Observation: Peter has moved about from town to town in Israel, as has now raised Dorcas from death in the Joppa. He stays here for some time - a "long time" - and clearly establishes a strong center of Christian faith as many believed in the Gospel of Jesus.
Today, Joppa is spelled Jaffa. This town remained part of regional history, and when Israel was re-established it was at the center of the border discussion, as Jaffa was defined as the northernmost city of the Arab coastal lands. Israel didn't just move the border, but incorporated Jaffa into Tel Aviv, which is now its national capitol. Tel Aviv's full name is actually Tel Aviv-Yofa - again another spelling of Joppa - and the wikipedia history of Tel Aviv begins with a discussion of Joppa as the original city in this location.
So, as the apostles begin spreading their message and Peter's first journeys are documented, he performs one of his most famous acts ... the raising of Dorcas from death. Out of this, a significant body of believers is launched. And this location is now the capitol of Israel.
Application: The factual history of the bible is so intertwined with coincidence that it cannot be overstated. Peter would effectively be identified with two locations during his apostolic life, Joppa and Rome, and these two locations would both be established as national capitols.
Maybe this is a stretch, but the fact that the Lord's pronouncements are often fulfilled in many, many ways is stunning. No matter how someone interprets the declaration of "the rock" associated with Peter, it seems to come true ... whether he be the founder of the universal Church, buried under the largest church, or even associated with the operations of modern-day Israel.
Prayer: Lord, your word is surprising in its simple truth. May I continue to look for meaning from you every day. I desire your spirit this day and every day to guide my life. Amen.
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