We all know Peter as the outspoken fisherman who is the first to recognize Jesus as the Christ. Although he was a leader among the apostles, he denied knowing Jesus after his arrest. Then, in a famous resurrection appearance, he was forgiven and became the spokesman for believers at Pentecost.
Almost overlooked is his opening of the Church to Gentiles. The story is so essential that it is carefully repeated in Acts 10 and 11. Often called the Gentile Pentecost, it features the Spirit calling Peter to proclaim the Gospel to the household of the Roman centurion Cornelius.
The Spirit provides a colorful but coarse vision to overcome Peter’s resistance. All sorts of animals considered clean and unclean are thrown together in a blanket, and Peter is told to kill and eat. When he protests that nothing profane passes his lips, God asks who he is to call profane what He created good.
When Peer finally preaches the Gospel in this foreigner’s home, everyone speaks in tongues, the same sign given when the apostles received the Holy Spirit. Peter is forced to ask the question often repeated in Acts, “How can I withhold baptism?”
Afterwards, when the Jewish Christians ask him how he could eat with Gentiles, he recounts the whole story. There are two edges to the question. How can the celebration of a Communion meal include people with whom you cannot share an ordinary meal? Peter insists there is no turning back after the Spirit reveals it is God’s will.
That question is asked again at the first ecumenical council in Jerusalem (Acts 15). The Church accepts Peter’s reasoning for sharing the Communion meal with Gentiles. The Jewish Christians do not demand their circumcision but simply that they observe a few customs enabling Jews to eat meals with them. Interestingly, there is no evidence that any Gentiles complied. There seemed to be no need when Christian theology rejected the idea of unclean food.
The story reminds us that our people were once regarded as unclean outsiders when politicians demonize foreigners. It also objects when programs that care for the poor are described as unhealthy. Cornelius is presented as a good man because he gives alms to the poor.
And again, Peter’s story overcomes our reluctance to speak truth to power. In Acts 4 ad 5, Peter refuses to obey the governing authorities when they command him to stop teaching Jesus’ message. And he does not st0p until they crucify him.
