How does Acts 10:28 challenge cultural barriers in sharing the Gospel today? Setting the Scene Acts 10 records Peter’s visit to the Roman centurion Cornelius. In verse 28 Peter confesses the seismic shift God has brought about: “He said to them, ‘You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or visit a foreigner. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.’” What Peter Acknowledged • Jewish custom had long separated Jews from Gentiles in table fellowship, housing, and worship • Peter admits the barrier was “unlawful” in his culture, yet God overturned it • The vision of clean and unclean animals (10:9-16) confirmed that distinction was now abolished Core Truths Embedded in the Verse • God determines who is acceptable, not cultural tradition • The Gospel redefines purity—centered on Christ’s atoning work, not ethnicity or ritual (cf. Ephesians 2:14-16) • Every person is now a potential brother or sister in Christ How This Challenges Us Today 1. Examine Personal Bias – Nationality, language, social class, political tribe—none are grounds for withholding the Gospel – “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) 2. Engage Across Boundaries – Step into homes, cafés, neighborhoods, and online spaces you once avoided – Jesus’ command, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), requires intentional crossing of lines 3. Elevate Obedience over Comfort – Peter risked criticism from fellow believers (Acts 11:2-3) – We may face misunderstanding, yet faithfulness to God’s revelation must outrank cultural approval 4. Speak a Clear Gospel, Not a Cultural Gospel – Present Christ crucified and risen, not merely Western morals or denominational customs (1 Corinthians 2:2) – Avoid implying someone must adopt your cultural style before meeting the Savior 5. Embrace the Spirit’s Leading – The Spirit orchestrated Peter’s journey (Acts 10:19-20) and still prompts divine appointments today (Acts 1:8) – Pray for sensitivity, then act when doors open Practical Takeaways • Identify one cultural line you’ve hesitated to cross; plan a tangible step this week • Replace labels (“them,” “those people”) with names and stories as Peter did with Cornelius • Celebrate every evidence that God is gathering a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural family (Revelation 7:9-10) |
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