Acts 10

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

And 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, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

What does Acts 10:17 mean?

Explanation

Acts 10:17 describes the apostle Peter's state of mind following a vision he received from God.

In this vision, he saw a large sheet coming down from heaven with all kinds of animals, which the Jewish law considered unclean.

He heard a voice telling him to rise and eat, but he refused, citing his adherence to Jewish dietary laws.

The voice responded that what God has made clean should not be considered unclean.

This happened three times before the vision ended (as described in the preceding verses 10:11-16).

Now, in verse 17, Peter is puzzled ("doubted in himself") about the meaning of the vision.

As he contemplates this, representatives from the Roman centurion Cornelius arrive seeking him, which corroborates the divine nature of his experience.

They stood before the gate, indicating their arrival at the moment when Peter needed guidance about the vision's meaning.

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Historical Context

This event takes place in Joppa, where Peter is staying with Simon the tanner.

Cornelius, a Gentile and God-fearing centurion, had an angelic visitation instructing him to send men to Joppa to bring Peter to him (Acts 10:1-8).

The vision that Peter received and his internal conflict with its interpretation play a crucial role in the early Christian church's genesis, as it is leading to the official endorsement of Gentiles being welcomed into the Church without first having to become Jewish proselytes.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Peter's vision is seen as a pivotal revelation that opens the door for the Gentile mission. It carries the implication that the Gospel is not just for the Jews but for all humanity.

From a Jewish Christian perspective, the vision challenges the traditional understanding of purity and association with Gentiles. Meanwhile, a Gentile Christian might see this as validation of their inclusion into God's plan without undergoing Jewish customs.

Practical Applications

A practical application of this verse might be in interpreting moments of confusion or uncertainty in life.

It emphasizes the notion that sometimes the meaning behind our experiences may not be immediately clear and that guidance often comes from external, sometimes unexpected sources.

It also celebrates the breaking down of barriers between people, implying the importance of inclusivity and the elimination of prejudice within the church and society.

Cross-References

Acts 10:11-16 (Peter's vision)
Acts 10:1-8 (Cornelius's vision)
Acts 11:1-18 (Peter explains his actions to the Jewish Christians)
Ephesians 2:14-16 (Breaking down the wall of separation between Jew and Gentile)
Romans 3:29 (God's inclusion of Gentiles)

Language Study

The key phrase "doubted in himself" comes from the Greek "diaporeo," which connotes more than just doubt; it suggests being thoroughly perplexed or at a loss internally. This reflects a deep internal conflict as Peter tries to reconcile his Jewish beliefs with the implications of the vision.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions, visions were also regarded as divine messages needing interpretation.

The Greeks, for example, sought interpretations of dreams from oracles.

Judaism also has a history of divine revelations through visions, as seen in the prophecies of Daniel and Ezekiel.

Peter's vision stands out as it leads to a dramatic theological shift, redefining purity laws and community boundaries.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological understanding of visions might categorize them under visionary experiences or altered states of consciousness, which can occur due to a variety of factors, including spiritual practices, sleep states, or even stress.

While science is typically skeptical of supernatural claims, it acknowledges that such experiences can have profound effects on individuals and their belief systems.

commentaries

Commentators like Matthew Henry interpret this verse as a demonstration of divine providence, where the timing of the men's arrival is perfectly synchronized with Peter's need for understanding his vision.

John Calvin sees the vision and its timing as evidence of the Lord's gentle guidance for Peter and the church.

Both perspectives underscore the significance of the vision as a turning point for the early Christian Church's outreach beyond the confines of Judaism.

Acts 10

Acts 10

What does Acts 10:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 10:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?