The third hindrance - the will of others (Study 50) (5/8/16)
We began by asking whether it was justifiable for the author of the study to use this event in Peter's life to illustrate the dangers of following the will of others, or of culture. Peter had been brought up an observant Jew from birth. In the events of Acts 10-11 we see God overturning everything he had been taught in Mosaic law. There were clear hints in Jesus' teaching that Mosaic law was not intrinsically absolute with regard to food restrictions (Mk 7:18-19), but God was patient with Peter. He gave the vision three times, with no rebuking, because in this and the subsequent events in Cornelius' house He was revealing the truth that Gentiles did not have to become Jews in order to possess salvation by faith in Christ. Peter had twice before questioned and refused Christ (at Caesarea Philippi and at the upper room where his feet were about to be washed). In this instance his refusal, though proper, also had to do with his intrinsic character weakness of seeing and doing ...