### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Ióppē**, represented by `{{G2445}}`, refers to **Joppa**, a place in Palestine. It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Acts. While a simple place name, it serves as the backdrop for pivotal moments in the expansion of the early church.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, all mentions of `{{G2445}}` occur in Acts and center on the ministry of the apostle Peter. Joppa is the home of a female disciple named Tabitha, or **Dorkás** `{{G1393}}`, who was known for being "full of **good** `{{G18}}` **works** `{{G2041}}` and **almsdeeds** `{{G1654}}`" [[Acts 9:36]]. After she dies, disciples from **Joppa** summon **Pétros** `{{G4074}}` from the nearby town of **Lýdda** `{{G3069}}` [[Acts 9:38]]. Peter raises her from the dead, an event so significant that it became known throughout **Joppa** and caused **many** `{{G4183}}` to **believe** `{{G4100}}` in the **Lord** `{{G2962}}` [[Acts 9:42]]. Subsequently, Peter remains in **Joppa**, lodging with **Símōn** `{{G4613}}` a **tanner** `{{G1038}}` by the **sea** `{{G2281}}` ([[Acts 9:43]], [[Acts 10:32]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key figures and locations are directly connected to the events in Joppa:
* `{{G1393}}` **Dorkás**: A **disciple** `{{G3102}}` from Joppa whose resurrection at the hands of Peter demonstrated God's power and led many to faith [[Acts 9:36]].
* `{{G1038}}` **byrseús** (a tanner): This refers to **Símōn** `{{G4613}}`, the man who provided lodging for Peter in Joppa, setting the stage for Peter's vision [[Acts 9:43]].
* `{{G3069}}` **Lýdda**: A nearby town where Peter was ministering when the disciples from Joppa sent for him, linking the two locations in the narrative [[Acts 9:38]].
* `{{G4074}}` **Pétros** (Peter): The apostle whose actions in Joppa, including a major miracle and receiving a divine **vision** `{{G3705}}`, were foundational for the early church [[Acts 9:38]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{G2445}}` is immense, as it is the setting for a major turning point in redemptive history.
* **A Place of Miraculous Power:** Joppa is where God's power is displayed through Peter's raising of Tabitha, which directly results in the growth of the church as **many** `{{G4183}}` **believed** `{{G4100}}` [[Acts 9:42]].
* **The Gateway for the Gentile Mission:** While **praying** `{{G4336}}` in Joppa, Peter receives a **vision** `{{G3705}}` of a **vessel** `{{G4632}}` descending from **heaven** `{{G3772}}` [[Acts 11:5]]. This divine revelation prepares him to minister to the Gentiles, beginning with Cornelius, who was instructed by an **ángelos** `{{G32}}` to send men to Joppa to find Peter ([[Acts 10:5]], [[Acts 11:13]]).
* **A Hub for Apostolic Mission:** The city acts as a base from which the gospel message expands. Messengers are **sent** `{{G649}}` to Joppa, and **brethren** `{{G80}}` from Joppa **accompany** `{{G4905}}` Peter on his mission, highlighting its strategic importance ([[Acts 10:8]], [[Acts 10:23]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2445}}` is far more than a geographical marker. It is a critical location in the book of Acts where the faith of the early church was strengthened through miracles and where the door was divinely opened for the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles. The events in Joppa were instrumental in transforming the apostolic mission from one focused on Israel to one that would encompass the entire world.
TRV