Simon the tanner is mentioned briefly in the Bible in Acts 9 and 10. Here is what we know about him from Scripture:
Simon lived in Joppa, a coastal town on the Mediterranean Sea (Acts 9:43). He was a tanner, someone who worked with animal hides to produce leather. This was considered an unclean profession under Jewish law (Acts 10:6).
Simon’s house was located by the sea, possibly to make use of the water in his trade (Acts 10:6). Simon welcomed Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, into his home when Peter came to Joppa (Acts 9:43).
Later, Simon received a vision from God. In the vision, he saw animals that were considered unclean under Jewish dietary laws being lowered from heaven on a sheet. A voice told Simon to “kill and eat” the animals. Simon objected since he had never eaten anything unclean. The voice responded, “What God has made clean, do not call common” (Acts 10:9-16).
This vision was given to show Simon that God was opening up salvation to the Gentiles. Simon was to welcome the apostle Peter into his home when he arrived. Peter would then preach the gospel to Simon’s household, leading many Gentiles to faith in Christ (Acts 10:17-48).
So in summary, here are some key facts about Simon the tanner:
– He lived in Joppa and worked with animal hides and leather.
– His profession made him ceremonially unclean under the Law.
– He welcomed Peter into his home, showing hospitality.
– God gave Simon a vision to teach him that the Gentiles were now included in God’s plan of salvation.
– Simon obeyed the vision by welcoming Peter into his home again to preach to the Gentiles.
– Many of Simon’s Gentile household and friends came to faith in Jesus after hearing Peter.
Simon is an example of someone who transcended the cultural barriers of his time. Even though he was considered unclean due to his occupation, Simon welcomed the apostle Peter into his home. He obeyed God’s call to reach out to the Gentiles with the gospel. Simon shows that God can use anyone to advance His kingdom, despite their background or station in life.
The account of Simon the tanner is important because it shows a major transition happening in the early church. The gospel was breaking barriers and spreading beyond just the Jewish people to include Gentiles too. Simon played a small but significant role in this milestone development. His home served as the location for the first mass conversion of Gentiles to faith in Jesus Christ.
Though we don’t know much else about Simon from Scripture, his brief mention provides an intriguing glimpse into how the Holy Spirit was directing the early believers. God used a faithful disciple like Simon in pivotal ways to grow the church beyond just Jewish believers.
While Simon’s occupation was humble and modest, God used him to accomplish great things for the kingdom. Simon remained obedient when God called him to a task that went against the religious and cultural values of that time. His willingness to follow God’s leading made Simon the tanner an important part of early church history.
The account of Simon the tanner is a reminder that God can use ordinary believers to accomplish His divine plans. Even if someone’s background or occupation is not respected in society, God sees value in every person. When believers are sensitive to the Spirit’s leading, God will use them in amazing ways for building His kingdom.
Simon was willing to have his home, his life, and his friends transformed by the power of the gospel. As a result, the church took a major step forward in carrying out Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). No matter a person’s status, ethnicity, gender, or cultural context, God can use them to share the message of new life in Christ with the world.
Simon’s obedience is a challenge and model for all believers. Are we ready to follow God’s lead, even when it means going against ingrained cultural barriers and perceptions? Will we allow Him to use our homes, resources, and spheres of influence to share the gospel with others, no matter their social standing, background, or ethnicity? May God give us willing hearts like Simon’s to play our role in His continuing mission to redeem people from every tribe, tongue, and nation.
What other lessons can we take away from the account of Simon the tanner in Acts 9 and 10? Here are some additional key points worth remembering:
1. God values hospitality. Simon welcomed Peter, a foreign Jew, into his home even though Jews typically avoided Samaritans. His hospitality paved the way for the gospel to spread.
2. Social and ethnic barriers are broken down in Christ. Peter had to overcome his own prejudice against Gentiles to enter a tanner’s home. God used this to teach that no group is excluded from the gospel.
3. God uses visions and dreams to direct His people. The vision God gave to Simon revealed His divine plan to save the Gentiles. God still speaks through supernatural means today.
4. Obedience often leads to blessing. Simon’s obedience in welcoming Peter led to many coming to faith in Jesus. When we obey God’s calling, we are blessed and can be part of blessing others.
5. God’s plan is bigger than we can imagine. The early Jewish believers did not envision God including the Gentiles in salvation. But God’s plan was to redeem people from every nation to Himself.
6. The Holy Spirit guides the spread of the gospel. The Spirit directed Peter to go to Joppa just when Cornelius’ men arrived so the gospel could go to the Gentiles. God’s timing is perfect.
7. Salvation is by faith alone. When Peter preached to the Gentiles, they believed and received the Spirit, showing that salvation is by faith alone, not works.
8. The gospel message is simple. Peter’s message to the household focuses on who Jesus is, His death and resurrection, and the need for faith. The gospel remains uncomplicated.
9. All believers are equal in God’s eyes. The Jewish believers were amazed to see the Spirit poured out on Gentiles too. God does not show favoritism among those who believe.
10. God uses ordinary people and places. God chose a tanner’s home to launch a pivotal gospel outreach, not some elite location. God uses the humble and willing.
In summary, the account of Simon the tanner provides valuable glimpses into key themes like the expansion of the gospel, the Spirit’s leading, overcoming prejudice, and using what God has given us for His glory. Simon is an inspirational example of availability, hospitality, and obedience. Though his role was small, God used this faithful disciple to accomplish great Kingdom purposes.
As modern readers, Simon’s story invites us to consider areas of prejudice that need to change, gifts of hospitality we can offer, visions from God we need to obey, and circles of influence where we can share the wonderful message of new life in Jesus Christ. How might God want to use ordinary believers like us to further His extraordinary plans today? Simon the tanner provides a model of an obscure servant playing a pivotal role by simply making himself available to the Spirit’s leading. May his example encourage us to do likewise!
The account of Simon the tanner offers some helpful spiritual lessons for modern day believers. Here are just a few more we can take away from this important figure in Acts:
1. Do not despise humble callings. Simon’s occupation as a tanner was looked down upon, yet God used him in a mighty way. No matter our job, God can use us.
2. Welcome community and care for others. Simon opened his home to Peter and others, crossing social divides. We must build community and show hospitality.
3. Expect God to speak in unexpected ways. Simon could have dismissed his vision but obeyed instead. We should expect God to guide us even through unconventional means.
4. Be willing to confess biases and change perspectives. Simon had to acknowledge his bias against Gentiles. We must ask God to expose our prejudices and move past them.
5. Say yes when God calls you to participate in His work. Simon could have refused Peter but cooperated instead. What opportunities to join God’s work are we avoiding?
6. Trust that God can use you even when you feel ill-equipped. Simon let God use his home though he was just a tanner. God equips when He calls.
7. Little acts of faithfulness can have big Kingdom impact. Simon played a small role, but his obedience helped transform the early church.
8. Keep sharing your faith. Simon was ready when the opportunity came. We must continually share Christ as we don’t know when God will use us.
9. Be willing to cross perceived barriers to welcome new believers. Simon welcomed Gentile converts, a bold move. We must embrace all believers regardless of background.
10. God’s plan is bigger than you can imagine. Simon could not have foreseen how his obedience would change the Church. We cannot anticipate all God will do through our faithfulness.
The example of Simon Peter is a stirring reminder that God can use anyone He chooses to accomplish His wondrous purposes. Our human labels and limitations do not restrict an almighty God. When we make ourselves available to Him, even the most humble acts of obedience can end up having significant impact for eternity. May the account of this faithful tanner encourage us to hear God’s voice and saying yes to His calling, wherever it may lead. What an awesome privilege to be ordinary vessels that the Master Potter uses for extraordinary plans!
