thinking bible.

You asked

what was the basis for jewish purity laws regarding gentiles at this time?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Acts 10:28

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

This verse is part of Peter's explanation to Cornelius and his household, who are Gentiles, as to why he, a Jew, has entered their home. Peter has just had a vision where God declared all foods clean, challenging his previous understanding of Jewish dietary and purity laws.

What boundaries, physical or social, do we maintain today that might be challenged by a deeper understanding of human connection?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Leviticus 11:47

    This verse outlines the distinction between clean and unclean creatures, which undergirded Jewish purity laws.

  • Ephesians 2:14

    Paul speaks of Jesus breaking down the 'dividing wall of hostility' between Jew and Gentile, reflecting a similar theme of unity.

Ask your own follow-up