What personal prejudices must we overcome to follow Peter's example in Acts 10? Opening the Door with Peter Acts 10 records a dramatic moment: the apostle, steeped in centuries-old Jewish law and culture, steps into a Gentile home and declares, “He said to them, ‘You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.’” (Acts 10:28) What did Peter lay down to walk through that door? And what must we lay down today? Prejudices Peter Left Behind – and We Must Too • Ethnic and racial barriers – Jews and Gentiles had drawn hard lines, yet God “made from one blood every nation of men” (Acts 17:26). – Galatians 3:28 reminds us that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek.” • Cultural superiority – Traditions felt sacred, but the gospel outranks culture (Mark 7:8-13). – We can cherish heritage without idolizing it. • Religious exclusivity – Peter’s vision (Acts 10:9-16) shattered long-held notions of ritual purity. – The Lord still warns against believing salvation is confined to our denomination or style (Romans 10:12-13). • Social-class distinctions – Cornelius was a Roman centurion; Peter was a Galilean fisherman. Status differences could have kept them apart. – James 2:1-4 forbids favoritism based on wealth or position. • Fear of criticism from our own group – Peter later faced sharp questions in Jerusalem (Acts 11:2-3). – Faithfulness sometimes costs reputation; we must choose obedience over popularity (John 12:42-43). • Comfort with the familiar – Peter lodged with a tanner (Acts 9:43)—already a step toward the “unclean.” The next step was bigger. – Following Christ often means stepping out of comfortable routines into Spirit-led encounters (Matthew 16:24). How Peter Moved Past Prejudice 1. He listened to God’s revelation (Acts 10:13, 19-20). 2. He acted immediately—“Peter went down” (v. 21) and “entered the house” (v. 25). 3. He interpreted the vision through Scripture, not opinion (v. 34-43). 4. He welcomed confirmation: the Spirit fell on the Gentiles (v. 44-48). Practical Ways to Follow Peter’s Example • Invite someone outside your usual circle for a meal or coffee. • Replace stereotypes with stories—learn a person’s testimony before drawing conclusions. • Evaluate traditions: are they helpful tools or hidden walls? • Speak the gospel freely to those society labels “unclean” (Mark 2:17). • Celebrate every evidence of God’s grace, even when it comes through unexpected people (Acts 11:17-18). Scripture Threads That Reinforce the Lesson • Ephesians 2:14-16—Christ “has broken down the dividing wall of hostility.” • Jonah 4—contrast Jonah’s reluctance with Peter’s obedience. • Luke 10:30-37—Jesus’ Good Samaritan story presses the same point. • Revelation 7:9—heaven’s multitude is “from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue.” Living It Out Today Peter’s declaration still echoes: “God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.” Take Him at His word. Lay down prejudice. Walk through the door. Watch the Holy Spirit work. |
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