Bible Dictionary
Joppa, Or Japho
Joppa, also called Japho and later Jaffa, was a coastal city allotted to Dan and used as the port of Jerusalem. It is associated with Jonah, the importation of temple timber, and Peter’s ministry.
Definition
Joppa, or Japho, was a coastal town in the territory of Dan, now called Jaffa. Its harbor, though dangerous, made it the port of Jerusalem from the days of Solomon onward. The city is associated with maritime travel, the importation of timber, and important events in Peter’s ministry.
Biblical Usage
Jonah embarked at Joppa to flee from the presence of the Lord. Peter received his vision on the roof of Simon the tanner’s house by the sea.
Historical Background
Joppa was situated on the southwest coast of Palestine and contained about four thousand inhabitants according to the supplied material.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(beauty), now Jaffa, a town on the southwest coast of Palestine, in the portion of Dan. (Joshua 19:46) Having a harbor attached to it—though always, as still, a dangerous one—it became the port of Jerusalem in the days of Solomon, and has been ever since. Here Jonah “took ship to flee from the presence of his Maker.” Here, on the house-top of Simon the tanner, “by the seaside,” St. Peter had his vision of tolerance. (Acts 11:5) The existing town contains about 4000 inhabitants.