Simon, a tanner by trade, is mentioned in the book of Acts as a resident of Joppa who hosted the apostle Peter (Act.9.43; 10.6,17,32). As a tanner, Simon worked with animal hides to produce leather, a profession that was considered unclean by Jewish religious standards. Despite this, Peter stayed with Simon for many days, indicating a growing openness in the early church to interact with Gentiles and those considered unclean. During his stay at Simon's house, Peter received a vision from God in which he was told not to call anything impure that God has made clean (Acts 10:9-16). This vision prepared Peter for his encounter with Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, whom God had directed to send for Peter (Acts 10:17-33). Peter's time at Simon the tanner's house marks a significant shift in the early church's understanding of the gospel's inclusivity and the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
Simon
EnglishA man living at the time of the New Testament, first mentioned at Act.8.13.