Simon

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.