St. Peter's Church, Jaffa

City:

Tel Aviv

State, Province, Region, or District:

Tel Aviv District

Country:

Israel

Overview

St. Peter's Church is a Franciscan Catholic church in Old Jaffa, now part of Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. The church was constructed on its present location because of the significance Joppa (modern-day Jaffa) has to Christianity. The church is dedicated to Saint Peter.

In the New Testament, Joppa witnessed a miracle performed by Peter as he raised Dorcas (Tabitha) from the dead (Acts 9:36-43). Also of significance, Acts 10:10-23 relates that Peter was in Joppa staying in the house of Simon the Tanner when he received a crucial vision that changed his mind about accepting Gentiles into the early Christian Church.

Alternate Names

Saint (St.) Peter's Church; St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church

Geography & Location

St. Peter's Church in Jaffa is located on a high hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the ancient harbor at 1, Mifraz Shlomo Street in Kedumim Square (Kikar Kedumim) within Old Jaffa, Israel.

Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information

Roman/Biblical Period (1st Century AD)

Architecture

Church Exterior

Biblical & Historical References

Joppa is mentioned in the Old Testament as the northernmost Philistine city by the coast, bordering the territory of the Tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:46).

Spiritual Lessons and Application

Obedience Versus Disobedience

Etymology

Peter: From the Greek Petros (Πέτρος), a translation of the Aramaic Kefa (Cephas), meaning "stone" or "rock," given by Jesus to the apostle.

Planning a Visit

Disclaimer: The information provided below may not be current. Travel details, entry requirements, and business operations are subject to frequent change due to holidays, seasonal fluctuations, maintenance, staffing levels, weather, and safety considerations. Always double-check with official sources before you go.