Acts 9:43

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, that he {G846} tarried {G3306} many {G2425} days {G2250} in {G1722} Joppa {G2445} with {G3844} one {G5100} Simon {G4613} a tanner {G1038}.

Kefa stayed on in Yafo for some time with a man named Shimβ€˜on, a leather-tanner.

And Peter stayed for several days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.

And it came to pass, that he abode many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Commentary

Context

Acts 9:43 concludes a significant period of Peter's ministry in the region of Lydda and Joppa. Immediately preceding this verse, Peter had performed two notable miracles: the healing of Aeneas, a paralytic, in Lydda (Acts 9:34), and the raising of Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead in Joppa (Acts 9:40). These powerful demonstrations of God's power led to many believing in the Lord throughout the area. This verse acts as a bridge, indicating Peter's extended stay in Joppa, which providentially set the stage for the pivotal events concerning Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, in the very next chapter (Acts 10).

Key Themes

  • Divine Preparation: Peter's "many days" tarrying in Joppa was not idle time but a period of divine preparation. God was setting the scene for a major expansion of the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries. This period of waiting was crucial for Peter's spiritual development and readiness for the next phase of his ministry.
  • Breaking Down Social & Ceremonial Barriers: The detail that Peter stayed with "Simon a tanner" is highly significant. Tanners dealt with animal hides, a profession that involved contact with dead animals, making them ceremonially unclean according to Jewish law (Leviticus 11). Furthermore, their trade was often considered unsanitary and socially undesirable. Peter, a devout Jew, staying in such a household indicates a growing openness, or God's direct leading, to transcend traditional Jewish ceremonial barriers. This foreshadows the broader message of God's impartiality towards all people, Jew and Gentile alike.
  • God's Orchestration: The seemingly ordinary detail of Peter's lodging highlights God's meticulous orchestration of events. His presence in Joppa, and specifically at a tanner's house by the sea, was precisely where he needed to be for the vision concerning clean and unclean animals and the subsequent call from Cornelius in Caesarea.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "tanner" is byrseus (βυρσΡύς). This profession was often situated outside city limits due to the unpleasant odors and association with unclean materials. For Peter, a strict Jew, to stay in the home of a tanner represented a significant step away from conventional Jewish purity laws. This seemingly small detail underscores the radical nature of the Gospel's expansion and God's progressive revelation to Peter about the inclusion of Gentiles.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God often works in seemingly ordinary circumstances to prepare us for extraordinary purposes. Our "waiting periods" or seemingly insignificant encounters can be crucial for God's larger plan. It also challenges us to examine our own prejudices and social barriers. Just as Peter was led to embrace a broader understanding of God's people, we are called to cross cultural, social, and personal boundaries to share the message of Christ's love. God's grace extends to all, and we should be open to Him leading us into unexpected places and relationships to fulfill His will, just as Peter was prepared for the crucial Gentile mission.

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Cross-References

  • 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.

  • Acts 10:32

    Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of [one] Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
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