New Testament
Acts 10:32
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"'Send therefore to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying in the house of Simon the tanner by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.'"
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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.
What Acts 10:32 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, a man named Cornelius is instructed to send for Simon Peter, who is staying in Joppa. Cornelius is a Roman centurion, and this moment is significant because it marks the beginning of a new understanding of faith that includes everyone, not just the Jewish people. Peter is staying with another Simon, a tanner, which shows the diverse backgrounds of those involved. The message is clear: God is reaching out to all people, regardless of their past or culture. When Peter arrives, he will share important truths that will change Cornelius's life and the lives of many others. This moment emphasizes the importance of listening to God's guidance and being open to new experiences. It also highlights how God can use ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary plans. The call to action is clear: reach out and connect with those who may be different from you, as they may have something valuable to share. This passage encourages us to embrace diversity and be open to God's work in unexpected ways.
How to apply Acts 10:32 to your life
Consider how you can reach out to someone who is different from you. This could be a neighbor, coworker, or someone in your community. Be open to learning from their experiences and perspectives. You might discover new insights that enrich your own life and faith journey. Embrace the opportunity to connect with others and grow together in understanding and love.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10:17–48)
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Peter
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Keep studying Acts 10:32
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 10:32 mean?
Acts 10:32 describes God's instruction to Cornelius to send for Peter, highlighting the importance of reaching out to others for guidance. This moment signifies a pivotal change in the early church, emphasizing that God's message is for everyone, not just the Jews.
Who is Simon Peter in Acts 10:32?
In Acts 10:32, Simon Peter is one of Jesus' apostles, known for his leadership in the early Christian church. He is called to share God's message with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, marking a significant moment of inclusion in the faith.
What does the house of Simon the tanner represent in Acts 10:32?
The house of Simon the tanner represents diversity and the breaking of cultural barriers, as tanners were often considered unclean by Jewish standards. This setting emphasizes that God's work can occur in unexpected places and through ordinary people.
What can we learn from Acts 10:32 about inclusion?
Acts 10:32 teaches us the value of inclusion by showing that God's message is for everyone, regardless of their past or culture. It encourages us to reach out to those who are different from us and to be open to learning from their experiences.
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