Act 10: Gaining Clarity on the Vision and Its Meaning
Many believe that God has granted His followers complete freedom to consume any type of animal. However, this understanding often stems from misinterpretations of certain biblical passages, particularly Acts 10. To gain a clearer perspective, it is essential to examine this passage within the broader context of Old Testament teachings. Let's begin by reviewing Acts 10:9-35.
Acts 10:9-35
9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour.
10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance
11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth.
12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
13 And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat."
14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean."
15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common."
16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.
17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate.
18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.
19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are seeking you.
20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them."
21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, "Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?"
22 And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you."
23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.
25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man."
27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together.
28 Then he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?"
30 So Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.'
33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God."
34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
The timeline of Acts is after Jesus died and was resurrected. However, Peter tells God he has never eaten anything unclean. This response is interesting because you would expect a different reply from Peter if Jesus had caused a change in the dietary laws. Some point to Acts 10 as proof that Jesus did change God's law. Peter did not know the meaning of the vision at first. The Holy Spirit communicated with Peter as he contemplated the vision's significance, revealing that three men sought his presence. In obedience to the Spirit's guidance, Peter went with the messengers to visit Cornelius. It became clear that the vision was not about food but about something more profound—the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation.
If Peter's vision's true purpose were cleansing unclean foods, one would have expected Peter to have explicitly offered this interpretation. To break down the meaning of the vision even further, let's continue to examine what took place. Peter's encounter with the vision occurred not once but three times, coinciding with the arrival of three Gentiles. Peter relayed the true meaning and significance of the vision himself by saying: "But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean". In essence, the vision was a divine revelation regarding the inclusion of Gentiles in God's salvation. This understanding was not solely derived from Peter's testimony; it also finds support in scripture. To further grasp the purpose of the vision, let us turn to the prophetic words of Hosea.
Hosea 2:18
18 in that day I will make a covenant for them With the beasts of the field, With the birds of the air, And with the creeping things of the ground. Bow and sword of battle I will shatter from the earth, To make them lie down safely.
Hosea 2:23
23 Then I will sow her for Myself in the earth, And I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy; Then I will say to those who were not My people, 'You are My people!' And they shall say, 'You are my God!' “
The connection between this prophecy and Peter's vision is undeniable. Both convey a message of universal reconciliation, including those previously considered outside the scope of God's chosen people.
In light of Peter's words and the scriptural parallels, the true meaning of his vision becomes resolute. It acts as a divine revelation, dismantling stereotypes and highlighting the idea that nobody is unclean or undeserving of God's love and salvation. The vision's purpose transcends a mere adjustment in dietary laws; it encompasses the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan for all humanity.
Let's look at the conclusion of what the brothers in Jerusalem decided: Acts 11:18 "When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life."— We are given the interpretation, why change its meaning? The principle of Gentiles being unclean and, therefore, unable to enter into a covenant with God in scripture. The Jews considered Gentiles unclean; this was the case in antiquity and is found recorded in the Jewish Oral Law. The Oral Laws can be searched in the Jewish Virtual Library:
Schabbath, (145b) “Why are the Goyim unclean? Because they eat abominable things and animals that crawl on their belly”.
Abhodah Zarah, 22b “Why are the Goyim unclean? Because they were not present at Mt Sinai. For when the serpent entered into Eve he infused her with uncleanliness. But the Jews were cleansed from this when they stood on Mt Sinai; they Goyim, however, who were not on Mt. Sinai were not cleansed”.
Numbers 15:15-16
15 One ordinance shall be for you of the assembly and for the stranger who dwells with you, an ordinance forever throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the stranger be before the Lord.
16 One law and one custom shall be for you and for the stranger who dwells with you.
— Peter’s understanding of the vision corrects the incorrect understanding of Talmudic Oral law, the same Rabbinic laws of Peter’s time.
Acts 10:28
10 Then he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.”
By understanding the multifaceted layers of Peter's vision, we gain a profound appreciation for its inclusive and transformative message. It compels us to embrace the diversity of God's creation, extending love, acceptance, and unity to all people, regardless of their background or cultural heritage.