I was researching Peter’s vision. There are arguments today that any creature is clean to eat. But those who argue, must not have read the rest of the chapter to understand what message was really being said. My discussion results in what I see when I read the whole chapter. You can disagree, of course.

At 19, I gave my heart to the Lord, decided to get into Bible study and learn how Jesus lived on earth as I wanted to follow His example.

When i learned that my body is a Temple of God, it was a no-brainer that I wanted to take care of it, because without it, I could not function on earth to do His will. Because He created us, He gives us hints about eating right to be healthy. Because old habits are hard to break, it took me years to get more serious about what I should eat. Now, if i pass up bacon or hot dogs (or even sweets loaded with sugar) I get weird looks. I hope this discussion turns on a few ‘light bulbs’. (Sugar is habit forming and is detrimental to your health—do your research!)

When I learned about Daniel and his 3 friends in the king’s court being offered his foods and wine to drink. I became interested. They refused and asked that they be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. At the end of 10 days, they looked better and healthier than all the young men who ate the king’s food. ( Read the first 2 chapters of Daniel in the Old Testament for the interesting details and outcome.)

Clean and unclean meats are listed in Leviticus chapter 11. There’s a whole list of beast, birds, and insects that are considered unclean.

But the story of Peter’s vision presents clean and unclean meats in another way.

In Act 10: 9-16, Peter has a dream. He visioned a large sheet coming down for him to see. It had all kinds of unclean animals in it. God told him to get up, kill, and eat. He didn’t know what God was trying to tell him. He refused. He was told again. However, it began to make sense to him when Jews and Gentiles led by Cornelius, gathered together to meet with Peter.

So, the next day, as they gathered, Peter said to them that they knew it was forbidden for a Jew to associate with a foreigner. Acts 10: 28, 29 says ‘But God has shown me that I must not call any person common or unclean. That’s why I came without an objection when I was sent for.’ Then in verse 34, he spoke to them saying, Now, I really ‘understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.’ Read the rest of that chapter. (By the way, Cornelius was the first Gentile to believe in Jesus and be baptized into Christianity.)

On a side note: As you read the Word of God be careful to note that there is a much deeper meaning than what may appear. These scriptures referenced are about a revelation that God wants us to know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not only for the Jews but for the Gentiles (which includes everyone else) as well.

I ask you to research…. God will reveal truth to you just as He did for Peter when you seek Him. And, no, the vision doesn’t mean there are no foods considered unclean anymore. There are still foods we shouldn’t eat in order to have good health. Some people just see a question about food in the vision even though that’s not what this story is about.

Bless someone and have a safe week!