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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Then I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat.’” — Acts 11:7
Imagine you're Peter, hanging out, maybe even feeling a bit confused or uncertain about what’s happening around you. Then, out of nowhere, you hear a powerful voice telling you to 'rise, kill, and eat.' This isn't just about food; it’s about breaking barriers and stepping out of your comfort zone. The voice is urging you to embrace something new, something different from what you’ve always known. It’s a call to action, a challenge to your old beliefs. You can almost feel the excitement and anxiety mix together as you realize this moment could change everything for you!
This book was written by Luke, a doctor and a close companion of Paul. He had a unique perspective because he was an outsider looking in, wanting to give an accurate account of these incredible events. By including this detail, Luke emphasizes the radical shift in understanding that Peter and the early Church were experiencing. It’s like he’s saying, 'Look at how God is expanding our horizons! This is bigger than we ever imagined!'
At this time, the world was buzzing with new ideas and tensions. The early Church was just beginning to take shape, and there was a lot of disagreement about who could be part of this new movement. The Roman Empire was in full swing, and cultures were mixing in ways that made people uncomfortable. This moment is significant because it shows that God’s message is breaking through these cultural boundaries at a time when segregation and division were the norm.
This verse matters today because it’s a reminder that growth often comes from stepping into the unknown. It challenges you to think about your own boundaries and limits—what beliefs or prejudices might be holding you back? When you hear that call to 'rise, kill, and eat,' it’s about letting go of what’s familiar and accepting new possibilities. It’s a nudge to expand your heart and mind to those you might have previously excluded or judged.
This week, think about a situation where you might be hesitant to step out of your comfort zone. Maybe there’s a person you’ve avoided or a new opportunity you’ve been skeptical about. Take one small action: reach out to that person, or say yes to that opportunity. Challenge yourself to say, 'I’m open to new experiences and perspectives.' It could be as simple as trying a new food or striking up a conversation with someone different from you.
Before this moment, Peter has been grappling with a vision that challenges everything he thought he knew about what is clean and unclean. The chapter builds up to this pivotal moment—Peter's confusion, the voice calling him, and the realization that God is doing something new. This verse comes right when Peter is on the brink of a huge change, where his understanding of who is included in God's plan is about to expand. After this, Peter goes on to share this groundbreaking message with others, showing them that the love and acceptance he’s learning about is for everyone, not just a select few.
What is one thing you’ve been hesitant to embrace that might be calling you to grow and change your perspective?
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Then I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat.’