Does the vision in Acts 10 teach that all meats are clean to eat?

Acts 10 gives a stirring account of how a Gentile named Cornelius prays for the truth. An angel appears to him and tells him to send men to Joppa to invite the apostle Peter to come teach him (verses 3–6). As the servants of Cornelius approach, Peter has a dream and sees a sheet let down from heaven. In it are all types of “four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him. ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But Peter said, ‘Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean’ ” (vv. 12–14).

Some people suggest that Christ cleansed all food when He was here. If that were true, Peter knew nothing about it. He had spent three-and-a-half years with the Master and listened to His instructions, yet Peter gathered no indication that unclean animals could now be eaten.

The vision initially confuses Peter, but as the story unfolds, the true meaning becomes clear. Verse 17 says, “Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius … stood at the gate.” Verse 19 adds, “While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Behold three men are seeking you.’ ” Even the command in the vision to “arise” is repeated. “Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them” (v. 20).

Apparently, on the way back to Cornelius’ house, the Lord answered Peter’s ponderings and showed him the meaning of his vision. When he entered the house full of Gentiles, Peter said, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean” (verse 28, emphasis mine).

The meaning was now perfectly clear. Peter’s vision had nothing to do with diet. It was a sign that the gospel was from now on to be preached to the Gentiles.

Key Bible Texts

And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. (Acts 10:13 KJV)