Peter’s question

“As he talked with him, he entered and *found many people assembled. And he said to them, ‘You yourselves know that it is forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner.’”  (1) When Peter entered Cornelius’ house, he saw that many people had gathered. There was an atmosphere of expectation among the people; anticipation of hearing God’s word through Peter. Do we have such an expectation? (2) Peter began to speak to them. (a) It is against Jewish law for a Jew to associate with or visit Gentiles. This was well known among Gentiles. (b) However, God had taught him not to call any man impure or unclean. By this time, Peter had come to understand the true meaning of the vision he had seen. (3) At that time, the oral law prohibited interactions between Jews and Gentiles. (a) This separation did not stem from a sense of superiority. (b) It resulted from the pursuit of ritual purity, leading to the development of complex oral laws (the Mishnah’s “Tractate Avodah Zarah” deals with this theme). (c) The reason for the formation of these oral laws was to keep the Jews away from idolatry. Historically, contact with Gentiles had often led Israel into idolatry. The period of the kingdom is a prime example, as is the time just before the Babylonian captivity. (d) John 18:28 notes that the priests avoided entering Caiaphas’ palace to prevent defilement. “That is why I came without even raising any objection when I was sent for. So I ask, for what reason did you send for me?” (1) Peter obediently followed the Holy Spirit’s guidance. (a) He said, “I came without even raising any objection when I was sent for.” (b) However, visiting Gentiles was an act that Jews who are zealously observant of the law could hardly accept. (2) Peter asked why Cornelius had invited him. Although he had heard a summary from the messengers, he needed to hear directly from Cornelius. For evangelism to be blessed, it must be carried out through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in God’s timing. Peter understood God’s will through a vision. How about us? We come to know His will through (a) the Holy Spirit and (b) the Scripture. God reveals Himself to those who seek Him.