It is simple to assume that Gentiles, who did not observe purity laws, would have been considered ritually impure by the Jews. Ancient Jewish sources reflect two conflicting tensions.
- On the one hand, both biblical and rabbinic law (considered Gentiles to be exempt from the laws of ritual purity).
- On the other hand, Gentiles ate impure foods, came into regular contact with impure substances, and–what is worse–committed idolatry.
Jewish law tries to separate Jews from gentiles, in order to prevent Jews from adopting idolatrous behaviors. Extensions of the dietary laws limited social interactions. Jews are not allowed to leave their wine with gentiles, lest it be used for idolatry. So, what would happen if God wanted the gospel to be preached to gentiles? “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment (a gentile), a devout man and one who feared God…and prayed to God always. About the ninth hour of the day he saw a vision an angel of God coming in and saying, “Cornelius!” And he said, “What is it, lord?” He said, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now SEND MEN TO JOPPA, for Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, He will tell you what you must do.” (Acts 10:1-6) The problem, Peter would not violate the rabbinic law.
“Peter went up to pray. He became very hungry, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and a great sheet bound at the four corners, let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals. A voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” Peter said, “Not so, Lord! I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” And a voice spoke to him again, “What God has cleansed YOU MUST NOT CALL COMMON.” (Acts 10:9-15) This happened three times, “While Peter wondered what this vision meant, the men from Cornelius stood before the gate. While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said, “Three men are seeking you. Go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” (Acts 10:17-20)
Peter went with these gentiles to the house of Cornelius and preached to gentiles, soon they were saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit, “For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God…” (Acts 10:46)
There is no telling what may happen with us if we just learn to LISTEN TO THE LORD…
-Bill Stockham