Acts 10:13 – “Then a voice told him, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Peter hears a voice from heaven while he is in a trance, seeing a large sheet full of animals (Acts 10:11-12). The voice commands him to do something that went against everything he had been taught: “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
For Peter, this was shocking. As a devout Jew, he had followed the dietary laws given in the Old Testament, which clearly distinguished between clean and unclean animals (Leviticus 11). Many of the animals in the vision were unclean, so being told to eat them was something he would have never considered.
At first glance, this vision seems to be about food, but it was much more than that. God was using this moment to teach Peter that the old distinctions between clean and unclean were being removed—not just for food, but for people. Soon, Peter would realize that this was not just about dietary laws—it was about the fact that God was opening the door of salvation to the Gentiles.
Historical Context
Jewish dietary laws were a major part of Jewish identity. These laws, found in Leviticus 11, categorized animals into clean and unclean, and obedience to these laws was considered an important part of being faithful to God. Jews would avoid eating certain meats and would also avoid close association with people who did not follow these same dietary restrictions—particularly Gentiles.
Because of these rules, Jews and Gentiles rarely ate together. Sharing a meal was an intimate and social act, but these laws created a barrier between Jewish and non-Jewish people. Even Jewish Christians still followed these traditions, believing that Jesus came as the Messiah for the Jewish people alone.
At the same time, in Caesarea, there was a Roman centurion named Cornelius who had been seeking God. Cornelius was a Gentile, but God was about to bring him and Peter together. This vision was preparing Peter’s heart for that moment. Soon, he would come to understand that salvation was not just for the Jews, but for everyone.
Theological Implications
- God’s Word is Greater Than Tradition – Peter had grown up following religious customs that were now being fulfilled in Christ. This vision challenged him to move beyond tradition and embrace God’s bigger plan.
- God’s Salvation is for All People – This command was not just about food; it was a symbol that Gentiles were not to be considered “unclean.” The gospel was now being made available to all nations.
- Obedience to God Sometimes Requires Change – Peter was about to face a major shift in his thinking. He had to be willing to let go of old ways of thinking in order to follow God’s direction.
This verse also challenges the idea that righteousness comes from outward behavior, such as following food laws. Instead, righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
Literary Analysis
Luke, the author of Acts, presents this command in a direct and urgent way. The phrase “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” is short and forceful, showing that God is giving Peter a clear and immediate instruction.
The word “kill” emphasizes that Peter is not just being invited to eat—he is being told to actively participate. This would have been even more shocking to Peter, who had likely never killed or eaten unclean animals in his life.
The use of Peter’s name makes the command personal. God is speaking directly to him, preparing him for something that will change his understanding of God’s plan.
The timing of this vision also creates suspense. At this very moment, Cornelius’ men were traveling to meet Peter. The vision was preparing him to break the barriers that had existed between Jews and Gentiles for centuries.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 11:1-47 – The dietary laws that Peter had been following his whole life.
- Mark 7:18-19 – Jesus declared all foods clean, foreshadowing this vision.
- Matthew 28:19 – Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations.
- Acts 1:8 – Jesus told His disciples to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth.”
- Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
- Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse challenges us to think about how we respond when God calls us to something outside of our comfort zone. Peter had grown up with certain traditions that he believed were essential to his faith, but now God was asking him to see things differently.
In the same way, we sometimes hold onto traditions or personal beliefs that might be limiting our ability to follow God fully. Are we open to God stretching our understanding, even if it challenges what we’ve always thought?
It also reminds us that salvation is for everyone. Just as Peter was learning that Gentiles were not excluded from God’s plan, we need to examine whether we are unintentionally creating barriers that keep people from Christ. The gospel is not limited to a certain group—it is for all who believe.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He patiently leads Peter into a new understanding. Instead of forcing change immediately, He gently reveals the truth step by step. This shows that God understands our struggles and meets us where we are.
This verse also reveals God’s desire for all people to know Him. He was not content to let Peter remain in a mindset that saw Gentiles as outsiders. Instead, He was breaking down barriers so that His love and salvation could reach the whole world.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus had already paved the way for what Peter was about to learn. In Mark 7:18-19, He declared that all foods were clean, but many of His followers had not yet fully understood the implications of this. Now, through this vision, God was reinforcing what Jesus had already taught.
Jesus also broke down barriers between Jews and Gentiles during His ministry. He healed the Roman centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13), spoke with the Samaritan woman (John 4), and welcomed tax collectors and sinners. Now, Peter was being called to continue Jesus’ work by welcoming the Gentiles into God’s family.
Most importantly, Jesus’ death and resurrection had fulfilled the Old Testament law. The reason the old dietary restrictions no longer applied was because Jesus had made the final sacrifice. In Colossians 2:16-17, Paul explains that the old food laws were “a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge the way we think about traditions or personal beliefs?
- Are there any areas in our lives where God might be asking us to think differently about His plan?
- How can we be more open to welcoming people into God’s family, regardless of their background?
- What does this passage teach us about true righteousness—does it come from following rules or from faith in Jesus?
- How can we apply this passage in sharing the gospel with those who might feel like outsiders?
Acts 10:13 is a powerful moment in Scripture. It marks the beginning of a major shift in the early church—one where God made it clear that salvation was not just for one group of people, but for the whole world. It challenges us to trust God, to break down barriers, and to follow Him wherever He leads.