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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
benefited equally with them. Some have urged that this vision was
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to signify that God had removed his prohibition from the use of the
flesh of animals which he had formerly pronounced unclean; and that
therefore swines’ flesh was fit for food. This is a very narrow, and
altogether erroneous interpretation, and is plainly contradicted in the
scriptural account of the vision and its consequences.
The vision of all manner of live beasts, which the sheet contained,
and of which Peter was commanded to kill and eat, being assured
that what God had cleansed should not be called common or unclean
by him, was simply an illustration presenting to his mind the true
position of the Gentiles; that by the death of Christ they were made
fellow-heirs with the Israel of God. It conveyed to Peter both reproof
and instruction. His labors had heretofore been confined entirely to
the Jews; and he had looked upon the Gentiles as an unclean race, and
excluded from the promises of God. His mind was now being led to
comprehend the world-wide extent of the plan of God.
Even while he pondered over the vision, it was explained to him.
“Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had
seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius
had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, and
called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were
lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto
him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down,
and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
It was a trying command to Peter; but he dared not act accord-
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ing to his own feelings, and therefore went down from his chamber,
and received the messengers sent to him from Cornelius. They com-
municated their singular errand to the apostle, and, according to the
direction he had just received from God, he at once agreed to accom-
pany them on the morrow. He courteously entertained them that night,
and in the morning set out with them for Caesarea, accompanied by
six of his brethren, who were to be witnesses of all he should say or
do while visiting the Gentiles; for he knew that he should be called to
account for so direct an opposition to the Jewish faith and teachings.
It was nearly two days before the journey was ended and Cornelius
had the glad privilege of opening his doors to a gospel minister, who,
according to the assurance of God, should teach him and his house how
they might be saved. While the messengers were upon their errand,