Peter's Vision

Peter's Vision in Joppa

ACTS 10 COMMENTARY ◄
Acts 10:12-15 Clean and Unclean Animals

Acts 10:16-23 Peter's Vision

ACTS 10:16-17 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. 17 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.

What was "done three times" (Acts 10:16)?
Apparently the entire sequence of Peter's "vision" (Acts 10:16) of the "great sheet" (Acts 10:11, see Simon the Tanner) coming down from heaven to God's admonition of Peter (see Clean and Unclean Animals).

Why was it done three times?
Possibly to emphasize it to Peter since he was having a hard time deciphering "what this vision which he had seen meant" (Acts 10:17), and/or to have it coincide with the number of men sent to take him, thereby helping him understand that their mission is of God.

What had the three emissaries done while Peter was seeing his vision?
They had made it to the house "and stood before the gate" (Acts 10:17).

ACTS 10:18-23 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there. 19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” 21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Who really had sent the emissaries?
The Holy Spirit, who told Peter, "Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them" (Acts 10:19-20).

Who engineered the impending meeting between Peter and Cornelius?
The Holy Spirit, who sent the angel to Cornelius, and who had prepared Peter by having him lodge with a gentile whom Peter would have considered unclean, showing Peter food that he considered unclean, and then telling Peter - with precise timing - that the men who would lead him to enter the house of a gentile were downstairs.