What Does the Bible Say About Prejudice? Sample

Day 4 - Peter’s overcoming prejudice

The early church was established primarily by Jesus’ Jewish followers. All of the disciples were Jewish, and, as such, likely held certain prejudices against Gentiles (or “Greeks,” i.e., non-Jews). Although Jesus said that he came for the whole world and told them in his commission to spread the message to every nation, the disciples weren’t entirely clear on what that would mean.

According to Dr. Jim Denison, the central question facing the church was: “Must we all go to Jerusalem before we can go to Jesus?” To hear the answer, they would have to overcome their prejudice to hear the truth.

Dr. Jim Denison writes in his sermon, “Peter’s Miracle Ministry,” “Peter’s residence with Simon the Tanner in Joppa (Acts 9:43) is an indication that his heart was already turning from the racial and moral prejudices of his traditions. A ‘tanner’ was one who worked with the skins of dead animals, and thus handled things unclean to the Jew. To stay with him was a significant step out of the legalism of Peter’s heritage. Now he will be asked to take a second step, the largest of his entire life.”

The answer was given to Peter in a dream. God speaks identity over Gentiles who choose to follow Jesus: “What God has made clean, do not call common” (Acts 10:15).

God created the whole universe through his word, and through that powerful word, he bestows us with identity. Here, he is tearing down once and for all the division of “clean” and “unclean,” Jew and Gentile.

So, Peter met with the Gentile man Cornelius. Not only was Cornelius a Gentile, but he was also a Centurion—a commander of one hundred men in the occupying force of Rome. And Peter associates with him by eating at his table.

When Peter presented the gospel, another wondrous thing happened. The Holy Spirit was visibly poured out on the Gentiles. They didn’t even have to become Jews for that to happen!

Later, the Christians in Jerusalem judged Peter for eating with a Gentile. But, after Peter told them about the vision and the work of God, “they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life’” (Acts 11:18).

As Peter put it, “Who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17).

Reflect

Indeed, who are we to stand in the way of what God does with people we, in our narrow-mindedness, wouldn’t expect?

Have you ever tried to stand in God’s way or doubted his power for redemption? Have you thought in your heart, “God would never redeem a person like that?”

Ask the Lord to soften your heart to what he’s doing, and ask the Lord for eyes to see the work that’s happening in unexpected ways.