“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean!”

Scripture: The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. Acts 10:45 NIV

Observation: A centurion named Cornelius is told through a vision to go to Joppa and bring Peter back to his home to speak to he and his family. Peter shares the truth of Christ and his sacrifice with Cornelius, his friends and family. They all then believe and receive the Holy Spirit.

Application: I believe that the vision that Peter had in Acts 10 of the sheet with all of the animals on it being let down from heaven was not just a vision which allowed him to eat any and all animals. I believe that it was specifically a word through Peter that Christ’s sacrifice was for all people–Jew and Gentile. In Acts 11 as Peter is explaining his actions to the Jews, I believe that it becomes clear that the vision was intended to let them know that Christ was king of kings and lord of lords for all men. His sacrifice purified Jew and Gentile alike, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Acts 11:9 NIV Yes, I believe that the vision allowed for previously unclean animals to be consumed but more importantly I believe that God speaks through Peter that Christ was sent to purify all people.

Prayer: Father, thank you for providing a way for all men to come to you through Christ. Amen

Doug