In the context of the interpretation of Peter's vision, which involves a sheet filled with various unclean animals, individuals who are followers and adherents of the Torah Observant perspective typically put forth a singular, focused argument. This argument, when subjected to a comprehensive analysis and pursued to its logical conclusion, provides a clear illustration of why the vision, as recorded in the tenth chapter of the Book of Acts, is actually about the purification and cleansing of food. This interpretation stands in contrast to the alternative view that the vision is about the acceptance of Gentiles.
Acts 10:9-16
9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.
10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance
11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth.
12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air.
13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”
15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.”
16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven. ESV
Verse 10: Peter was hungry and wanted something to eat. Right away, we have context pointing to food. While Peter had food on his mind, God felt it was a good time to show Peter a sheet full of unclean animals according to the Law of Moses. Was God tempting Peter to eat unclean animals while Peter was hungry? This would have led to Peter violating the dietary Law of Moses if the Laws were still functional. The verse James 1:13 makes it clear that God does not tempt anyone, whether it be through a vision, dream, or in real-life situations, especially not in an evil manner.
“Rise, Perer; kill and eat.”
Peter is experiencing hunger, and he is aware that it is God instructing him to eat. Specifically, Peter understands that it is the Lord, Jesus Christ, who is directing him to consume food that is considered unclean. This is evident in verse 14, where Peter responds to the Lord by stating that he has never consumed anything deemed common or unclean. The focus here is clearly on the subject of food.
God has Made Clean
Peter, in his typical rebellion, not doing what God has told him to do, is rebuked by Christ. Christ tells Peter, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” This would be another great time for God to insert clarity to Peter by saying, “Peter, it is not about food, it is about people.” Yet, God does not do this! Instead, God rebukes Peter for calling the sheet full of animals common and unclean.
3 Times!
In verse 16, we are informed that this particular argument was not a one-time occurrence but rather, it was a back and forth exchange that happened thrice. This exchange was not between just any two individuals, but it was a profound dialogue between Christ and Peter. Peter, in his human frailty, denied Christ not once, not twice, but three times. In a parallel manner, Peter was questioned about his love, specifically Agape love, for Christ, and this questioning occurred three times as well.
How do people become involved
Acts 10:28 “And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.”
In the preceding verses leading up to this particular one, the primary subject matter revolves around food. As we delve into this verse, we find that Peter receives a divine command from God. He is instructed not to label “any person” as common or unclean. Those who strictly adhere to the teachings of the Torah might interpret this as a reference to Gentiles. However, the phrase “I should not call any person” provides a more inclusive interpretation. It suggests that the directive is not solely about Gentiles. Instead, it encompasses the entire global population, indicating that no individual, regardless of their background or ethics, should be deemed common or unclean.
Unclean
If the primary focus was indeed on individuals from the very beginning, one would inevitably be compelled to question why the context doesn’t revolve around people right from the onset. And if it is about people, why is God telling Peter that Gentiles are unclean? After all, Genesis 1:27 says that all humans are created in His image. Are Gentiles unclean, and therefore God’s image is unclean? I think not! Therefore if its not about Gentiles then we have to look at why Peter intertwined food and people.
People = Food
Peter says in verse 28, “I should not call any person common or unclean”. The Greek word for unclean refers to ritual uncleanliness. Therefore, Peter is linking food to people. In other words, what people eat, according to the Law of Moses, would make the person ritually unclean. Again, the context is about food, not people!
M. J. Kelley II
M. J. Kelley II
Author, Bible Teacher