Acts 10:32

Therefore send to Joppa for Simon, who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, by the sea.'

Study Bible

Send to Joppa
The directive to "send to Joppa" is significant in the context of the early Christian church's expansion beyond Jewish boundaries. Joppa, known today as Jaffa, was an ancient port city on the Mediterranean Sea. Its mention here underscores the geographical spread of the Gospel. Historically, Joppa was a gateway for trade and cultural exchange, symbolizing the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles. The Greek word for "send" (πέμψον, pempson) implies a deliberate action, indicating the divine orchestration in the spread of Christianity.

for Simon who is called Peter
The phrase "for Simon who is called Peter" highlights the dual identity of the apostle. "Simon" is his Hebrew name, while "Peter" (Πέτρος, Petros) is the name given by Jesus, meaning "rock" (John 1:42). This duality reflects Peter's role as a bridge between Jewish traditions and the new Christian faith. His presence in this narrative is crucial, as he is about to witness and participate in a pivotal moment of Gentile inclusion in the church.

He is a guest
The phrase "He is a guest" indicates Peter's temporary residence, suggesting humility and openness to God's leading. The Greek word for "guest" (ξενίζεται, xenizetai) can also mean "to lodge" or "to stay as a stranger," emphasizing the transient and pilgrim nature of the Christian mission. This hospitality reflects the early Christian practice of welcoming and supporting itinerant preachers and missionaries.

in the home of Simon the tanner
The mention of "Simon the tanner" is significant due to the occupation's cultural and religious implications. Tanners worked with animal hides, a profession considered unclean by Jewish law (Leviticus 11). Peter's willingness to stay in such a home indicates a shift in his understanding of purity and God's acceptance, foreshadowing the acceptance of Gentiles. This setting prepares Peter for the vision he receives, challenging traditional Jewish purity laws.

by the sea
The location "by the sea" is not merely geographical but symbolic. The sea often represents the unknown and the boundary between the familiar and the foreign. In biblical literature, the sea can symbolize chaos and the nations (Isaiah 17:12). Here, it signifies the threshold of a new mission field—the Gentile world. Peter's presence by the sea prefigures the expansive reach of the Gospel, as the message of Christ is about to cross cultural and ethnic boundaries.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Cornelius
A centurion in the Roman army, described as a devout and God-fearing man. He receives a vision from an angel instructing him to send for Peter.

2. Simon Peter
One of Jesus' apostles, known for his leadership in the early church. He is staying in Joppa at the time of Cornelius' vision.

3. Simon the Tanner
A resident of Joppa who hosts Peter. Tanners were often considered unclean due to their work with animal hides, highlighting Peter's willingness to break Jewish purity laws.

4. Joppa
A port city on the Mediterranean Sea, significant as a place where Peter receives a vision that challenges Jewish dietary laws and opens the way for Gentile inclusion in the church.

5. The Angelic Vision
Cornelius receives a divine message to send for Peter, setting the stage for the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith.

Teaching Points

Divine Guidance
God orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes. Cornelius' vision and Peter's subsequent visit demonstrate God's active role in guiding His people.

Breaking Barriers
Peter's stay with Simon the tanner and his visit to Cornelius highlight the breaking of cultural and religious barriers, emphasizing the inclusivity of the Gospel.

Obedience to God's Call
Both Cornelius and Peter show obedience to God's instructions, illustrating the importance of responding to God's guidance in our lives.

The Role of Visions and Revelations
God uses visions to communicate His will, as seen in Cornelius' experience. This encourages believers to be open to God's communication in various forms.

Unity in Diversity
The inclusion of Gentiles into the early church underscores the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, calling believers to embrace and celebrate differences.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Cornelius' character and actions prior to Peter's visit reflect his openness to God's work in his life?

2. What significance does Peter's stay with Simon the tanner have in the context of Jewish purity laws, and how does this relate to the broader message of Acts 10?

3. How does the vision given to Cornelius and the subsequent events challenge the early church's understanding of who can be included in God's family?

4. In what ways can we apply the principle of breaking cultural and religious barriers in our own communities today?

5. How do the events of Acts 10 encourage us to be attentive to God's guidance and direction in our personal and communal lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 11:13-14
Peter recounts the events of Acts 10, emphasizing the divine orchestration in bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Matthew 16:18-19
Jesus' promise to Peter about building His church and the keys of the kingdom, which is fulfilled as Peter opens the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Galatians 2:11-14
Paul confronts Peter about his behavior towards Gentiles, showing the ongoing struggle and growth in understanding the inclusion of Gentiles.