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Acts 10:9-20 (NIV)
Peter’s Vision
9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” 14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” 15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” 16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. 17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. 19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
This passage is not really about food. What God was trying to get across to Peter was the idea that the Gentiles, those who were not Jews by birth, were no longer “unclean.” Why? Because the death of Jesus covered their sins, too! That is why Peter ultimately believed that it was the Spirit of God speaking to him. He knew that Jesus had died in order to break down barriers and bring reconciliation between humanity and God. He knew that Jesus had risen to bring new life. There are times in our lives when we will ask, “Is this from God?” Or, “God, what are you doing?” That is ok. In fact, that is what we should be doing each and every day. Even Peter, one of Jesus’ closest companions on earth was confused at times, but since he knew Jesus and the cross was at the center of his faith he finally came to understand what God was doing through the work of the Holy Spirit.