Gentiles Research Paper

One of the difficult adjustments that Jewish Christians had to face was that of fully accepting Gentiles as equals before God. Most Jews did not have a problem if a Gentile would proselyte to become a Jew, but many considered Gentiles to be unclean, and thus unacceptable to associate and eat with them (Acts 10:28; 11:2–3). Yet, throughout the gospel, Gentiles have demonstrated the greatest faiths. In the episode of the healing of the Centurion’s servant in Luke (7:1-10), centurion indicates his unworthiness to be granted miracle and asked him not to come under his roof as it can cause defilement. Jesus is described to be very surprised at the centurion’s confidence that Jesus can heal his slave and that it can be done with such effectiveness

(Mt 8:11-12, Lk 13:28-30)

Compared to Matthew, Luke extends his ministry to Gentiles. While Jesus in Matthew forbids a mission to the Samaritans and reserved priorities for only Jews, Lukan Jesus is performing miracles for Jews and non-Jews alike and even described as sending forth his disciples to convert Gentiles (10:1-16). As Harris explained, the number seventy-two represented the sum total of non-Jewish nations, so the act of twelve disciples (twelve Israelites tribes) being sent to Gentile territories foreshadows Christian expansion among Gentiles of Roman empire (Harris 214)

Before the meeting with Cornelius Peter was staying with Simon a tanner. Though he had no problem staying with one of an unclean occupation, he was still hesitant when it comes to food he was being provided. About noon, Peter was on the housetop praying and getting hungry. He had a vision of a large sheet lowered from heaven with all kinds of animals in it, clean and unclean. A voice announced to him “Arise, Peter, kill and eat!” Peter responded, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.” The first voice responded, “What God has cleansed, do not consider unholy.” This interchange occurred three times and then the sheet was taken

That is, when Jews go to Gentiles they need to show that Christianity is available to the Gentiles, without forcing them to become Jews to be Christians. Cornelius had assembled his relatives and close friends to hear Peter’s message. Peter explained as he entered the house that Jews do not associate or visit Gentiles because they are viewed as unclean, but God had shown Peter that he should not consider any man unclean, so he came without objection. This provided an opportunity to explain the gospel to those in the house and the Holy Spirit fell upon all listening. The Gentiles began to speak in tongues as the Christians had at first, showing that they were authentically saved with the repentance that leads to life (Acts 10:44–48;