Acts 11:7
And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
Original Language Analysis
φωνῆς
a voice
G5456
φωνῆς
a voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
3 of 10
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
λεγούσης
saying
G3004
λεγούσης
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἀναστάς
Arise
G450
Ἀναστάς
Arise
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
6 of 10
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
Πέτρε
Peter
G4074
Πέτρε
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
7 of 10
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
θῦσον
slay
G2380
θῦσον
slay
Strong's:
G2380
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e., (by implication) to sacrifice (properly, by fire, but genitive case); by extension to immolate (s
Historical Context
Arise, slay and eat commanded action violating Torah's dietary laws Peter had observed from childhood. The imperative form indicates divine authority. Reformed theology recognizes this as progressive revelation—God can alter ceremonial laws while maintaining moral law. Around 40 CE, this command initiated Christianity's break from ceremonial Judaism while retaining ethical monotheism.
Questions for Reflection
- How do divine commands sometimes contradict established religious practice?
- What distinguishes ceremonial laws (changeable) from moral laws (permanent)?
- In what ways does progressive revelation challenge existing understanding?
- How should believers respond when God's direction violates lifelong training?
- What role does trust in divine authority play when commands seem wrong?
Analysis & Commentary
And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. The divine command directly contradicted lifelong training and conscience, requiring radical trust in God's authority over established religious practice.