Acts Chapter 10 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
πέμψον
Send
G3992
πέμψον
Send
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
1 of 22
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
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 22
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὃς
who
G3739
ὃς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐπικαλεῖται
surname is
G1941
ἐπικαλεῖται
surname is
Strong's:
G1941
Word #:
9 of 22
to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
10 of 22
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
οὗτος
he
G3778
οὗτος
he
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
11 of 22
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ξενίζεται
is lodged
G3579
ξενίζεται
is lodged
Strong's:
G3579
Word #:
12 of 22
to be a host (passively, a guest); by implication, be (make, appear) strange
οἰκίᾳ
the house
G3614
οἰκίᾳ
the house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
παρὰ
by
G3844
παρὰ
by
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
17 of 22
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ὃς
who
G3739
ὃς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
19 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
παραγενόμενος
when he cometh
G3854
παραγενόμενος
when he cometh
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
20 of 22
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God use human messengers rather than angels to proclaim gospel?
- What role do specific details play in confirming divine guidance?
- In what ways does God's providence work through natural circumstances and locations?
- How should believers recognize God's orchestration in seemingly coincidental details?
- What does appointed human instrumentality teach about means of grace?
Analysis & Commentary
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.