1. Acts 10:1–48 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why is the ending of the purity laws important for the expansion of the gospel?

Acts 10:1–48 (ESV)

1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort,

This chapter in Acts opens the door to the expansion of the gospel. Now that the Messiah has come, it is time for God’s kingdom to be expanded across the world. Not the nations coming to the land of Israel, but God’s people going into the nations. The presence of God, there, wherever his Word is faithfully proclaimed and his people are gathered. And that will be possible because the purification laws have come to an end.

Purity laws prevented old covenant believers from eating at the table of Gentiles. They served to restrict the diet of God’s people, limiting their association with death, reminding them that they must be holy as God is holy (see further Leviticus 11:1–47). These laws are no longer necessary now that Christ has come. Through his death he has cleansed all who believe so that they can come into God’s presence (see further Hebrews 10:19–25; Ephesians 5:25–27). He has brought an end to the old covenant (Hebrews 8:1–13); he is the reality to which the shadows pointed (Hebrews 9:1–10:39).

The implications of this change will be spelled out in more detail when it comes to some of the New Testament letters. In Galatians, Romans, and Hebrews there will be more teaching about how these food laws have come to an end. For now, in our passage it is a new revelation to Peter and a major hurdle that needs to be overcome.

Many years previously, his ancestors submitted to these food laws at the cost of their lives. Just think about Daniel and his friends in Babylon. For them, obedience to God went hand in hand with submission to old covenant purity law. Given this background, it is no wonder that Peter is puzzled by the vision. He thinks it is a test from God, a test to see if he is committed to the Lord. Three times he receives his vision to confirm all food is clean; then understanding finally comes when he is taken into the house of Cornelius.

Since purity laws have come to an end, he can spend time in a Gentile house; he can even sit at a Gentile table eating Gentile food without defilement. God’s church is ready to expand into the nations.