Book of Acts - Chapter 11 - Verse 7

In this verse from the book of Acts, Peter is visited by a vision from God while praying on a rooftop. The voice instructs Peter to rise, slay, and eat from a sheet that holds both clean and unclean animals. This vision was significant in the early Christian church as it symbolized a shift in dietary restrictions for followers of Christ. In Jewish tradition, certain animals were considered unclean and not permissible to eat. However, in this vision, God was demonstrating to Peter that these dietary laws were no longer binding under the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. The message was clear - God was calling for inclusivity and acceptance of all, regardless of previous religious customs. This verse serves as a reminder of God's grace and the breaking down of barriers between different groups of people. Through this vision, Peter and the early Christians learned the importance of being open-minded and welcoming to all, regardless of background or tradition.

The verse 'And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.' (Acts 10:13) is a pivotal moment in the story of Peter's vision of the unclean animals descending in a sheet from heaven. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the significance of Peter's vision in breaking down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles. The instruction to "slay and eat" refers to the traditional Jewish dietary laws which prohibited the consumption of certain animals considered unclean. In this vision, God was challenging Peter to expand his understanding of who was acceptable in His sight and to embrace the idea that all people, regardless of their background, were welcome in His kingdom.

Word studies of this verse reveal the deeper meanings behind the specific words used. The word "voice" emphasizes the divine nature of the command Peter heard, indicating that it was directly from God. "Arise" signifies a call to action, urging Peter to respond to the Divine instruction. The use of the verb "slay" was a symbolic gesture to let go of the old customs and embrace a new way of thinking. "Eat" signifies acceptance and communion with those previously considered outsiders. Overall, this verse showcases the transformative power of God's word and challenges us to reexamine our own preconceived notions and biases.