Acts 11:8
But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
Original Language Analysis
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
κοινὸν
common
G2839
κοινὸν
common
Strong's:
G2839
Word #:
7 of 15
common, i.e., (literally) shared by all or several, or (ceremonially) profane
ἀκάθαρτον
unclean
G169
ἀκάθαρτον
unclean
Strong's:
G169
Word #:
9 of 15
impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 14:14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.1 Corinthians 7:14For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.Hosea 9:3They shall not dwell in the LORD'S land; but Ephraim shall return to Egypt, and they shall eat unclean things in Assyria.
Historical Context
Not so, Lord contains inherent contradiction—if Jesus is Lord, Peter can't refuse. This reflects genuine spiritual struggle when God's direction challenges fundamental identity. Nothing unclean demonstrates Peter's lifelong Torah observance. His resistance around 40 CE shows how deeply ingrained religious identity was—even apostolic witness to resurrection didn't automatically override cultural-religious formation.
Questions for Reflection
- What contradiction exists in saying 'Not so, Lord' simultaneously?
- How do deeply ingrained religious practices resist even direct divine commands?
- In what ways does genuine lordship require overriding personal preferences and traditions?
- What role does struggle play in spiritual growth and paradigm shifts?
- How should believers handle tension between tradition and fresh divine revelation?
Analysis & Commentary
But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. Peter's initial refusal reveals tension between calling Jesus Lord while resisting His command, illustrating struggle between tradition and fresh revelation.