Commentary on Acts 10:6

Verse Context: Acts 10:6 reads: "He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside. He will tell you what you must do." This verse is part of a pivotal chapter in the early Church, marking a significant turning point in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Introduction

The narrative of Acts 10 illustrates God’s purpose in unfolding His salvation plan to all peoples, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. This specific verse is crucial, as it connects Cornelius, a Gentile, with Peter, making possible the divine revelation about the inclusivity of the Gospel message. The circumstances surrounding this verse reflect God's providential workings and the preparation of His servants for significant tasks.

Matthew Henry's Insights

Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of the person mentioned in this verse, Simon the tanner. He notes that Simon’s profession itself denotes a state of ceremonial uncleanness according to Jewish law. This factor is significant as it foreshadows the breaking of traditional Jewish taboos regarding clean and unclean. Henry notes:

• The Prior Training: Peter's stay with Simon signals his openness to God’s leading, demonstrating that God is preparing Peter to accept Gentiles as fellow heirs of His grace.
• Divine Preparation: It was no mere happenstance that Peter finds lodging with a tanner. This illustrates God’s meticulous orchestration in uniting two divergent worlds to fulfill His divine purpose.

Albert Barnes' Reflections

Philip Barnes further elaborates on the implications of this scene. He points out that Simon the tanner’s house being by the seaside symbolizes a place of potential and preparation:

• Location Symbolism: The seaside often represents a meeting place for different peoples, which aligns with the theme of the Gospel reaching all nations.
• Importance of Obedience: Barnes indicates that Peter's obedience to this divine instruction to go and meet with Cornelius highlights a critical theme: God often calls us out of our comfort zones for the sake of furthering His mission.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke delves into practical applications derived from this verse and the surrounding narrative. He notes how Acts 10:6 underscores a transformative moment in church history:

• Transcending Barriers: Clarke discusses the act of lodging with Simon the tanner as symbolic of the breaking of social and ceremonial barriers that previously separated Jews and Gentiles.
• Receiving Revelation: He underscores the significance of Peter being informed what he ‘must do,’ pointing to a vital aspect of the Christian life: being receptive to God’s directives for our lives.

Theological Implications

This verse demonstrates several theological implications regarding God’s grace and divine plan:

• Revelation and Obedience: God often requires His followers to be obedient to divine revelation, showing that preparing for His work is an integral part of spiritual leadership.
• The Universality of the Gospel: Acts 10:6 reveals an essential shift in the early Church’s understanding of the Gospel: it is not solely for the Jews but for all who believe, a theme that is foundational to Christian theology.
• God’s Sovereignty: The connection between Peter and Cornelius stresses the theme of God’s sovereignty over human affairs, orchestrating events for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

Conclusion

Acts 10:6 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s relentless pursuit of souls across racial and cultural divides. The insights drawn from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke collectively illustrate a profound understanding of divine providence, the necessity of obedience, and the far-reaching implications of the Christian Gospel. As such, this verse compels pastors and scholars alike to heed God’s calling, stepping into realms beyond our traditional confines to fulfill the Great Commission. Through understanding this verse, we are called to be vessels of change, opening the doors of the Church wider to encompass a world longing for the message of Christ.