Acts 11:7 – “Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’”

Extended Explanation

In Acts 11:7, Peter recalls the vision he received while praying in Joppa. In this vision, a sheet filled with animals—both clean and unclean according to Jewish law—was lowered from heaven. Then, Peter heard a voice commanding him to get up, kill, and eat these animals.

This command was shocking to Peter because, as a Jewish man, he had always followed the dietary laws given in the Old Testament. Eating certain animals was considered unclean, and breaking these laws would have been seen as disobeying God. So, when Peter heard the voice telling him to eat, he was deeply unsettled.

However, this vision wasn’t just about food. God was using it to show Peter a much bigger truth—that He was removing the barriers between Jews and Gentiles. The Jewish people had long considered Gentiles unclean, much like they viewed certain foods. But now, through Jesus, God was opening the door of salvation to all people, regardless of their background.

Historical Context

For centuries, the Jewish people followed strict dietary laws found in Leviticus 11. These laws were not just about health; they were a major part of their identity as God’s chosen people. Following these rules set them apart from the surrounding nations and reminded them of their calling to be holy.

At the time of Peter’s vision, the early church was still mostly Jewish. Many Jewish believers assumed that anyone who wanted to follow Jesus also needed to obey Jewish customs, including dietary laws. They believed that Gentiles would have to become Jewish first before they could be accepted into the family of God.

This vision, however, was God’s way of revealing that salvation was not based on following the law, but on faith in Jesus. Just as God was telling Peter that all foods were now clean, He was also telling him that the Gentiles were welcome into His kingdom.

Theological Implications

Acts 11:7 teaches a powerful truth: God’s grace is greater than human traditions. For generations, the Jewish people had viewed holiness in terms of what they ate and how they lived. But through this vision, God was showing Peter that holiness was no longer about external rules—it was about the transformation that comes through faith in Jesus.

This verse also challenges legalism, the belief that people must follow certain rules to be right with God. Peter had been raised to see some foods (and by extension, some people) as off-limits. But God was showing him that He defines what is clean, not man-made traditions.

Additionally, this passage reveals how God prepares His people for change. Peter’s vision wasn’t random—it was God’s way of preparing him to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Sometimes, God has to challenge our thinking before we are ready to follow Him in obedience.

Literary Analysis

Acts 11:7 is a short but powerful statement within Peter’s retelling of his vision. The words are direct and authoritative:

• “Then I heard a voice telling me” – This shows that Peter was not acting on his own ideas. This was a direct command from God.
• “Get up, Peter” – The command to rise implies urgency and action.
• “Kill and eat” – This was a command that directly opposed Peter’s previous understanding of the law, forcing him to rethink what he believed about purity and obedience.

The phrase “Get up, Peter” is especially significant. Similar words were spoken by Jesus when He called Peter to follow Him (Matthew 4:19) and when Peter healed a paralyzed man in Acts 9:34. This repetition shows that when God speaks, He calls His people to action.

Biblical Cross-References

• Leviticus 11:1-47 – The Old Testament dietary laws that defined clean and unclean animals.
• Isaiah 49:6 – A prophecy that salvation would extend beyond Israel to the Gentiles.
• Mark 7:18-19 – Jesus declared all foods clean, foreshadowing this moment.
• Acts 10:9-16 – The original vision Peter received in Joppa.
• Romans 10:12-13 – Salvation is for all people, not just the Jews.
• Galatians 3:28 – In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, but all are one in faith.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges us to be open to how God leads us, even when it goes against our expectations. Peter had to let go of long-held beliefs in order to follow God’s plan. In the same way, we must be willing to let go of our personal traditions, preferences, and assumptions when God calls us to something greater.

It also reminds us that holiness is about the heart, not external rules. Many people still think that following God is about obeying a list of dos and don’ts. But Acts 11:7 shows that true obedience comes from listening to God and following His direction, even when it challenges us.

Most importantly, this verse teaches that the gospel is for everyone. No one is beyond God’s reach. Just as Peter had to learn that the Gentiles were welcome in God’s kingdom, we must be careful not to put up barriers that keep people from experiencing God’s grace.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is bigger than human traditions and boundaries. The Jewish people had lived for centuries believing that they had to remain separate from the Gentiles. But God, in His love, was making it clear that His salvation was for all people.

This verse also shows that God speaks directly to His people. He didn’t leave Peter to figure this out on his own—He spoke clearly and personally. This is a reminder that God still leads and guides His followers today.

Finally, this vision reveals God’s patience. Instead of condemning Peter for his hesitation, God patiently showed him the truth. This same patience extends to us as we grow in our understanding of His plans.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus had already set the stage for this moment:

• He ate with tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:30-32), breaking Jewish traditions.
• He healed the servant of a Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13), showing that Gentiles had great faith.
• He spoke with the Samaritan woman (John 4:4-26), proving that salvation was not just for Jews.

Most importantly, Jesus’ death and resurrection tore down the wall between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14-16). The vision Peter received in Acts 11 confirmed what Jesus had already accomplished—salvation was now available to all.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there any traditions or personal beliefs that I hold onto more than God’s Word?
2. How do I respond when God challenges my way of thinking? Am I open to change?
3. Do I sometimes judge people based on external things instead of seeing them as God does?
4. How can I be more obedient when God calls me to step out in faith?
5. What barriers in my heart or my church need to be broken down so that more people can experience the love of Christ?

Acts 11:7 reminds us that God’s ways are higher than ours. Instead of resisting His leading, we should be ready to listen, trust, and follow wherever He calls us to go.