PETER’S INTEGRITY IS DOUBTED (ACT 11:1-18)

REFLECTION The theme of our reflection is “Peter’s Integrity is Doubted,” based on the passage found in Acts 11:1-18. In this context, integrity refers to being honest, trustworthy, and following a strict moral code. To have one’s integrity doubted means that others are questioning whether your actions are right or if you have remained faithful…

Jean-Paul Agidi

May 15, 2026

3–4 minutes

REFLECTION

The theme of our reflection is “Peter’s Integrity is Doubted,” based on the passage found in Acts 11:1-18. In this context, integrity refers to being honest, trustworthy, and following a strict moral code. To have one’s integrity doubted means that others are questioning whether your actions are right or if you have remained faithful to your principles. The key lesson in this scripture is that God’s grace is for everyone, regardless of their background, and that true integrity involves obeying God even when it goes against tradition. Before this event, Peter had visited the house of Cornelius, a Gentile (non-Jew), and ate with him. At that time, Jewish law strictly forbade such interaction, leading to a major confrontation when Peter returned to Jerusalem.

Understanding the Shift in Grace

The primary reason Peter’s integrity was questioned was due to a clash between old traditions and a new move of God. When Peter arrived in Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticised him, saying, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them” (Acts 11:3). They believed Peter had compromised his faith by associating with “unclean” people. However, Peter explained that his actions were not a lapse in character, but an act of obedience to a divine vision.

Peter described a vision where God told him, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (Acts 11:9). This teaches us that our integrity is ultimately measured by our loyalty to God’s current instructions, rather than just clinging to human traditions. In our daily lives, we might face situations where others judge us for doing what is right in God’s eyes—such as befriending those who are social outcasts. Like Peter, we must remember that “God does not show favouritism” (Acts 10:34).

The Evidence of the Holy Spirit

Peter defended his integrity by pointing to the visible work of God. He witnessed the Holy Spirit falling upon the Gentiles just as it had fallen on the Apostles at Pentecost. He asked his critics a powerful question: “So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17).

This suggests that when our motives are questioned, we should point to the “fruit” of our actions. If our work leads to peace, repentance, and the growth of God’s kingdom, it proves our integrity. For example, if a person starts a ministry that others find “unconventional,” the proof of their integrity is often found in the lives that are transformed. Scripture reminds us, “By their fruit you will recognise them” (Matthew 7:16). When the critics in Jerusalem heard Peter’s explanation, they stopped their objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18).

Conclusion

In summary, Peter’s integrity was doubted because he stepped outside the comfort zone of his peers to follow God’s lead. He showed us that integrity is not about pleasing people, but about being transparent about God’s work in our lives. We learn that we should not be quick to judge others, and we must be open to how God chooses to work through different people.

Call to Action: This week, I encourage you to examine your heart. Are there traditions or prejudices that are stopping you from showing God’s love to others? Be like Peter—be brave enough to follow God’s spirit, even if it means your choices are misunderstood by those around you. Choose to stand in God’s way no longer, but rather open the door of grace to everyone you meet.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Peter, who chose obedience over the approval of men. Please forgive us for the times we have doubted the integrity of others or held onto prejudices that limit Your grace. Help us to see people as You see them—clean and loved. Give us the courage to follow Your Spirit, even when it is difficult. May our lives reflect Your truth and bring glory to Your name. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.