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Acts 10:28

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.

Acts 10:28 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse comes from the book of Acts in the New Testament of the Bible. In this passage, Peter, a disciple of Jesus, is speaking to a group of people and explaining to them a significant revelation he had received from God. At the time, it was considered unlawful for a Jew to associate with or visit someone from another nation, as they were seen as unclean or impure. However, Peter shares that God had shown him that he should not consider any person common or unclean, regardless of their nationality or background. This was a profound message as it demonstrated God's love and inclusivity for all people, breaking down barriers that had previously existed. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's love knows no bounds and that all individuals are valued and accepted in His sight. It encourages followers of Jesus to treat others with compassion, respect, and equality, reflecting the unconditional love that God has for every person.

Theological Overview

In this verse of the bible, Peter, a Jew, acknowledges a common belief at the time that it was unlawful for a Jew to associate with or visit a person of another nation. However, he then goes on to recount a powerful revelation he received from God, demonstrating that this belief no longer holds true under the new covenant. Through a vision, God showed Peter that he should not consider any person as common or unclean based on their nationality or background. This revelation marked a significant shift in understanding for Peter and the early church, indicating that all people are equally valuable and loved by God, regardless of their heritage. This verse serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's truth and love, breaking down barriers that divide us and inviting all to be part of God's family.

Acts 10:28 in other translations

American Standard Version

and he said unto them, Ye yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation; and [yet] unto me hath God showed that I should not call any man common or unclean:

World English Bible

He said to them, “You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one of another nation, but God has shown me that I shouldn’t call any man unholy or unclean.

Douay-Rheims

And he said to them: you know how abominable it is for a man that is a Jew to keep company or to come unto one of another nation: but God hath shewed to me, to call no man common or unclean.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And he sayd vnto them, Ye know that it is an vnlawfull thing for a man that is a Iewe, to company, or come vnto one of another nation: but God hath shewed me, that I should not call any man polluted, or vncleane.