Acts 8-10

Here is a belated reflection:

Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. (Acts 9:43)

The vision Peter has, recorded in the Bible's book of Acts, chapter 10, is foreshadowed by the verse above. Peter is staying with a leather-maker, a man who may become ritually unclean often by handling the carcasses and hides of dead animals (See Leviticus 11:24). Additionally, in some first century Jewish societies tanners are despised. In the words of the Talmud: "The world can exist neither without a perfume-maker nor without a tanner – happy is he whose craft is that of a perfume-maker, and woe to him who is a tanner by trade."

What is God's attitude toward those who do not or cannot obey all provisions found in the Law of Moses? Peter follows the leading of the Holy Spirit in this matter. May I do likewise.