Joppa

Gateway to the Sea

Joppa—modern Jaffa, now part of Tel Aviv—is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited ports. Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean, Joppa served as Jerusalem's primary seaport despite its limited natural harbor. Cedar logs from Lebanon were floated here in rafts for Solomon's Temple and, centuries later, for the Second Temple under Zerubbabel. Through Joppa flowed the timber, goods, and travelers that connected the hill country of Judah to the wider world.

Jonah's Flight

When God called Jonah to preach to Nineveh, the prophet ran in the opposite direction—to Joppa. "He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for Tarshish. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD." Joppa became the launching point for history's most famous unsuccessful escape. The port that connected Israel to the nations witnessed Jonah's attempt to avoid them—and God's sovereign intervention through storm, lot, and great fish.

Tabitha Raised

In Joppa lived Tabitha (also called Dorcas), a disciple "always doing good and helping the poor." When she died, the believers sent for Peter, who was in nearby Lydda. Peter came to the upper room where her body lay, sent everyone out, knelt and prayed, then said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes and sat up. News of this miracle spread throughout Joppa, "and many people believed in the Lord." The ancient port became a site of resurrection power.

Peter's Vision

Peter stayed in Joppa at the house of Simon the Tanner, perched on the coast where the trade winds carried away the smell of hides. On Simon's rooftop, Peter saw a vision: a great sheet descending from heaven, filled with unclean animals. "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." Three times he refused, and three times God replied, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This vision prepared Peter to receive messengers from Cornelius—and to carry the gospel to Gentiles. At Joppa, the door to the nations swung open.