Jaffa

Often the beginning spot of many Christian tours to Israel, Jaffa is also the place of beginnings in the Bible as well-Jonah's journey, Peter's conversion of gentiles and Tabitha's being brought back to life again. Considered the "older sister" of Tel Aviv, Jaffa has a long list of biblical history, beautiful churches, galleries and more. Peter really shows a great deal of creative thinking while in Jaffa, such as the story in Acts 10:5-23 where we read about his vision on the rooftop of the House of Simon the Tanner (Acts 10:12-13), after which he spread the Gospel in Caesarea to gentiles. The resurrection of Tabitha by Peter (Acts 9:36-42) is commemorated by the Russian Orthodox Church of Tabitha, which you can visit on your Israel tour. Another popular spot in Jaffa is the Church of St. Peter off of Kedumim Square. The historical sites in Jaffa are not limited to churches, however, as visitors can see the archaeological site of a fortress that was built by Ramses II (known best as the "Pharaoh of the Exodus"). The sea is clearly visible from Jaffa, serving as a reminder of the cedar logs sent by King Hiram of Tyre for the Temple, which were hauled to shore and brought to Jerusalem (2 Chron. 2:16). There is a plaque on the northern beach in remembrance of an interesting story in which 157 Christians from American (natives of Jonesport, Maine) landed on Nellie Chapin in September 1866, carrying with them wood to build their houses. You can learn more about this even during your Israel tour at the Maine Friendship House, one of the restored houses of the American colony.

Acts Chapter 9:36-

36 Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come to us without delay." 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.