Luke the physician wrote, “there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was near to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord”, and in chapter nine and verse forty-three of the book of Acts Luke shared how Peter, “tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner” where we read:
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
The verse begins, “And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa ...” Luke began with the words, “and it came to pass” which means “and it happened, occurred and came on the scene”, “that he tarried many days” or “that Peter stayed, remained and abided for a sufficient and fitting number of sunrises to sunsets” “in Joppa” which means “within the city of Joppa or Japho whose name means beautiful and was a city of Palestine on the Mediterranean, lying on the border of the tribes of Dan and Ephraim”. Luke shared how “Peter” remained in “Joppa” for a number of days after the raising of “Dorcas” from the dead.
The verse goes on to say, “... with one Simon a tanner.” Luke continued with the words, “with one Simon” which means “with a certain man whose name was Simon which means a rock or stone” “a tanner” or “one who tanned skin or hide which was stripped off animals”. Luke shared how “Peter” stayed with a man named “Simon” who “tanned” the skins of animals.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn what happened with “Peter” after the miracle was performed upon “Dorcas”. “Peter” returned to “Joppa” and stayed with a man named “Simon” who tanned skins for a living. There is not a whole lot of information provided about this man named “Simon” except that he lived by the “sea side” (See Acts 10:6,32) , but we can be assured that since he was “housing” “Peter”, he was providing a service to one of Jesus' disciples. God loves everyone, and He desires to have a personal relationship with them through His Son Jesus. When they submit to Him, He will forgive their sins, grant them everlasting life and employs them in His Kingdom in various works. Some people are well-known among people, and others are not, but all of them are valuable in His eyes. Let everyone reading these words understand the significant role “Simon” played in the Kingdom of God, and may they purpose to be used in any manner the Lord Jesus desires.
Next time we begin a new chapter and see Luke share about a man named, “Cornelius”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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