Apostle Peter Raises the Dead and Takes Gospel to Gentiles from Jaffa

Jaffa (also known as Joppa, Japho, and Yafo) was the most important sea port during the Canaanite and Israelite periods (pre-Old Testament and Old Testament times). During the New Testament and Roman periods it was replaced as the predominant port by Caesarea which was built by Herod the Great. Caesarea was replaced in importance during the Arab and Crusader periods by Accho (a.k.a. Akko), which was replaced in the British Mandate and Israel times by Haifa. Through all of these times the port of Jaffa was still used whiled Caesarea has been totally destroyed.

In Old Testament times, Jonah sailed from Joppa westward rather than travel northeast to preach to Nineveh (see Jonah 1:3). The Cedars from Lebanon were floated down to Joppa for the construction of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. Joppa was the closest Mediterranean port to Jerusalem and a vital trade route to Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus, Crete, and beyond.

Significantly, in the New Testament the Apostle Peter while at Joppa traveled to Lydda (a.k.a Lod, near today’s Ben Gurion International Airport) and raised Dorcas (a.k.a. Tabitha) from the dead:

“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.  Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.” Acts 9:36-43.

In Ceasarea at this time there was a Roman centurion named Cornelius who had a vision, was converted to the Lord, and told to send for Peter. Just before Cornelius’ men arrived at Joppa, Peter had a vision in Joppa while on the roof of Simon the tanner’s home, declaring the gospel was to be shared with the gentiles:

“Peter went up upon the housetop [Simon the tanner’s rooftop] to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.” Acts 10:9-19.

The Apostle Peter then went to Caesarea and baptized Cornelius and his entire household, thus beginning the great work among the gentiles that Paul would become famous for.

Today, Jaffa is completely engulfed by greater Tel Aviv. There are three sites in little Jaffa that various traditions say is the location of Simon the tanner’s house. They are the Monastery of Saint Peter, a small stone house, and a small mosque.

Side note: Surprisingly, the rocks offshore straight out from the ancient Joppa harbor are featured in a classic Greek myth about Andromeda, the beautiful daughter of the Canaanite king of Jaffa. She was tied to one of the larger rocks as a sacrifice to Poseidon, the sea god. But the Greek hero Perseus killed Poseidon’s sea monster, rescued Andromeda and married her.