What does Acts 10:28 mean?

Explanation

Acts 10:28 holds a pivotal message delivered by the apostle Peter concerning God's view on the Gentiles (non-Jews).

In the verse, Peter articulates the traditional Jewish taboo against associating with or visiting Gentiles.

He explains that Jews considered it prohibited by their customs to engage with people of other nations in intimate social contact.

However, Peter has had a revelation that has transformed his understanding.

This revelation, which he indicates has been shown to him by God, is that no individual should be regarded as common (impure) or unclean based on their ethnic identity or nationality.

The statement underlines a significant shift in the early Christian view – the inclusivity of God's love and the message of the Gospel to all people, not just Jews.

Historical Context

At the time this verse was written, Jewish customs and the Mosaic Law held a deep influence over Jewish believers, dictating many aspects of daily life, including dietary laws and social interactions.

Jews maintained a separate existence from non-Jews so as not to become ceremonially unclean.

Acts 10 recounts the story of Cornelius, a Roman centurion who is described as "a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house" (Acts 10:2).

Peter's vision in Joppa, where he sees unclean animals and is told by God to eat, culminates in the message of this verse.

God instructs Peter not to call impure what God has made clean, setting the stage for the spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish community to the Gentiles.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 10:28 has powerful implications. The early Christian church wrestled with whether and how to include Gentiles.

This verse represents a paradigm shift toward universality; it suggests that the new covenant through Jesus Christ is available to all individuals, regardless of their ethnic heritage or previous religious practices.

Different Christian denominations have diversity in interpretation, but generally, this message is seen as foundational for the Christian mission to be inclusive in its reach.

Practical Applications

Acts 10:28 challenges readers to confront their biases and to remember that in God's view, no person should be deemed inferior or superior based on their cultural or ethnic background.

On a practical level, this teaching encourages believers to adopt a more inclusive and welcoming approach towards others, to be open to forming relationships with people different from themselves, and to reject discriminatory attitudes or behaviors.

Cross-References

• Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
• Romans 2:11: "For there is no respect of persons with God."
• Acts 15:9: "And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith."
• Ephesians 2:14: "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;"

Language Study

A key term to understand in the original Greek text is the word "koinos," which Peter uses for "common." Koinos (Greek: κοινός) can mean shared by all or common but was also used to refer to something as ceremonially unclean.

Another word Peter uses is "akathartos" (Greek: ἀκάθαρτος), which translates directly as "unclean." In Jewish thought, this would have connotations of ritual impurity, not necessarily physical dirtiness.

Peter's experience is significant because these concepts were deeply entrenched in Jewish society.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison with other ancient beliefs, many cultures imposed rules about purity and associating with foreigners or people of differing social classes.

The Jewish customs mentioned in Acts closely align with such practices, but the revelations Peter speaks of represent a breaking away from the restrictive norms, a concept seen less frequently in other religious contexts of the time.

Scientific Perspectives

Acts 10:28 depicts a moment where belief and practice were altered by new principles, indicating a sort of cultural evolution.

While there is no direct correlation with scientific principles, the verse does reveal the human capacity for cognitive adaptability and social change, themes that are of interest in fields such as anthropology and sociology.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 10:28 emphasize the significant change in the early church's approach to Gentile believers, often highlighting this event as a turning point for Gentile inclusion.

William Barclay notes the radical nature of this change, as Peter went against deeply ingrained customs.

John Stott discusses the need for Peter's vision in Joppa to fully understand this new approach, indicating that divine intervention was necessary for such a paradigm shift.

Matthew Henry suggests that this understanding should lead Christians to universal charity and the breaking down of prejudices.