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 10:6 (KJV)
Context
The Book of Acts records the early history of the Christian Church, focusing on the work of the apostles and the spread of the gospel message. In Acts 10, we encounter a pivotal event where God reveals His plan to include the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) in salvation through Jesus Christ. This chapter tells the story of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and Peter, one of the twelve apostles.
Cornelius was a devout and God-fearing Gentile, known for his acts of charity and prayers. In verse 6, an angel appears to Cornelius and instructs him to send men to Joppa, seeking Simon Peter. The angel informs Cornelius that Peter is lodging at the house of Simon, a tanner, by the seaside.
Simon, the tanner, is mentioned briefly in this verse as the one who provided lodging for Peter. Tanning was considered an unclean occupation by Jewish standards because it involved working with the skins of dead animals. The fact that Peter lodged at Simon’s house reveals a significant shift in Peter’s perspective and understanding of God’s plan for the Gentiles.
Meaning
The detail that Peter stayed with Simon the tanner is not incidental. Joppa was a seaport, and the house by the sea provided a practical location for the messengers to find. More importantly, Peter’s willingness to stay with a tanner—someone in a ritually unclean trade—demonstrates a breaking of traditional Jewish customs. This readiness to associate with someone considered unclean foreshadows the broader theme of the chapter: God reveals that the gospel is for all people.
The angel’s promise that Peter “shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do” indicates that Peter would deliver words and doctrines to Cornelius and his household, instructing them in the way of salvation and leading them to a greater knowledge of Christ and faith in him. This promise is fulfilled in the subsequent narrative, where Peter explains the gospel to Cornelius and his household, and they receive the Holy Spirit.
Biblical connections
Breaking Barriers: In Jewish culture, it was uncommon for a Jew to enter the house of a Gentile. By staying at Simon’s house, Peter was breaking societal and religious barriers. It symbolized God’s intention to include the Gentiles in His plan of salvation.
Preparation for Ministry: God orchestrates divine encounters and prepares individuals for specific tasks. In this case, God guided Cornelius to send for Peter, and Peter was positioned at Simon’s house to receive the messengers.
God’s Guidance: The angel’s message to Cornelius demonstrated God’s guidance and provision. God ensured that Cornelius would find Peter by revealing his whereabouts.
Divine Revelation: Through this event, God revealed His plan to Peter, showing him that the Gentiles were to be welcomed into the Church without distinction. This revelation challenged Peter’s ingrained prejudices and expanded his understanding of God’s grace and salvation.
Application
Openness to God’s Leading: We should be open to God’s leading, even if it takes us outside our comfort zones or challenges our preconceived notions. Like Peter, we should be willing to break down barriers and embrace God’s plan.
God’s Inclusivity: Acts 10:6 reminds us of God’s inclusive nature. He desires that people from every nation, tribe, and background come to know Him. We should actively seek opportunities to share the gospel and welcome others into the family of God.
Divine Appointments: God orchestrates divine appointments and prepares us for specific tasks. We should remain sensitive to His leading and be ready to respond when He opens doors of opportunity to serve Him.
Transformation of Perspective: Peter’s experience highlights the need for continual growth and transformation in our understanding of God’s will. We should be open to re-evaluating our beliefs and allowing God to expand our understanding of His purposes.
