He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
He {G3778} lodgeth {G3579} with {G3844} one {G5100} Simon {G4613} a tanner {G1038}, whose {G3739} house {G3614} is {G2076} by {G3844} the sea side {G2281}: he {G3778} shall tell {G2980} thee {G4671} what {G5101} thou {G4571} oughtest {G1163} to do {G4160}.
He’s staying with Shim‘on the leather-tanner, who has a house by the sea.”
He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side.
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Acts 9:43
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. -
Acts 11:13
And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; -
Acts 11:14
Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. -
John 7:17
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself. -
Romans 10:14
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? -
Romans 10:17
So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. -
Acts 9:6
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
This verse provides precise instructions from an angel to Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, directing him to find Simon Peter. The seemingly minor detail of Peter lodging with "Simon a tanner" is profoundly significant for understanding the unfolding of God's plan.
Context
The book of Acts chronicles the spread of the early Christian church. Chapter 10 marks a pivotal moment: the breaking down of the long-standing barrier between Jews and Gentiles regarding salvation. Cornelius, though a Gentile, was a God-fearing man, whose prayers and alms ascended as a memorial before God (Acts 10:4). This verse is part of the angelic message instructing Cornelius to send for Peter, emphasizing the specific location in Joppa. The mention of the tanner is crucial, as tanners worked with animal hides, a profession often considered ritually unclean by Jewish law due to its association with dead animals. Peter, a devout Jew, staying in such a house foreshadows the radical shift God is about to bring in his understanding of what is clean and unclean.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for tanner, byrseus (βυρσεύς), refers to someone who works with animal skins. This trade was typically performed outside city walls due to the unpleasant odors and the ritual impurity associated with handling dead animals. For Peter, a strict Jew, to lodge in such a house indicates a departure from typical Jewish custom, subtly preparing him for the broader lesson on God's acceptance of all people, regardless of their background or previous ceremonial standing.
Practical Application
This verse reminds us that God often works in surprising ways, using unexpected people and places to fulfill His purposes. It encourages us to be open to God's specific leading, even when it challenges our comfort zones or preconceived notions. Just as Peter was led to a "tanner's house," we too may be called to step outside our familiar spiritual or social circles to participate in God's broader mission, demonstrating that God's grace extends to all who believe.