Definition: And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 10:28. It's a really important and slightly complex passage about Jesus’ plan for the early church. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Jesus was essentially saying that it’s not okay for Jewish people to associate with or travel to Gentiles (non-Jewish people). He felt this wasn't a good thing and he wanted to protect the Church from potential problems. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he said unto them…” : This is Jesus speaking directly to a group of people, likely his disciples. “…Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation;” : Jesus is pointing out a rule – a law – that’s been in place for centuries. It’s a fundamental principle that Jewish people shouldn't be mixing with Gentiles. He’s saying it’s against God’s plan . Basically, it’s a boundary they weren't meant to cross. “…but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” : This is the crucial part. Jesus was receiving a direct message from God about this rule. He understood that God had shown him that it was wrong to treat Gentiles as equal and acceptable, regardless of their background. He didn’t think it was okay for them to be called "common" or "unclean." So, what does this mean practically? Jesus was essentially saying: “Don't let the Jewish people be mixed with Gentiles. Don’t treat them as equal or deserving of respect.” It’s a protective measure meant to ensure the Church stayed focused on its mission – spreading the Gospel (the good news) and being a community of believers united in faith. Why is this important? This verse is significant because it shows Jesus was deeply concerned with the unity of the Church. It highlights his priority: preserving the true, unified body of believers over the potential for division or conflict. --- In short: Jesus was protecting the early church by discouraging Jewish people from associating with Gentiles and treating them as equal. It’s a reminder to be careful about judgment and focus on unity within the Christian community. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore its historical context?