See The Person

Pete Kersker - May 27, 2026

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor (Acts 9:36 NIV).

Peter was in a territory with plenty of Hellenistic Jews. Tabitha most probably came from a "mixed marriage" (Hebraic and Hellenistic Jews). We suspect this because she is known by her Hebraic (Hebrew) and Hellenistic (Greek) names. We also know that he was a disciple (student) who believed that Jesus is the Christ.

About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. (Acts 9:37 NIV).

The cared about their fellow-disciple (student) who was a devoted follower of Christ (always doing good and helping the poor). When she died, their community felt a great loss. Their lives were impacted by the person much more than the culture. They didn't want her to be gone.

Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" Peter went with them... (Acts 9:38-39a NIV).

When you meet someone, do you notice the culture or the person first?
Which do you care about more as you get to know them?