What did Peter say to Cornelius about a Jew entering a Gentile's house?
Peter told Cornelius that it was unlawful for him, a Jew, to enter the house of another nation. Yet he explained that God had shown him otherwise, revealing a distinct divine purpose in his visit, so he came despite Jewish custom and his own reluctance.
Les teaches that in Acts chapter 10 Peter is up in the house of a Gentile, the Roman Cornelius. Contrary to Peter's own desires, God forced him to go to Cornelius's house. As Peter went through the door, he told Cornelius that it was an unlawful thing for a Jew like him to come into the house of another nation. But, Peter said, God had shown him there was a distinct divine purpose in his coming. While preaching and expounding about Jesus of Nazareth—Israel's Messiah, Redeemer, and King—Peter wondered why he was giving this to Gentiles. He did not realize God was moving in His purposes to go out to the Gentile world.
And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
More Questions
In Acts 10:28, what did Peter say was unlawful for a Jew to do with a Gentile?
Peter told Cornelius's household that it was unlawful for a Jew to associate with or enter the home of a Gentile—'another nation' in this verse means a Gentile.
Was the law still in effect by the time Peter went to Cornelius's house?
By the time of Acts 10, the law had not been set aside, so the idea that as soon as you get into Matthew you are in the Christian economy is mistaken.
Was Peter convinced before Acts 10 that no person is common or unclean?
Peter told Cornelius's household that God had shown him to call no man common or unclean, but he had not been convinced of this before that time.
Why did Peter say it was unlawful for a Jew to associate with Gentiles?
In Acts 10:28 Peter calls it 'unlawful' for a Jew to keep company with or go into the home of a Gentile.