Ancient port city on the southern Mediterranean coast of Israel (now part of Tel Aviv); see also the OT entry on Joppa. In the NT, Joppa is the setting for two consecutive theologically significant narratives in Acts 9-10. (1) Peter raised Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead at Joppa: Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men... Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up (Acts 9:36-40). The raising prompted many in Joppa to believe in the Lord. (2) Peter remained at Joppa for many days lodging with Simon the tanner; on the housetop at noon, while praying, he saw the vision of the great sheet let down from heaven with all manner of unclean creatures and the voice arise, Peter; kill, and eat... what God hath cleansed, that call not thou common (Acts 10:9-16). The vision prepared Peter to receive the messengers from Cornelius the Roman centurion at Caesarea and to undertake the Gentile-inclusion mission. The patriarchal-Reformed reader receives Joppa as the apostolic turning-point: the place where Peter raised Tabitha and where the LORD gave the vision that opened the door of the gospel to the Gentiles.