Overview
Tanning was an essential trade in the ancient Near East, involving the processing of animal hides into leather for clothing, containers, and other goods. The Bible briefly mentions this occupation through Simon the tanner, at whose house the apostle Peter stayed in Joppa, indicating that manual trades were honorable vocations among early believers.
Key Scriptures
"Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." But Peter said, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is unholy and unclean." And a voice came to him again a second time, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy." (Acts 10:13-15, NASB)
"Send to Joppa and invite Simon, who is also called Peter; he is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea." (Acts 10:5-6, NASB)
And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner. (Acts 9:43, ESV)
Application
Christians should view honest work and skilled trades as dignified callings that glorify God and serve others in practical ways.