Acts 10:14

KJV

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Peter {G4074} said {G2036}, Not so {G3365}, Lord {G2962}; for {G3754} I have {G5315} never {G3763} eaten {G5315} any thing {G3956} that is common {G2839} or {G2228} unclean {G169}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Kefa said, “No, sir! Absolutely not! I have never eaten food that was unclean or treif.”

Berean Standard Bible

“No, Lord!” Peter answered. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”

American Standard Version

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common and unclean.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:14 captures Peter's firm refusal to a divine command in a vision, stating, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean." This pivotal moment highlights Peter's deep-rooted adherence to Jewish dietary laws and traditional understandings of purity, setting the stage for a radical redefinition of clean and unclean and the dramatic expansion of the early Christian church beyond its Jewish confines to embrace Gentiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the narrative of Peter's extraordinary vision in Joppa, immediately following the divine command to "Rise, Peter; kill, and eat" (Acts 10:13). The vision itself, beginning in [Acts 10:9](/acts/10-9 "Acts 10:9 - Peter's Vision at Joppa"), describes a large sheet descending from heaven, filled with all manner of animals considered "unclean" under the Mosaic Law. Peter's strong objection in verse 14 underscores the profound challenge this divine instruction posed to his deeply ingrained religious identity and practice. The repetition of the command and Peter's refusal (Acts 10:15-16) emphasizes the divine insistence on this new revelation, preparing Peter for his encounter with Cornelius and the subsequent realization that God shows no partiality ([Acts 10:28](/acts/10-28 "Acts 10:28 - Peter's Realization of God's Impartiality")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For centuries, Jewish dietary laws, as outlined in the Torah (e.g., [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals")), served as a fundamental pillar of Jewish identity, distinguishing them from Gentile nations. These laws were not merely about hygiene but were deeply theological, signifying Israel's covenant relationship with God and their separation as a holy people. To eat "unclean" food was to violate God's law and risk ritual defilement. Peter, a devout Jew, would have meticulously observed these regulations his entire life. His statement reflects the deeply ingrained cultural and religious boundaries that separated Jews from Gentiles, making the divine command a direct assault on his worldview and the established norms of his community.
* **Key Themes:** Peter's vision and his response contribute significantly to several overarching themes in Acts. The most prominent is **God's Redefinition of Purity**, which moves beyond external ritual observance to an internal, spiritual state, ultimately declaring that no person made by God should be considered unclean or unworthy of the Gospel. This leads directly to the theme of the **Inclusivity of the Gospel**, demonstrating God's intentional plan to extend salvation to all nations, breaking down the long-standing barriers between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")). Furthermore, the narrative highlights the tension between **Divine Revelation and Human Tradition**, as Peter's initial resistance to God's clear command demonstrates the difficulty of relinquishing deeply held customs, even when confronted with new truth from the Lord. This prepares the way for the broader theological discussions in the early church regarding Gentile inclusion, as seen in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Not so (Greek, _mēdamōs'_):** From G3365, this adverb means "by no means" or "not at all." Peter's immediate and emphatic response underscores his absolute refusal and shock at the command. It conveys a strong, unequivocal rejection, indicating the profound challenge the vision posed to his deeply held convictions and practices.
* **common (Greek, _koinós'_):** From G2839, this term refers to something shared by all, and in a ceremonial context, it signifies something profane, defiled, or unholy. It implies a ritual impurity, often acquired through contact with something unclean or by being outside the realm of the sacred. For Peter, eating "common" food meant violating the sacred boundaries of Jewish purity laws.
* **unclean (Greek, _akáthartos'_):** From G169, this adjective denotes something impure, forbidden, or ritually unacceptable, particularly in the context of Mosaic dietary laws. Unlike "common," which could imply acquired defilement, "unclean" often refers to an inherent state of impurity (e.g., certain animals designated as unclean in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Dietary Laws")). Peter's use of both terms emphasizes his comprehensive adherence to all aspects of the purity laws.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Peter said,"**: This introduces Peter's direct and immediate response to the divine voice. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a strong contrast or opposition to the command he just received, setting up the tension of the passage.
* **"Not so, Lord;"**: Peter's emphatic refusal, "Not so" (G3365, _mēdamōs'_), is striking, especially given that he addresses the speaker as "Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_). This highlights the intense internal conflict: Peter recognizes the divine authority but finds the command utterly irreconcilable with his lifelong understanding of God's law. It's an expression of profound shock and resistance.
* **"for I have never eaten any thing"**: This clause provides the justification for Peter's refusal. His statement "I have never eaten" (G5315, _phágō_ with G3763, _oudépote_ for "never") emphasizes his consistent and lifelong adherence to the Mosaic dietary laws. It speaks to his personal piety and unwavering commitment to what he understood as God's will.
* **"that is common or unclean."**: This final phrase specifies the nature of the food Peter refuses to eat. The pairing of "common" (G2839, _koinós'_) and "unclean" (G169, _akáthartos'_) covers both ritually defiled items and inherently forbidden ones under Jewish law. This comprehensive statement underscores Peter's meticulous observance of all aspects of the purity code, setting the stage for God's radical redefinition of these categories.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 10:14 effectively employs **Irony**, as Peter, a devout follower of Christ, resists a direct command from the Lord due to his adherence to traditions that Christ himself had already begun to transcend (e.g., [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")). This resistance, though born of piety, stands in stark contrast to the divine will being revealed. The passage also utilizes **Symbolism**, where the dietary laws and the distinction between clean and unclean foods serve as a powerful symbol for the deeper societal and spiritual separation between Jews and Gentiles. God's declaration that "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common" (Acts 10:15) is not merely about food but symbolizes the breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers. Furthermore, the entire vision acts as **Foreshadowing**, preparing Peter and the reader for the revolutionary inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community, beginning with Cornelius, without requiring them to first adopt Jewish ceremonial law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:14 is a watershed moment in redemptive history, illustrating God's progressive revelation and the expansion of His covenantal purposes. Theologically, it underscores that God's plan of salvation is not limited by human traditions or ethnic boundaries. Peter's initial resistance, rooted in a sincere but incomplete understanding of God's will, highlights the tension between established religious practices and the dynamic, unfolding nature of divine truth. God's subsequent instruction to Peter (Acts 10:15) directly challenges the very foundation of Jewish dietary laws, not to abolish the Law entirely, but to reveal its spiritual fulfillment in Christ and its broader application to all humanity. This vision is a divine object lesson, preparing Peter to embrace a radical inclusivity that would forever alter the trajectory of the early church, moving it from a Jewish sect to a global movement.

* [Acts 10:28](/acts/10-28 "Acts 10:28 - Peter's Realization of God's Impartiality")
* [Mark 7:18-19](/mark/7-18-19 "Mark 7:18-19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")
* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's initial "Not so, Lord" resonates deeply with the human tendency to cling to comfort zones, established norms, and deeply ingrained traditions, even when confronted with a clear divine leading. This verse challenges believers today to cultivate a posture of humility and openness to God's ongoing work, recognizing that our understanding of His will and His kingdom may need to expand beyond our preconceived notions. Just as Peter had to learn that God's love and salvation are for all people, regardless of their background or previous status, we are called to dismantle any internal or external barriers that prevent us from extending the radical welcome of the Gospel to those whom society or even our own traditions might deem "unclean" or "unworthy." Our ultimate allegiance must always be to the Lord's present command, even when it requires us to step outside of our familiar and comfortable religious or cultural frameworks. This passage encourages us to prioritize the Spirit's leading over mere human custom, ensuring that our faith is dynamic and inclusive, reflecting the boundless love of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "common or unclean" categories or distinctions do I hold onto that might be limiting God's work through me or my community?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I be saying "Not so, Lord" to a divine prompting because it challenges my comfort zone or established traditions?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a more inclusive mindset and practice, reflecting God's impartial love for all people?**

### FAQ

**Why was Peter so resistant to the divine command, even though he called the speaker "Lord"?**

Answer: Peter's resistance stemmed from his deep-seated Jewish identity and lifelong adherence to the Mosaic Law, particularly the dietary regulations outlined in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"). These laws were not merely dietary rules but integral to Jewish covenant identity and their separation as a holy people from the Gentiles. For Peter, eating "unclean" food was an unthinkable violation of God's explicit commands and a betrayal of his heritage. His "Not so, Lord" reflects a sincere, albeit misguided, piety, where his understanding of God's past commands conflicted with a new, progressive revelation. He recognized the authority ("Lord") but struggled to reconcile the command with his established theological framework.

**What is the difference between "common" and "unclean" in this context?**

Answer: In the context of Jewish purity laws, "common" (Greek: _koinós_) refers to something that is profaned or ritually defiled. It might not be inherently forbidden but has become ceremonially impure, often through contact with something unclean or by being outside the sacred realm. For example, food prepared by Gentiles could be considered "common." "Unclean" (Greek: _akáthartos_), on the other hand, refers to something inherently impure or forbidden, particularly in the context of the Mosaic Law's prohibitions regarding certain animals (e.g., pigs, shellfish) or states of being. Peter's use of both terms emphasizes his meticulous adherence to both ritual purity laws and the specific dietary restrictions laid out in the Torah, underscoring the magnitude of the change God was about to enact.

**How does this passage relate to Christian dietary laws today?**

Answer: Acts 10:14-15, along with Peter's subsequent understanding in [Acts 10:28](/acts/10-28 "Acts 10:28 - Peter's Realization of God's Impartiality") and the Jerusalem Council's decision in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"), signals a profound shift from the ceremonial laws of the Old Covenant. The New Testament teaches that all foods are clean for believers ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"); [1 Timothy 4:4](/1_timothy/4-4 "1 Timothy 4:4 - All Food is Good")); the emphasis shifts from external purity to internal spiritual purity. While Christians are not bound by the Mosaic dietary laws, the principle of not causing a brother to stumble (e.g., [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Principles of Christian Liberty")) and maintaining a healthy body as a temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies Are Temples")) remain important considerations. The primary takeaway is the breaking down of barriers between people, not the re-establishment of food regulations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:14, with Peter's staunch refusal to eat "common or unclean" food, powerfully sets the stage for the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus himself, through His life and teaching, had already begun to dismantle the very distinctions Peter so rigidly upheld. In [Mark 7:18-19](/mark/7-18-19 "Mark 7:18-19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), Jesus explicitly declared all foods clean, stating that "there is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him." This radical declaration foreshadowed the broader truth that true defilement comes not from external contact but from the heart ([Mark 7:20-23](/mark/7-20-23 "Mark 7:20-23 - What Defiles a Person")). The vision in Acts 10, therefore, is a divine object lesson to Peter, revealing the practical implications of Christ's finished work. Through His crucifixion, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, cleansing all who believe and breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" that separated Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")). The "common or unclean" categories that once defined God's chosen people and separated them from others were fulfilled and transcended in Christ, who makes all things new and clean. Peter's vision ultimately leads him to preach the Gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile, without requiring him to become Jewish, demonstrating that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but all are one ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). This passage powerfully illustrates that Christ's redemptive work extends beyond individual salvation to creating a new humanity, united in Him, where no person is deemed "unclean" by God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 20:25

Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean.

Ezekiel 4:14

Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.

Leviticus 11:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them,

Leviticus 11:25

And whosoever beareth [ought] of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even.

Daniel 1:8

¶ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Deuteronomy 14:1

¶ Ye [are] the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.

Deuteronomy 14:29

And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which [are] within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.