Acts 10:6 – “He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is part of the angel’s instructions to Cornelius about where to find Peter. The angel tells Cornelius not only to send for Peter but also where exactly he is staying—at the house of Simon the tanner, by the sea.
At first glance, this detail might not seem significant, but it carries important meaning. A tanner was someone who worked with animal hides, a job that was considered unclean by Jewish standards. According to Jewish law, touching dead animals made a person ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 11:39-40). That Peter was staying in such a place suggests that God was already working in his heart, preparing him for the next step—going to the home of a Gentile.
The house being “by the sea” is another interesting detail. In the Bible, the sea often symbolizes the nations or the Gentile world (Isaiah 60:5, Revelation 17:15). This small detail foreshadows the mission Peter was about to undertake—bringing the gospel to a non-Jewish household.
Historical Context
At this time, Jewish people had strict rules about cleanliness and associations. Many Jews would not have wanted to be near a tanner’s house because of the constant exposure to dead animals. Yet, Peter was staying there, which shows that he was beginning to move beyond rigid Jewish traditions.
Joppa (modern-day Jaffa), where Peter was staying, had historical significance. This was the same city where Jonah had tried to flee from God’s call to preach to the Gentiles of Nineveh (Jonah 1:3). The parallel is striking—Jonah resisted preaching to non-Jews, while Peter was about to be called to do the same but would respond differently.
The fact that the angel gave Cornelius such precise instructions highlights how carefully God was guiding these events. Cornelius didn’t have to guess where to find Peter—God was directing everything according to His plan.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that God was already breaking down Jewish-Gentile barriers before Peter even met Cornelius. Peter’s willingness to stay with a tanner suggests that his heart was being prepared for the even greater step of entering a Gentile’s home.
It also reminds us that God’s work often happens in unexpected places. A tanner’s house, considered unclean by Jewish standards, became the launching point for one of the most important moments in church history—the gospel going to the Gentiles. This reflects God’s pattern throughout Scripture of working through unlikely people and places.
Additionally, this verse highlights God’s sovereignty. Every detail of Cornelius’ and Peter’s encounter was planned out by God. He was orchestrating events so that the gospel would reach Cornelius’ household at just the right time.
Literary Analysis
Luke, the author of Acts, includes small but meaningful details in his writing. The mention of “Simon the tanner” not only identifies where Peter was staying but also subtly hints at the shift happening in Peter’s thinking.
The phrase “whose house is by the sea” might seem like a casual detail, but it serves a symbolic purpose. The sea was often associated with the Gentile world. By including this, Luke foreshadows Peter’s coming mission to the Gentiles.
The specificity of the angel’s message adds to the narrative’s realism. It wasn’t just a vague instruction to “find Peter.” Cornelius was given precise directions, showing that God was carefully guiding these events.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 11:39-40 – Jewish law regarding contact with dead animals, which made tanners unclean.
- Jonah 1:3 – Jonah tried to flee from Joppa instead of preaching to Gentiles, a contrast to Peter’s upcoming obedience.
- Isaiah 60:5 – The sea representing the nations, hinting at the gospel going beyond Israel.
- Acts 1:8 – Jesus’ command to take the gospel to all nations, now being fulfilled.
- Ephesians 2:14 – Jesus breaking down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse challenges us to consider where God might be calling us to step outside our comfort zones. Peter, a Jewish man, was staying in an unclean tanner’s house—something many Jews would have avoided. But God was preparing him for something even bigger.
It also reminds us that God is in control of every detail. Cornelius didn’t have to search blindly for Peter—God gave him exact instructions. In the same way, when God is leading us, He provides what we need at the right time.
Finally, this verse teaches us that God’s plans often unfold in unexpected ways. Peter probably didn’t realize that his stay at Simon the tanner’s house was part of something much bigger. Sometimes, God places us in certain situations to prepare us for what’s next.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in how He carefully arranges events to bring people to salvation. Cornelius was a seeker, and God made sure he would hear the gospel.
It also shows that God doesn’t exclude people based on background, profession, or status. Peter stayed in a tanner’s house, a place many Jews would have rejected. This foreshadows how God was about to bring salvation to the Gentiles—people many Jews thought were unclean.
God’s love reaches across cultural, social, and religious barriers. He meets people where they are and brings them into His plan of redemption.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Peter staying in an unclean tanner’s house reflects Jesus’ own ministry. Jesus was often criticized for associating with tax collectors, sinners, and those considered unclean (Mark 2:15-17). Now, one of His closest followers was beginning to live out that same attitude.
This verse also connects to Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19, where He told His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Peter was about to take a huge step in that direction by preaching to a Gentile household for the first time.
Ultimately, this verse is part of God’s unfolding plan to bring salvation to the whole world. Jesus’ death and resurrection were not just for the Jews but for everyone. Cornelius’ story is one of the first clear examples of this truth being lived out.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Peter was staying with a tanner, knowing that it was considered an unclean profession?
- How does this verse challenge us to step outside of our comfort zones for the sake of the gospel?
- What does this verse teach us about God’s ability to guide our steps, even in small details?
- How can we be more open to God’s unexpected plans in our own lives?
- In what ways do we sometimes label certain people or places as “unclean” or unworthy? How does this passage challenge that thinking?
Acts 10:6 might seem like a simple detail, but it carries deep meaning. It shows that God was preparing Peter for a major shift, guiding Cornelius to salvation, and breaking down barriers that had kept people apart. It’s a reminder that God is always at work, often in ways we don’t expect.