Running head: BIBLE STUDY PROJECT 1

Bible Study Project

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Bible Study Project

PART 1

Passage: Acts 9:36-43

A. What points of application can be made using the “Four Questions for Application?”

State and explain 1 point of application for each of these four questions. Your

explanation for each of these points should be 1 paragraph (150-300 words) in length.

1. The question of duty

The story teaches readers the importance of duty towards God and God’s kingdom. In the

story, Dorcas was always doing good in the sight of God and was also outgoing to help the poor.

The story reveals that Dorcas had made several cloths and shared them with the widows, who

mourned her desperately upon her death. The widows showed Peter the cloths she had made and

shared with them when he was called upstairs in the room she was laid (Padilla, 2016). This

description of Dorcas is ultimately the main reason she was raised from the dead. Her faith in

God and the good works she had done gave her a second chance to live. Similarly, Peter was a

devout Christian and did good in the sight of God, which is the main reason he was able to

perform miracles (White, 2014). In the story, Peter manages to raise Dorcas from the dead

because he was dutiful in God’s works. This passage reveals several duties Christians are

supposed to do to please God and live a righteous life.

2. The question of character

Behavior and traits are another core thing revealed in the story. Dorcas is described as a

Godly woman who was is always on the right doing God’s will (White, 2014). Dorcas is

described as a good woman who is respectable and with good behavior. Dorcas was devoted to

helping the poor in the society and the widows testified of this by showing Peter the robes she
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had made for them (Padilla, 2016). Her good character and service to humanity helped her to

gain favor in God’s sight, which helped her to get a second chance in life. Peter’s character is

also reflected from the text. Peter was Jesus’ disciple who was the pillar of the early church.

Peter is described as a devout Christian who was guided by the spirit of God in whatever he did.

Peter is described as submissive and hospitable since he agreed to go to Joppa, and stayed there

for several weeks doing the work of God.

3. The question of goals

This is another core are of study from the passage. In the passage, Dorcas’ goal in life

was to do God’s will and help humanity. Dorcas is described as a tailor who used her resources,

time, and energy to make clothing for the poor, especially widows. She made and shared out

robes and clothing to the poor and widows (White, 2014). Her goal as a believer was to do God’s

will and she adhered to this throughout her life. She is described as a devout Christian who

always gathered with believers to worship God. When focusing on Peter, his main goal, which

was also a command issued by Jesus was to guide Christians and empower God’s people. Peter

was filled with the Holy spirit right from the Pentecost and carried on with the goal of helping

humanity from their troubles such as sickness, death, and suffering (Padilla, 2016). In the

passage, Peter’s goal is to preach he gospel, baptize new converts, heal the rick and raise the

dead.

4. The question of discernment

This is another area that is highlighted in the passage. Dorcas’ behavior shows

discernment because she knew that service to God and humanity was the only command given

by God and she pursued it earnestly. The disciples in Joppa discerned that Peter could be of help

when Dorcas died and they sent two men to Lydda to call Peter (White, 2014). Peter also shows
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discernment since he departed from Lydda at once and accompanied them when he was called.

Upon arriving in Joppa, Peter showed discernment when he sent out all the widows who were

crying and mourning before raising Dorcas from the dead. Peter knew that he needed seclusion

and privacy before consulting God on the fate of Dorcas (White, 2014). Peter knew that the

wailing and mourning of the believers and widows could be a hindrance to God’s visitation and

had to clear out those who had little faith in order to let God manifest Himself.

PART 2

Summaries of the reading from any four of the following chapters in Courageous Faith

Chapter 3 – When Dreams and Heroes Die

This chapter details the life of Joseph, who was sold off by his brothers after they got

envious that their father loved him more than them. Joseph was sold to Egyptian merchants and

upon reaching Egypt he was sold to Potiphar – the captain of Pharaoh’s guard. Although Joseph

had dreamt of his whole family including parents bowing to him, this dream faded when he was

sold. In Egypt, Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of trying to rape her and he was sent to prison. In

Prison, Joseph interpreted dreams for two of the King’s closest employees, who later mentioned

him as a dream interpreter when the king needed dream interpretation. Interpreting the king’s

dream made his childhood dream come true.

Chapter 4 – Becoming a Leader

This chapter focusses on the life of Moses. Moses was born in Egypt as an Israelite but he

was saved from drowning by an Egyptian princes and thus lived in the palace all his childhood

life. This was part of God’s plan and preparation for leadership. Moses was nursed and raised by
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his mother, who coached him of the Israelites ways and he knew he was not an Egyptian. When

Moses killed an Egyptian man, he fled to Jethro’s home and began to take care of his sheep. One

day as he was going about his duty as a herdsman, God appeared to him in the form of a burning

bush and sent him to Egypt to rescue the Israelites.

Chapter 8 – Facing Your Weaknesses

This chapter talks about the life of Samson. Samson was born with great strength and was

God’s servant. God purposely sent him to help fight against Israelite’s enemies, especially the

Philistines. However, he was weak in the face of women and severally failed to guard his urges

to indulge with women. The chapter reveals that Samson indulged with prostitutes and also

found a Philistine girl for marriage against his parents’ objection. Samson also engaged with a

prostitute named Delilah, whom he loved. His love for Delilah caused him to reveal his long kept

secret of the source of his superhuman power. After revealing his secret, the Philistines caught

him and gorged out his eyes, making him their slave.

Chapter 12 – Standing Up for What You Believe

This chapter discusses the life of Daniel. Daniel was a devout follower of God and His

canons. When Daniel and others were selected to be part of the king’s helpers, he refused to eat

food from the king’s table because it was defiled. Daniel always prayed three times a day in his

room. When he was elevated in position, others became envious of him and plotted for his fall.

They forced the king to issue a command that all should worship a sculpted image. Samson

defied this and was thrown into the lion’s den. In the lion’s den, Daniel was saved by the Lord’s

angel from hungry lions and was removed from the den alive.
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References

Hindson, E. E. (2003). Courageous faith: life lessons from Old Testament heroes. Chattanooga:

AMG Publishers.

Padilla, O. (2016). Acts of the Apostles: interpretation, history, and theology. Downers Grove:

InterVarsity Press.

White, E. G. (2014). The Acts of the Apostles. Altenmünster: Jazzybee Verlag.