What does Peter's vision in Acts 10 teach about God's view of purity? Peter’s declaration (Acts 10:28) “You understand how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or visit a foreigner. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.” Purity redefined by divine revelation • The sheet of animals (Acts 10:11-16) literally demonstrated that the One who first distinguished clean from unclean (Leviticus 11) now has authority to announce, “What God has cleansed, you must not call common.” • Purity is not determined by human custom or prejudice but by God’s pronouncement. • Transition: external symbols of separation have served their purpose and are fulfilled in Christ (Colossians 2:16-17). From dietary law to human hearts • Mark 7:18-19—Jesus had already taught that foods do not defile; sin springs from the heart. • Acts 15:8-9—God “purified their hearts by faith,” confirming that inward cleansing is decisive. • Titus 1:15—“To the pure, all things are pure,” because purity flows from a cleansed conscience, not a menu. God’s cleansing reaches the nations • Ephesians 2:13-15—Christ “abolished in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees” to create “one new man” out of Jew and Gentile. • Romans 10:12—“There is no difference between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all.” • Acts 10:34-35—God shows no partiality; anyone who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable through Christ. Ongoing call to holiness • The moral standard remains: “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). • 1 Thessalonians 4:3—“This is the will of God: your sanctification.” • Freedom from ceremonial restriction never excuses moral impurity (Galatians 5:13). Living it out today • Welcome every person whom God may bring; no ethnic, cultural, or social barrier is a barrier to the gospel. • Measure purity by faith in Christ and obedient living, not by externals. • Value fellowship over ritual separation, while upholding clear ethical purity. • Celebrate the completed work of Jesus that cleanses hearts and unites believers into one holy people. |
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