If we read Acts 10 closely an inescapable fact about Peter, whom thew Roman Catholic Church says was the first Pope, was imperfect. Even Baptists and Lutherans will agree that Peter was an Apostle with a very special relationship with Jesus. But, special relationship with Christ or not, Peter was a fallible human being.
Some might argue that Peter, the Rock was a fallible human before he received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, but after being filled with the Holy Spirit he was a spiritual giant without sin. In Acts 10 we can see that God used him mightily to heal the sick and even raise the dead. In a dramatic miracle he prayed and Dorcas was healed as she lay ready for burial. That is amazing. Anyone reading those stories could be excused for concluding that he was perfect for he was mimicking Jesus.
But right after that Peter refused to obey God. In fact, he argued with God and gave the almighty a solid lecture on what was good Jewish behavior.
Acts 10:9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
How can that be?
Read my book Breaking Free to better understand why very spiritual people still need to repent.
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