That Which Is Unclean

Sam Nelson

Dr. Boyle

Theology 101

10/24/04

That Which is Unclean

Leviticus 11: 1-47 speaks of creatures that are to be considered unclean and the rules surrounding their uncleanliness. Peter's reaction to his vision in Acts 10:1-29 refers to Leviticus' rules, but it is also a revelation of God's intentions for God has made clean that which was unclean. This revelation affects how Peter treats Cornelius, a Gentile.

Leviticus sheds light upon Peter's vision in Acts. God spells out quite specifically what animals are considered unclean, to distinguish the clean from the unclean. In Peter's vision, he sees many unclean creatures presented to him by God. The Lord commands, "Get up, Peter; kill and eat" (Acts 10:13). Peter answers, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean" (Acts 10:14). The Lord is not testing Peter to see if he will eat that which is considered unclean. Rather, Peter is unaware that all those creatures are actually considered clean. When the Lord says, "What God has made clean, you must not call profane," (Acts 10:15), it makes Peter's unawareness very clear. He now knows that which was unclean has been made clean. This ultimately decides whether he will associate with the Gentiles, which were considered unclean.

With Peter's revelation to what is now considered clean; he applies it in how he treats Cornelius. Cornelius is a Gentile, whereas Peter is a Jew. "It is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile," (Acts 10:28), but Peter decides to associate with Cornelius anyway. First, when he invites in the three men Cornelius sent and second when he visits Cornelius directly.

Regardless of God's revelation to Peter,