Acts 11:8

KJV

But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I said {G2036}, Not so {G3365}, Lord {G2962}: for {G3754} nothing {G3956} common {G2839} or {G2228} unclean {G169} hath {G1525} at any time {G3763} entered {G1525} into {G1519} my {G3450} mouth {G4750}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I said, ‘No, sir! Absolutely not! Nothing unclean or treif has ever entered my mouth!’

Berean Standard Bible

‘No, Lord,’ I said, ‘for nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’

American Standard Version

But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath ever entered into my mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 11:8 records Peter's emphatic refusal to consume animals deemed "common" or "unclean" according to Jewish dietary laws, a direct response to a divine command within a visionary experience. This statement, part of Peter's defense to the Jerusalem church for associating with Gentiles, highlights the deep-seated cultural and religious barriers that needed to be overcome for the gospel message to extend beyond its Jewish origins, paving the way for the inclusion of all people into God's family through faith in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Peter's crucial explanation to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem regarding his groundbreaking ministry to Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, and his household. Having been confronted by "those of the circumcision" for eating with uncircumcised men ([Acts 11:2-3](/acts/11-2-3 "Acts 11:2-3 - Peter's Confrontation")), Peter recounts the entire sequence of events, beginning with his profound vision on the rooftop in Joppa. His protest in [Acts 11:8](/acts/11-8 "Acts 11:8 - Peter's Protest") is a direct quotation of his response to the heavenly voice in that vision, previously detailed in [Acts 10:14](/acts/10-14 "Acts 10:14 - Peter's Initial Refusal"). By reiterating his initial reluctance, Peter underscores the divine imperative that compelled him to act contrary to his lifelong Jewish customs, thereby justifying his actions and demonstrating God's clear direction in opening the door of faith to the Gentiles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's firm declaration, "Not so, Lord," is deeply rooted in the Levitical dietary laws that had governed Jewish life for centuries, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals ([Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Dietary Laws")). These laws, along with other purity regulations, were central to Jewish identity and served to separate Israel as a holy people from the surrounding Gentile nations. To consume "unclean" food was not merely a dietary preference but a violation of divine command and a defilement that could render one ritually impure. This rigid distinction extended beyond food to social interactions, making it unthinkable for a devout Jew like Peter to associate closely with Gentiles, who were often considered "common" or "unclean" themselves in a ceremonial sense ([Acts 10:28](/acts/10-28 "Acts 10:28 - Peter's Realization")). Peter's protest thus reflects the profound cultural and religious chasm that existed between Jews and Gentiles in the first century.
* **Key Themes:** Peter's vision and his subsequent actions highlight several pivotal themes. Firstly, it underscores the **adherence to the Mosaic Law** and the deep reverence Peter, as a devout Jew, held for its precepts, particularly the dietary restrictions. His immediate and vehement refusal, even when commanded by the Lord, demonstrates the ingrained nature of these traditions. Secondly, it reveals the **human tendency to resist divine instruction** when it challenges long-held traditions or deeply ingrained beliefs. Peter's "Not so, Lord" is a classic example of human resistance to God's progressive revelation. Finally, and most significantly, this passage sets the stage for the **abolition of ceremonial law** and the radical inclusivity of the new covenant. The vision's primary purpose was not merely to declare all foods clean, but to signify that God was now welcoming Gentiles, previously considered "unclean" by Jewish standards, into His covenant family without requiring them to first convert to Judaism. This profound theological shift is explicitly articulated by Peter later in [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality") and profoundly shaped the early church's mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **common (Greek, _koinós'_):** This term, derived from the same root as "community," primarily means "shared by all" or "public." However, in a ceremonial or religious context, as used here, it takes on the meaning of "profane," "defiled," or "ritually impure." It refers to something that has lost its sacred or set-apart status, often through contact with something considered unclean. For Peter, "common" food was not merely ordinary but rendered ceremonially unfit for consumption by a Jew.
* **unclean (Greek, _akáthartos'_):** This word is formed from a negative particle ("a-") and a root meaning "cleansed," thus literally "un-cleansed" or "impure." In the context of the Mosaic Law, "unclean" refers to things inherently impure or prohibited by divine decree, particularly in relation to dietary laws ([Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals")) and ritual purity. While "common" refers to something *made* impure, "unclean" refers to something *inherently* impure. Peter's use of both terms emphasizes the absolute prohibition he felt concerning the food presented in his vision.
* **entered (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** This verb means "to enter" or "to come in," often implying a movement into a specific space or condition. Here, it signifies the act of consumption, the physical entry of food into Peter's mouth. The emphasis is on the direct, personal act of ingesting something forbidden, which would lead to immediate ritual defilement. Peter's strong denial underscores his meticulous adherence to the Law and his aversion to any form of ritual impurity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I said, Not so, Lord:"** This opening phrase reveals Peter's immediate and emphatic rejection of the divine command. The "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a strong contrast to the preceding instruction. "Not so" (G3365, _mēdamōs_) is a powerful negation, meaning "by no means" or "never!" It conveys Peter's deep-seated conviction and his absolute unwillingness to comply, even when addressing the Lord. This highlights the profound challenge the vision posed to his long-held beliefs and practices.
* **"for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth."** This clause provides the justification for Peter's refusal. He appeals to his lifelong adherence to the Mosaic dietary laws. The phrase "nothing common or unclean" refers to any food that is either ceremonially defiled (common) or inherently forbidden (unclean) by the Law. The emphatic "at any time" (G3763, _oudépote_) underscores his consistent obedience and purity throughout his life, reinforcing the gravity of the proposed transgression in his mind. This statement encapsulates the core of the Jewish purity system that Peter had faithfully observed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is central, as Peter's exact protest ("Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth") is reiterated from [Acts 10:14](/acts/10-14 "Acts 10:14 - Peter's Initial Protest"). This repetition emphasizes the profound internal conflict Peter experienced and the deep-seated nature of his convictions, highlighting the divine persistence required to overcome his resistance. There is also a strong element of **Irony** present; Peter, a devout follower of the Lord, is directly contradicting a command he recognizes as coming from God. This dramatic irony sets the stage for the radical reversal of understanding that is about to occur. Furthermore, the "common or unclean" food serves as **Symbolism**, representing not just dietary restrictions but the broader distinction between Jews and Gentiles. The breaking down of these food barriers symbolically prefigures the breaking down of the social and spiritual barriers between people groups, making way for a unified body of believers in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 11:8 marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, signifying the transition from the old covenant's particularistic distinctions to the new covenant's universal embrace. Peter's vision, and his initial resistance, highlights the profound theological shift that God was orchestrating: the ceremonial laws, which once served to set Israel apart and foreshadow Christ, were now being superseded by a greater reality. The declaration that what God has cleansed is no longer to be called common or unclean fundamentally redefines purity, shifting its locus from external ritual observance to internal spiritual transformation and faith in Christ. This redefinition opened the door for the gospel to transcend ethnic and cultural boundaries, affirming that God shows no partiality and that salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of their background.

* [Acts 10:28](/acts/10-28 "Acts 10:28 - Peter's Realization about Gentiles"): Peter explicitly articulates his understanding of the vision's meaning, linking the "unclean" animals to the "unlawful" association with Gentiles.
* [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"): Jesus' earlier teaching declared all foods clean, foreshadowing the very theological shift Peter experiences in Acts.
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"): This verse powerfully summarizes the new covenant reality where ethnic, social, and gender distinctions are transcended in Christ, reflecting the breaking down of barriers initiated by Peter's vision.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's initial, vehement protest in Acts 11:8 serves as a profound mirror for our own lives, challenging us to examine the deeply ingrained traditions, cultural norms, or even theological interpretations that might inadvertently hinder our obedience to God's progressive leading. Just as Peter's understanding of "clean" and "unclean" was about to be radically reshaped by divine revelation, we too must remain open and pliable to the Holy Spirit's guidance, especially when it calls us beyond our comfort zones or challenges our preconceived notions of who God is working with or how He is working. This verse compels us to consider whether our own "not so, Lord" moments are rooted in faithful obedience or in a resistance to God's expansive, barrier-breaking love. It's a call to humility, to recognize that God's ways are higher than our ways, and that His kingdom is far more inclusive than our human constructs often allow. Embracing this truth means actively seeking out and ministering to those whom society, or even our own biases, might deem "common" or "unclean," recognizing that in Christ, all are made new and acceptable to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "common or unclean" barriers might I unknowingly be maintaining in my own life or ministry that prevent me from fully embracing God's inclusive love for all people?**
* **How willing am I to challenge my long-held traditions or deeply ingrained beliefs when confronted with clear divine instruction that seems to contradict them?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to step outside my comfort zone to extend grace and the gospel to those I might instinctively consider "other" or "different"?**

### FAQ
**Why was Peter so resistant to the Lord's command to eat the "unclean" animals?**

Answer: Peter's resistance stemmed from his lifelong, devout adherence to the Mosaic Law, specifically the dietary regulations outlined in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals"). For a Jew of his time, consuming "unclean" food was not merely a matter of personal preference but a direct violation of God's commands, leading to ritual impurity and separation from the community. His "Not so, Lord" reflected a deep-seated reverence for the Law and a genuine fear of defiling himself, a practice he had consistently avoided "at any time." This resistance highlights the profound cultural and religious barriers that God needed to dismantle to expand the gospel beyond its Jewish origins.

**Does this vision mean that Christians can eat anything, and are all Old Testament laws now abolished?**

Answer: While this vision certainly has implications for Christian dietary freedom, its primary theological thrust, as Peter himself later understood, was not merely about food but about people. The "unclean" animals symbolized Gentiles, whom Jews considered ritually impure and with whom they were forbidden to associate closely ([Acts 10:28](/acts/10-28 "Acts 10:28 - Peter's Understanding of the Vision")). God's declaration, "What God has made clean, do not call common" ([Acts 11:9](/acts/11-9 "Acts 11:9 - God's Declaration")), signified that Gentiles were now acceptable to God through faith in Christ without needing to convert to Judaism or adhere to its ceremonial laws. While Christians are generally understood to be free from Old Testament ceremonial dietary laws ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean"), [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom from Regulations")), the broader principle is that Christ fulfills the Law, and our focus shifts from external rituals to internal spiritual purity and love for God and neighbor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 11:8, with Peter's staunch refusal to partake of "common or unclean" things, powerfully sets the stage for the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The distinctions between clean and unclean, so central to the Old Covenant, were ultimately shadows pointing to the reality found in Jesus Christ. It is through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection that the ultimate cleansing and purification are achieved, not through adherence to dietary laws or ritualistic washings. Christ Himself is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making all who believe in Him clean and acceptable to God. He is the one who broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Breaking Down the Dividing Wall")). Peter's vision, though initially about food, was a divine object lesson revealing that Christ's sacrifice had rendered all people, regardless of their ethnic or social background, "clean" and eligible for salvation. Thus, the "common or unclean" of the Old Covenant finds its profound fulfillment in the all-sufficient, barrier-breaking work of Christ, who purifies us by His blood ([Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")) and invites all to His table, making no distinction between those He has called and cleansed.

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

Romans 14:14

I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.

Hosea 9:3

They shall not dwell in the LORD'S land; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean [things] in Assyria.

1 Corinthians 7:14

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

Ezra 9:11

Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness.

Ezra 9:12

Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave [it] for an inheritance to your children for ever.

Mark 7:2

And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

Leviticus 11:47

To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.