa. Widows were poor and underrated in the community during her time.
Rigby (2021) defines doubt as a valid element of faith. People start by doubting before holding
onto hope and taking a step of faith. However, when doubt leans toward skepticism, it distances
itself from the boundary of faith and belief. According to the Stepping into the Madness article,
doubt can be an obstacle to stepping out in faith.
Nevertheless, crossing the bridge of doubt and skepticism can lead to something great,
like performing and attracting miracles. At the same time, making progress in spiritual
meditation and creating a good relationship with God requires people to get beyond their comfort
zone by stepping out in faith. Rigby (2021), in her article “Stepping into the Madness,” explores
how disallowing skepticism when faced with impossibilities can help Christians open greater
doors for miracles in their lives.

References

BIBL 104

Page 3 of 2
Rigby C. L., (2021). Stepping into the madness: On being skeptical, doing justice, and hoping
against hope. Studies in Christian Ethics, 28(2), 175-186.
https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0953946815570593