Simon Peter and Simon the Tanner (Grady Miller)

Is it too much to read–between–the–lines and wonder if Peter was not widening his appreciation and deepening his understanding of the Savior who promised He would be lifted up and “draw all men unto Me?” (cf. John 3:14-16). Jesus received tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:1-2). He “deigned” to talk to a Samaritan woman (John 4), and even made a Samaritan the hero of a parable! (Luke 10).

Maybe, just maybe we see here an indication of Peter’s maturing faith, his rejection of pride and narrow Jewish elitism. He stayed in the home of Simon the Tanner. The Pharisaic spirit that laid heavy burdens on others and would not lift a finger to help (Matthew 23) held no attraction for a generous, more compassionate and sweeter spirit.

My reading of this verse is much the same as Grady's. A step in the right direction for Peter. The barriers are coming down, slowly, but surely.