Acts 10:32 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:32 mean?

Acts 10:32 records instructions to send men to Joppa to invite Simon Peter, who is staying with Simon the tanner by the sea, to come and speak. The verse shows a clear, practical direction for contacting Peter, emphasizing both his location and the expectation that he will have something important to say.

In the story, these words are part of a message given to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, through a vision. Cornelius is told exactly where to find Peter, highlighting the careful guidance happening in this moment. This verse sets up the meeting between Cornelius and Peter, which becomes a turning point in the book of Acts as it leads to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian community.

The Greek behind Acts 10:32

• Ἰόππη (Ioppē, "Joppa"): This is the Greek name for the port city of Joppa, a real location on the Mediterranean coast. Naming the city grounds the story in a specific, historical place.
• βυρσεύς (burseus, "tanner"): The word for "tanner" refers to someone who works with animal hides, a trade often considered unclean by Jewish standards. Mentioning that Peter is staying with a tanner hints at Peter’s openness to people who might be seen as outsiders.
• παραθαλάσσιος (parathalassios, "by the sea side"): This phrase means "by the sea," which helps pinpoint the exact location, showing the detailed nature of the instructions.

Why Acts 10:32 matters

• Acts 10:32 clears up any confusion about how Cornelius would find Peter, showing that God’s guidance is specific and practical, not vague or mystical.
• The mention of Peter staying with a tanner hints at the breaking down of social and religious barriers, which is a major theme in this chapter.
• This verse connects directly to the larger story of Acts 10, where Peter’s visit to Cornelius marks a key moment in the early church’s movement toward including Gentiles.