"So Cornelius said, 'Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.' Then Peter opened his mouth and said: 'In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality [is not a respecter of persons - no partiality]. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.'" Acts 10:30-38
This was the culmination of story about Peter going to a Gentile's house to share the Gospel after having a vision on a roof top.
"The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.' But Peter said, 'Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.' And a voice spoke to him again the second time, 'What God has cleansed you must not call common.' This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate." - Acts 10:9-17
Peter was of the opinion that salvation by faith in Jesus the Messiah was for the Jews only. All non-Jews were considered unclean. This truth was what was called one of the "Great Mysteries". Peter's attitude had been taught to him and practiced for generations before him. Did you know that the 11:00 hour on Sunday has been called the most segregated hour of the week while Christians of different ethnicities, cultures and skin hues gather to worship? We worship the same Father God and praise the same Jesus, yet we cannot bring themselves to embrace one another - even during corporate worship.
You know, of course, that Jesus was born a Jew and grew up in the Jewish culture, right? He did not look like majority of those who call Him Savior and Lord. Just who do we think we are to separate ourselves in such a way? What God has cleansed you must not call common. Who are we to contradict God? Do you recall what Paul wrote in Galatians chapter 5?
"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, HATRED, CONTENTIONS, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, DISSENSIONS, HERESIES" - Galatians 5:19-20
Showing bias - contempt - towards others when God has said to embrace them is an act of the flesh. It is sinful. You might want to justify it with a spiritual coat of paint - but beneath the paint is sinful flesh. I have found that preaching that truth in some circles - no matter what congregation - red and yellow, black and white - will not make you very popular. Many Christians are unwilling to let "a-loose" of the traditions passed down by their fathers. But we have been called to preach the reconciliation of all people to God through Jesus. Red and yellow, black and white - they are all precious in His sight.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of GOD, WHO HAS RECONCIELD US to Himself through Jesus Christ, and HAS GIVEN US A MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:17-19
Doesn't leave much wiggle-room does it.
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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