사도행전 10:1-11:18 읽기

Reading Acts 10:1-11:18: With Special Emphasis on the Role and the Conversion of Peter

The sudden and dramatic conversion of Saul is vividly illustrated in Acts 9. Acts 10-11 also illustrates the conversion of Peter as well as Cornelius. The article emphasizes Peter's role and conversion that ultimately brings about the conversion of Gentile Cornelius. It assumes that conversion is not merely confined as an one time event in a person's life; it is a continuous process. The article portrays the conversion of both Peter and Cornelius as a positive transition toward the Gentile mission to understand the plan of God. Acts 10 describes a double vision to Cornelius and Peter, and shows how they deal with the vision. Peter struggles to understand his horrific vision because he was called to eat 'unclean and profane food' that would violate the diet regulation in his Torah world. Comfortably accustomed to the Jewish diet tradition and filled with certain prejudices, Peter was convinced his views on the unclean Gentiles were correct. It was to the point it took a three-part heavenly vision for God to change Peter's worldview on Torah. With God's intervention, the meaning of the vision gradually became clear, and Peter recognized God working in and through all these supernatural events. Freed from his long-rooted Jewish prejudices, Peter entered the Cornelius home to preach the Gospel that God had commanded Peter to share: "I truly understand … God shows no partiality … every nation any one … acceptable …"(10:34-35). Peter's pronouncement expresses his clear understanding of the universal teaching of Jesus' atoning work and the universal offer of the Gospel. Peter's word reflects his great role and conversion, and his conviction to wholeheartedly accept the Gentile mission as God's great salvific plan. Acts 10:1-11:18 introduces difficult or even dangerous situations that early followers of Jesus faced. It also shows how they overcame them with God's supernatural visions, Peters' conversion, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit. God directs God's mission towards all of humanity; God converts Peter and Cornelius to show his universal plan of salvation. All in all, as Peter and Cornelius' conversion opened the door wide to the unfamiliar Gentile world, the modern church is also faced with a similar challenge to widen God's salvific plan towards every nation today. The need for new conversion, fresh transformation, and deepened faith continues for the kingdom of God.