Context

The church was initially composed only of Jewish believers (Acts 2). Next, Samaritan believers were added (Acts 8), and finally, Gentile believers were included (Acts 10). Peter visited the house of Cornelius in Caesarea for the salvation of the Gentiles and preached the gospel to those gathered there. While he was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon them. In other words, the Gentiles were saved without converting to Judaism. Those who believed were immediately baptized. Peter stayed there for several days.

Peter returned to Jerusalem

Before Peter returned to Jerusalem, the events in Caesarea had spread widely as rumors. The salvation of the Samaritans was something that the Jews could tolerate, but the salvation of the Gentiles was completely unexpected. “And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, the Jewish believers took issue with him, saying, ‘You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.’” (1) When Peter returned to Jerusalem, he was met with strong criticism from “those who were circumcised” (Jewish believers). (2) They believed that Gentiles had to be circumcised before they could be saved. This was the first time that Peter, as the leader of the apostles, was challenged by Jewish believers, and at this moment, the church faced a potential crisis of division. (3) The main reason for the criticism was not that Peter spoke the word of God to the Gentiles and led them to salvation. The reason for the criticism was that he accepted hospitality from Gentiles. (a) He entered a Roman’s house. (b) He accepted a meal from them. (c) He stayed in their guest room. Underlying this criticism was the belief that Gentiles were ceremonially unclean. The reason why Peter was shown the vision of “unclean animals” is becoming increasingly clear. (4) The Jewish believers feared the negative impact on Jewish evangelism. They likely thought the following: (a) They understood that Peter tends to act impulsively, but this was going too far. (b) Jews would not listen to someone who associates closely with Gentiles. (c) The church had enjoyed a period of peace for a while, but this would surely close off the possibility of Jewish evangelism. We, too, sometimes criticize those who are serving according to God’s will. This is a foolish act born of ignorance and unbelief. We must not criticize the Lord’s servants without seeking God’s will. Let us pray to be freed from the foolish habit of making hasty judgments.