In Acts 10, Peter, who became quite a powerhouse after being filled with the Holy Spirit, was given a vision three times with all manner of beasts on it and was told to rise, kill and eat.  He was perplexed as to why would the angel of Elohim tell him to do such a thing that was prohibited?  Many have interpreted this to mean that animals that were once an abomination to eat and forbidden by YHVH for food in Leviticus 11, would now be allowed to eat them.  If one doesn’t understand the teachings and culture of that day and they try to interpret its meaning from a western mindset, they could possibly arrive at that conclusion.  However, if you believe what the Bible teaches, that the Word never changes, then this interpretation creates a contradiction and we know we must be lacking information for this to be the case.  Even when taken through the grid of seed and fruit, there is no seed in the fruit of what was originally called an abomination and not food, now to be called food and no longer abominable.  But once you know the teachings of that day it no longer contradicts what the Hebrew Scriptures teach.  In that day there were mainly two houses of study among the Pharisees.  The House of Hillel and the House of Shammai.  The House of Shammai taught that if a Biblically unclean animal, i.e. pig, came in contact with a Biblically clean animal, i.e. cow, the clean animal (cow) would now be rendered unclean because of the pig.  This is not in Scripture as a commandment or instruction.  This was a man-made fence to protect the commandments of clean and unclean animals.

Of course, the Father used their beliefs and misconceptions about that to teach Peter, who was from the House of Shammai, that to be in the presence of a Gentile would not make an Israelite unclean or common, any more than a clean animal being in the presence of an unclean animal renders it unclean or common.  This is why the Spirit said in Acts 10:15, “What Elohim has cleansed, no longer consider it unholy.” The House of Shammai taught this about animals and people.  The Spirit was about to send Peter to Cornelius, who had gathered some Gentiles together, and He didn’t want him to have misgivings about it.  The interpretation to the perplexing vision given to Peter, was going to be given to him. The truth would be demonstrated, through the power of the Spirit.

Let’s pick up in Acts 10:34-48 and see how impacting and far-reaching it is when one is filled with the Holy Spirit and allows the truth to change his life.

“34 Opening his mouth, Peter said:“I most certainly understand now that Elohim is not one to show partiality, 35 but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.[John 3:16] 36 “The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Yeshua Messiah (He is Adonai of all)— 37 you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. 38 “You know of Yeshua of Nazareth, how Elohim anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for Elohim was with Him. 39 “We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. 40 “Elohim raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by Elohim, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 “And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by Elohim as Judge of the living and the dead. 43 “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone [Even the Gentiles] who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 All the circumcised believers[Israelites], who came with Peter were amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting Elohim. Then Peter answered, 47 “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Yeshua Messiah. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.”

What I love about this story is that the interpretation to the vision Peter had three times was witnessed and proven to the circumcised believers, the Israelites, who no doubt, was told by Peter, about this vision.  Not only did it tear down a false belief system, but it built a tower of truth in its place.  Salvation is for whosoever wills!!!  This experience also built trust in these believers that what Peter experienced with the vision and the angel of Elohim and then what he preached afterwards was true.  They could follow him as he follows Messiah.  As we’ve mentioned several times before, the Holy Spirit is given to lead us into all truth. May we be His witnesses, filled with the Spirit and baptized in Yeshua’s name that we may be used to lead others to Messiah!!!

Have a blessed and shalom filled day!!

Tammy

Courtesy of
River of Life Tabernacle
Tammy McLendon
Great peace have they who love Your law. Psalm 119:165a