Definition: And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly difficult passage from Acts 10:13. It's a really shocking and unsettling verse, and it’s important to understand the context before we dive in. Here's what it means, explained simply: This verse is from a moment of intense crisis within the early church. Peter was about to be stoned to death by his fellow believers – they were angry at him for his leadership and his actions. The voice that comes isn’t a comforting one; it’s a terrifying command. Here's a breakdown: “And there came a voice…” - This immediately sets the scene as something unnatural and frightening. It suggests a supernatural element is at play. “…to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.” – This is the core of the verse. It’s a direct command to kill Peter. The phrase “Rise” is significant – it's implying he was already being condemned for his actions. "Kill, and eat" is a brutal and horrifying threat. What does this all mean in terms of context? This passage comes from a time when the early church was facing immense opposition and persecution. Peter had been preaching about repentance and salvation, but his followers were incredibly hostile and angry. They felt he wasn't delivering God’s message and that he was leading them astray. The Significance & Why It’s So Difficult: It’s a demonic threat: The verse is deeply rooted in the belief that demons could influence people, and this one was particularly potent – it suggested a powerful, malevolent force at work. A turning point in Peter's faith: This moment highlights a crucial struggle within Peter’s character. He was wrestling with his own conscience and feeling pressure from his followers. The voice represents a temptation to act on evil impulses. Important Note: The Bible doesn’t explicitly say that this is a literal demonic command. It's understood to be a metaphor for the influence of evil, and it speaks to the potential for human weakness and temptation. In short, “Acts 10:13” describes a terrifying moment where a powerful voice threatens Peter with violence, highlighting his struggle against temptation and the danger that can arise when people are consumed by anger and fear. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this passage is significant in biblical history? Discuss the different interpretations of this verse? Provide a more detailed explanation of the context surrounding the event?