Joppa, also known today as Jaffa, is a port city on the Mediterranean coast of Israel and is mentioned multiple times in Scripture. It serves as the setting for both Old and New Testament events.
In the Old Testament, Joppa is mentioned in connection with the building of Solomon’s temple. Timber from Lebanon was floated by sea to Joppa and then transported to Jerusalem: “And we will cut wood from Lebanon… and will bring it by sea to Joppa” (2 Chronicles 2:16; see also Ezra 3:7).
Joppa is also notably linked to the prophet Jonah. In Jonah 1:3, when the Lord called Jonah to preach to Nineveh, Jonah instead fled “to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish.” From Joppa, he attempted to escape God’s command, leading to the storm, his being swallowed by a great fish, and ultimately his repentance and obedience.
In the New Testament, Joppa is the setting for two key events in Acts. In Acts 9:36–43, a disciple named Tabitha (also called Dorcas), known for her good works and charitable deeds, died. The believers in Joppa sent for Peter, who was in nearby Lydda. Peter came, prayed, and raised her from the dead. This miracle led many in Joppa to believe in the Lord.
Peter then stayed in Joppa at the house of Simon the tanner (Acts 9:43). While staying there, Peter received a vision from God that prepared him to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. In Acts 10, as he prayed on the rooftop, he saw a vision of a sheet descending with unclean animals and was told, “What God has cleansed you must not call common” (Acts 10:15). This vision led to his visit to Cornelius in Caesarea and the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles.
Joppa is therefore a place of both rebellion and revelation, death and resurrection, and a pivotal point in the expansion of the Gospel to all nations. It illustrates God’s mercy, power, and the ongoing work of His Spirit through willing servants.
