How can Acts 11:8 inspire us to overcome cultural or religious biases today? Peter’s Honest Protest (Acts 11:8) “‘No, Lord! For nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’” What the Vision Revealed • Peter held to dietary commands that God Himself had given (Leviticus 11). • The risen Christ declared those distinctions fulfilled and obsolete (Mark 7:18-19; Acts 10:15). • The Lord was not only redefining food but opening the door of the gospel to Gentiles (Acts 10:34-35). • Literal obedience to God’s new directive required Peter to set aside long-held cultural and religious boundaries. Recognizing Our Own Biases • Traditions we cherish can eclipse God’s present leading. • Personal comfort often disguises itself as theological conviction. • Like Peter, we may assume our preferences equal God’s standards. • Scripture exposes partiality as sin (James 2:1-9). Scriptural Foundations for Inclusion • Galatians 3:28—“There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” • Ephesians 2:14—Christ “has made both groups one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility.” • Colossians 3:11—“Christ is all and in all.” Practical Steps to Overcome Bias Today 1. Examine traditions in the light of the whole counsel of God (Acts 17:11). 2. Invite the Spirit to reveal hidden prejudice (Psalm 139:23-24). 3. Listen to believers from different cultures without defensiveness (1 Corinthians 12:21-26). 4. Obey Scripture even when it overturns ingrained habits (John 14:15). 5. Celebrate the unity of the body by worshiping, serving, and sharing meals together (Acts 2:46). 6. Speak the gospel freely to those society labels “unclean” (Romans 1:16). Living the Lesson Peter’s “No, Lord!” became a bold “Yes, Lord” the moment he welcomed Gentiles into fellowship. The same Lord still calls His people to surrender prejudice, embrace His Word, and extend His kingdom without discrimination. |
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