Acts 10:15 – “The voice spoke to him a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'”
Extended Explanation
This verse is a turning point in Peter’s vision. Peter had just been commanded to “Get up, kill and eat” (Acts 10:13), but he immediately objected, saying he had “never eaten anything impure or unclean” (Acts 10:14). In response, the voice from heaven speaks again, correcting Peter: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
Peter’s hesitation was understandable. As a devout Jew, he had followed the Old Testament dietary laws his entire life. Eating unclean food was unthinkable for him. But now, God was showing Peter that something had changed. This was not just about food—it was about people.
God was preparing Peter to understand that Gentiles (non-Jews), whom Jewish people had traditionally seen as spiritually unclean, were now being welcomed into God’s family. The old barriers were coming down, and Peter needed to adjust his thinking to align with God’s plan.
Historical Context
For centuries, Jewish dietary laws separated clean and unclean animals (Leviticus 11). These laws were given to Israel to distinguish them from the nations around them and to teach obedience to God. Over time, these food laws became deeply tied to Jewish identity.
But by the time of Jesus, these laws had also created division. Jews avoided social interactions with Gentiles because they ate unclean foods and did not follow Jewish customs. This made it difficult for Jewish Christians to accept Gentiles as full members of the church.
God was now making it clear that these old distinctions were no longer necessary. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the law had been fulfilled (Matthew 5:17), and salvation was now available to all people, regardless of their background.
This vision was preparing Peter for what was about to happen: a Roman centurion named Cornelius, a Gentile, had been seeking God, and Peter was about to be sent to share the gospel with him.
Theological Implications
- God Declares What is Clean – Peter was holding onto old categories of clean and unclean, but God was redefining them. What matters now is not external rituals, but faith in Jesus.
- The Gospel is for Everyone – This verse signals a major shift in the early church. The message of Jesus is not just for the Jews—it is for all nations.
- Obedience Requires Letting Go of Old Mindsets – Peter had been faithful to Jewish traditions, but now he had to trust God and embrace a new way of thinking.
This moment was a direct challenge to Peter’s worldview. He had always seen Gentiles as outsiders to God’s covenant. But now, God was saying that He had made them clean. This was a radical shift, and it took Peter time to fully grasp it.
Literary Analysis
Luke, the author of Acts, uses repetition to emphasize the importance of this message. The vision happens three times (Acts 10:16), reinforcing that Peter needed to take it seriously.
The phrase “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” is a direct command. The contrast between “impure” and “clean” is striking, showing that God is overturning old categories.
This verse also reflects a pattern found throughout the Bible: God often has to repeat Himself when calling people to something new (Moses at the burning bush, Gideon asking for signs, Peter himself being told three times to feed Jesus’ sheep in John 21:15-17). Peter’s reluctance shows how deeply ingrained these traditions were, and how patient God was in teaching him.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 11:1-47 – The original dietary laws that Peter had followed all his life.
- Mark 7:18-19 – Jesus declared all foods clean, foreshadowing this moment.
- Matthew 28:19 – Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations, now being fulfilled.
- Acts 1:8 – Jesus told His followers to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth,” including the Gentiles.
- Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
- Romans 10:12-13 – “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse challenges us to think about our own attitudes. Are there people we see as outsiders to God’s grace? Do we hold onto traditions or personal beliefs that might be limiting our willingness to share the gospel?
It also reminds us that obedience to God sometimes requires changing our thinking. Peter thought he was being faithful by refusing unclean food, but God was calling him to a greater faith—one that welcomed all people into His kingdom.
We should also remember that righteousness is not about following religious rules, but about faith in Jesus. Just as Peter had to learn that food laws were no longer necessary, we need to be careful not to make extra rules that keep people from Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in His patience with Peter. Instead of forcing him to change immediately, God led him step by step into a new understanding. This shows that God meets us where we are and lovingly guides us toward His truth.
This verse also reveals God’s love for all people. He did not limit salvation to one group, but instead invited the whole world to come to Him. His love is not based on nationality, tradition, or religious background—it is available to anyone who believes.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus had already taught that what goes into a person does not make them unclean—what matters is the heart (Mark 7:18-19). Peter was now seeing the full meaning of those words.
Jesus also spent His ministry breaking barriers between Jews and Gentiles. He healed the Roman centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13), spoke with the Samaritan woman (John 4), and praised the faith of Gentiles. Now, Peter was being called to continue Jesus’ mission by welcoming Gentiles into the church.
Ultimately, this verse points to the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Because Jesus fulfilled the law, the old distinctions between clean and unclean were no longer necessary. Instead, all people—Jew and Gentile—could now come to God through faith in Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there any personal traditions or beliefs we hold onto that might be keeping us from fully embracing God’s plan?
- How does this verse challenge the way we see others, especially those who are different from us?
- What are some ways we can be more open to sharing the gospel with people outside our usual circles?
- How does Peter’s reluctance to obey at first remind us of our own struggles to accept change?
- How does this passage teach us that true righteousness comes through faith in Jesus, not through religious rules?
Acts 10:15 is a powerful reminder that God’s love and salvation are for everyone. It challenges us to let go of man-made divisions, trust in God’s direction, and embrace the mission of taking the gospel to all people. Just as Peter had to step outside his comfort zone, we too must be willing to follow God wherever He leads.