Biblical Context:
The account of Peter staying in Joppa is found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 9:36-43. This passage is a significant part of the early Christian narrative, highlighting the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem and the miraculous works performed by the apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Geographical and Historical Background:
Joppa, known today as Jaffa, is an ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast of modern-day Israel. It is one of the oldest functioning harbors in the world and has been a significant location throughout biblical history. In the Old Testament, Joppa is mentioned as the port from which Jonah attempted to flee from God's command (Jonah 1:3). By the time of the New Testament, Joppa was a bustling hub of trade and culture, making it a strategic location for the spread of Christianity.

Narrative Summary:
In Acts 9:36-43, we read about a disciple named Tabitha (also known as Dorcas), who lived in Joppa. She was known for her good works and acts of charity. Tragically, Tabitha fell ill and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room. The disciples in Joppa, having heard that Peter was nearby in Lydda, sent two men to urge him to come without delay.

Peter responded to their request and went to Joppa. Upon his arrival, he was taken to the upper room where Tabitha's body lay. The widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the garments that Tabitha had made while she was alive. Peter sent them all out of the room, knelt down, and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Peter gave her his hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her to them alive.

This miraculous event became known throughout Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord as a result. Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

Theological Significance:
The account of Peter staying in Joppa underscores several key theological themes. First, it demonstrates the power of God working through the apostles to perform miracles, affirming the divine authority and mission of the early Church. The raising of Tabitha from the dead is a testament to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, which the apostles were commissioned to proclaim.

Second, Peter's willingness to stay with Simon the tanner is noteworthy. Tanners were often considered unclean due to their work with dead animals, yet Peter's choice to lodge with Simon reflects the breaking down of traditional Jewish purity laws and social barriers in the early Christian community. This foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles into the Church, which becomes a central theme in the subsequent chapters of Acts.

Scriptural Reference:
Acts 9:40-42 : "But Peter sent them all out of the room. Then he knelt down and prayed. Turning toward her body, he said, 'Tabitha, get up.' She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord."

Impact on Early Christianity:
The events in Joppa contributed to the rapid growth of the early Church. The miracle of Tabitha's resurrection served as a powerful witness to the truth of the Gospel, leading many to faith in Christ. Peter's actions in Joppa also set the stage for his subsequent vision and encounter with Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, which further expanded the reach of the Gospel to the Gentile world.