King James Version
What Does Acts 10:14 Mean?
“But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.”
Context
12
Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
13
And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
14
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
15
And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
16
This was done thrice : and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **Not so, Lord . . .**—The emphatic resistance even to a voice from heaven is strikingly in harmony with the features of St. Peter’s character, as portrayed in the Gospels, with the “Be it far from thee, Lord,” when he heard of the coming Passion (Matthew 16:22), with “Thou shalt never wash my feet,” in John 13:8. He had been taught that that which “goeth into the mouth cannot defile the man” (Mark 7:15), but he had not taken in that truth in its fulness, either in its literal or symbolic meaning.
**Any thing that is common or unclean.**—“Common” is used, as in Mark 7:2, in the sense of “defiled” or “impure,” that which excludes the idea of consecration to a special service.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Acts 10:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Acts 10:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge