Leviticus 21-22 & Acts 11

As we continue the journey through the Holiness Code, the topic of Leviticus 21 turns to priests. As those called to be the intermediaries between God and Israel, priests are to be held to higher standards. An example of this is seen in the prohibition against touching the dead, except in the case the closest of relatives.

For Israel, to touch the dead was to make one unclean, one was not even supposed to be under the same roof as a dead person. However, it was understood that it was highly likely  that one would come into contact with the dead and therefore rites of purification are set up to allow one to be cleansed. For priests, however, even the rites of purification are not good enough. Priests are not to come into contact with the dead, period. One concession is for a very close family member, perhaps parent or wife or child, but that is it. If a priest comes into contact with the dead, he is then disqualified from his position.

Likewise, in sexual relations, a priest is to have relations with only an appropriate woman, a wife who is a virgin. Another example of the high standards being set for priests is the ban on priests who have any kind of blemish, any physical disability or disfiguring marks.

Chapter 22 continues into issues related to priestly purity. While they are to partake of the offerings, sacrificial meat, that are sacrificed to God, they can only do so if they are ritually clean. Furthermore, certain members of their families and/or households may also partake of these offerings but only if they meet certain conditions. However, lay members are not allowed to partake of these offerings.

Acts 11

Upon Peter's return to Jerusalem, the early group of believers are a bit concerned about Peter's interaction with the Gentiles, this is an issue that is going to remain with the early church for a generation or so. However, Peter tells his story, which clearly demonstrates that his actions were lead and guided by the Holy Spirit. While there is no clear decision made on the Gentiles, it is clear that the conversation has begun on how the Jewish believers will accept and welcome Gentile believers into the community.

Focus shifts to the city of Antioch, which will become one of the centers of the church over the next few centuries. In an interesting shift, we hear a story about how residents of Cyprus and Cyrene, two regions that are Gentile, come to Antioch to spread the gospel. This activity is confirmed by Barnabas and the early church of Antioch grows.

This story shows that while the church of Jerusalem is slow to see the progression of growth among the Gentiles, God has begun using Gentiles to spread the Gospel.