Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Acts 10:17

"Now while Peter was much perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon`s house, stood before the gate," — Acts 10:17 (ASV)

While Peter was recovering from the shock of the vision and its message, the men from Cornelius had found the tanner’s house. It had immediate access from the street through a gateway or vestibule. Thus at the gate the messengers shouted out their inquiry for anyone within earshot to hear: “Is Simon who is known as Peter staying here?”