Definition: But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Acts 11:8. It’s a really significant moment in the early church's history and it speaks to a lot of things about faith and God’s plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Peter is telling God, “No, Lord, nothing common or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But I said…” : This shows Peter is acknowledging a decision he's made. He's not just passively accepting something; he's actively voicing a strong belief. “Not so, Lord” : This is the core of the verse. Peter is rejecting something that’s been offered to him – likely an invitation or opportunity to join with Gentiles (non-Jewish people). “…for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.” : This is where it gets a little more nuanced. “Common” means ordinary, everyday things. “Unclean” suggests something that’s considered morally wrong or not pleasing to God. So, Peter is saying he has never accepted anything that would be considered sinful, immoral, or undesirable. What does this tell us about Peter? Faith and Obedience: This verse highlights Peter's unwavering faith in God. He’s willing to refuse something tempting, even if it seems appealing on the surface. It shows a deep commitment to following God's will. God’s Protection: This also speaks to God’s protection of His people. Peter is essentially saying he’s shielded from temptation and danger by God's plan. Why is this important? This verse is crucial because it shows that God’s plan for the church – to spread the gospel (the good news about Jesus) to all nations – is secure. It demonstrates that God’s will surpasses our understanding and that He protects His chosen people from temptation and harm. In a nutshell: Peter is declaring his absolute commitment to following God's path, even when it means refusing something tempting. It's a powerful statement of faith! --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide context about the situation Peter was facing? Discuss what this verse might mean for our lives today?