Acts 10:18

And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

And {G2532} called {G5455}, and asked {G4441} whether {G1487} Simon {G4613}, which {G3588} was surnamed {G1941} Peter {G4074}, were lodged {G3579} there {G1759}.

and called out to ask if the Shim‘on known as Kefa was staying there.

They called out to ask if Simon called Peter was staying there.

and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter, were lodging there.

Commentary

Acts 10:18 KJV is a brief, yet pivotal, verse that marks a critical moment in the narrative of the early Christian church, signaling the convergence of divine plans for both Jews and Gentiles.

Context of Acts 10:18

This verse occurs immediately after two significant divine encounters: the vision of Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion in Caesarea (Acts 10:3-8), and the repetitive vision of Peter, an apostle, involving a sheet filled with all kinds of animals, instructing him to eat what was previously considered unclean (Acts 10:9-16). Cornelius, instructed by an angel, sent two of his household servants and a devout soldier to Joppa to find Simon Peter. Acts 10:18 describes these men arriving at the house of Simon the tanner, where Peter was staying, and making their inquiry. This precise arrival, concurrent with Peter's reflection on his vision, highlights God's perfect timing and orchestration.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Orchestration: The verse showcases God's meticulous planning, bringing together seemingly disparate individuals—a Roman centurion and a Jewish apostle—to fulfill His redemptive purposes.
  • Breaking Barriers: The inquiry for Peter at a tanner's house (an occupation often deemed impure by strict Jews) and the subsequent interaction with Gentiles, begins to dismantle long-standing cultural and religious barriers between Jews and Gentiles. This event is a crucial step towards the inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian community.
  • Obedience and Inquiry: Cornelius's servants diligently followed their master's command, which was itself a response to divine instruction. Their simple act of asking for Peter demonstrates a readiness to seek out God's designated messenger.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Simon, which was surnamed Peter" emphasizes the apostle's well-known identity. His surname Peter (Greek: Petros), meaning "rock," was given to him by Jesus (see John 1:42), signifying his foundational role in the early church. The detailed identification helps confirm to the servants that they have found the correct person, underscoring the accuracy of the divine directions given to Cornelius.

Practical Application

Acts 10:18 reminds us of several timeless truths:

  • God's Sovereignty: God often works behind the scenes, aligning circumstances and guiding individuals to accomplish His will. We can trust in His meticulous planning even when we don't understand it.
  • Seeking God's Messengers: Just as Cornelius's men sought Peter, we are called to seek out and listen to those whom God has appointed to share His truth, whether through scripture, teaching, or wise counsel.
  • Overcoming Prejudice: The narrative challenges us to examine our own biases and be open to God working in unexpected ways and through people we might initially dismiss. The willingness of Peter to lodge with Simon the tanner in Joppa was already a step towards breaking social norms.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 11:11

    And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

  • Acts 10:5

    And now send men to Joppa, and call for [one] Simon, whose surname is Peter:

  • Acts 10:6

    He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
← Back