Question 1

What does Acts 9:43 mean?

Accepted Answer

Acts 9:43 says that Peter stayed for a considerable time in the city of Joppa, living with a man named Simon who worked as a tanner. This verse simply describes Peter’s choice to remain in Joppa after performing a miracle, and it notes the specific household where he stayed. Peter is the main figure here, and the setting is Joppa, a coastal city. The verse follows the story where Peter raised Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead, so it shows what happened next. Mentioning Simon the tanner is significant because tanning was considered an unclean trade by Jewish standards, so Peter’s willingness to stay with him hints at growing openness to people and situations once seen as ritually impure.

Question 2

The Greek behind Acts 9:43

Accepted Answer

The word for "tanner" is βυρσεύς (burseus), meaning someone who works with animal hides. This detail shows Peter’s willingness to associate with someone whose job was viewed as unclean, setting the stage for the next events in Acts. The phrase "tarried many days" uses the Greek word ἱκανός (ikanos) for "many," which often means a significant or sufficient amount, not just a few. This suggests Peter’s stay was not brief but intentional and meaningful.

Question 3

Why Acts 9:43 matters

Accepted Answer

Acts 9:43 highlights a shift in Peter’s attitude, as he chooses to stay with someone considered ritually unclean, preparing for the major turning point in Acts 10 where Peter is called to visit the Gentile Cornelius. The verse connects the miracles Peter performed in Joppa with his growing openness to people outside traditional Jewish boundaries, showing the early church’s expanding mission. By naming Simon the tanner and his occupation, the verse grounds the story in real people and places, making the narrative more concrete and relatable.

Acts 9:43 (KJV)