King James Version

What Does Acts 10:32 Mean?

Acts 10:32 in the King James Version says “Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner ...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.”

Acts 10:32 · King James Version

Context

30

And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32

Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

33

Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

34

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Read Acts 10 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. The angel's specific instructions—name, location, detailed address—demonstrate divine omniscience while directing Cornelius to human messenger for gospel proclamation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The detailed address (Simon tanner, by sea side) enabled messengers to locate Peter in Joppa's busy port. God could have revealed gospel directly through angel, but chose human proclamation as ordained means. This establishes pattern—angels direct, humans proclaim gospel. The seaside location placed Peter where Cornelius's messengers could easily find him. God's providence in details, orchestrated around 40 CE, facilitated Christianity's revolutionary Gentile inclusion.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God use human messengers rather than angels to proclaim gospel?
  2. What role do specific details play in confirming divine guidance?
  3. In what ways does God's providence work through natural circumstances and locations?
  4. How should believers recognize God's orchestration in seemingly coincidental details?
  5. What does appointed human instrumentality teach about means of grace?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
πέμψον1 of 22

“Send”

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

οὖν2 of 22

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

εἰς3 of 22

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰόππην4 of 22

“Joppa”

G2445

joppe (i.e., japho), a place in palestine

καὶ5 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μετακάλεσαι6 of 22

“call hither”

G3333

to call elsewhere, i.e., summon

Σίμωνος7 of 22

“Simon”

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

ὃς8 of 22

“who”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐπικαλεῖται9 of 22

“surname is”

G1941

to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)

Πέτρος10 of 22

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

οὗτος11 of 22

“he”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ξενίζεται12 of 22

“is lodged”

G3579

to be a host (passively, a guest); by implication, be (make, appear) strange

ἐν13 of 22

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

οἰκίᾳ14 of 22

“the house”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

Σίμωνος15 of 22

“Simon”

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

βυρσέως16 of 22

“a tanner”

G1038

a tanner

παρὰ17 of 22

“by”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

θάλασσαν18 of 22

“the sea side”

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ὃς19 of 22

“who”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παραγενόμενος20 of 22

“when he cometh”

G3854

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

λαλήσει21 of 22

“shall speak”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

σοι22 of 22

“unto thee”

G4671

to thee

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 10:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Places in This Verse

JoppaSettlement · Modern: Jaffa · 32.05°N, 34.75°E14 verses across 5 books
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