This happened three timesThe repetition of the vision three times emphasizes its importance and certainty, a common biblical pattern for establishing truth (
Genesis 41:32). In Jewish culture, the number three often signifies completeness or divine perfection. This repetition underscores the significance of the message Peter is receiving, which is a radical shift in understanding the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan. It also mirrors Peter's earlier threefold denial of Christ and subsequent threefold restoration (
John 21:15-17), highlighting themes of redemption and transformation.
and all at once the sheet was taken back up into heaven
The sheet being taken back into heaven signifies the divine origin and authority of the vision. Heaven is often depicted as the realm of God, and the return of the sheet there indicates that the message is from God Himself. This imagery connects to other biblical instances where divine messages or visions are shown to have heavenly origins, such as Jacob's ladder (Genesis 28:12) and the ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:9). The sheet's removal also suggests the completion of the vision's purpose, emphasizing that Peter must now act on the revelation he has received. This moment foreshadows the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, aligning with the prophecy ofIsaiah 49:6, where God’s salvation is extended to the ends of the earth.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PeterOne of Jesus' apostles, who is staying in Joppa at the house of Simon the tanner. He is the central figure in this vision.
2.
JoppaA port city where Peter is residing. It is significant as a place of transition and revelation for Peter.
3.
Vision of the SheetA divine vision given to Peter, where a sheet containing various animals is lowered from heaven, symbolizing the breaking of Jewish dietary laws.
4.
HeavenThe origin and destination of the sheet, indicating divine authority and the heavenly source of the vision.
5.
Threefold RepetitionThe vision occurs three times, emphasizing its importance and the certainty of God's message.
Teaching Points
Divine Revelation and RepetitionGod often uses repetition to emphasize the importance of His messages. We should be attentive to recurring themes in our spiritual lives.
Breaking Down BarriersThe vision signifies the breaking down of Jewish-Gentile barriers. As Christians, we are called to embrace all people, recognizing the unity we have in Christ.
Obedience to God's VoicePeter's willingness to accept the vision's message challenges us to be open to God's leading, even when it challenges our preconceived notions.
Understanding God's TimingThe timing of the vision, just before Cornelius' men arrive, shows God's perfect timing in orchestrating His plans. We should trust in God's timing in our lives.
Cultural and Religious SensitivityWhile the vision abolishes dietary laws, it also teaches us to be sensitive to cultural and religious backgrounds, seeking unity without compromising the gospel.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Acts 10:16?
2.How does Acts 10:16 emphasize the importance of divine repetition for understanding?
3.What can we learn from Peter's response to God's vision in Acts 10:16?
4.How does Acts 10:16 connect with God's inclusivity in the New Testament?
5.How should Acts 10:16 influence our acceptance of God's plans today?
6.How can Acts 10:16 guide us in discerning God's will in prayer?
7.Why was the vision in Acts 10:16 repeated three times?
8.How does Acts 10:16 challenge traditional Jewish dietary laws?
9.What is the significance of the number three in Acts 10:16?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 10?
11.What visions of heaven and hell does Peter experience?
12.What does the Trinity mean in Christianity?
13.What are the core beliefs of the Augsburg Confession?
14.Is the Trinity visible in heaven?What Does Acts 10:16 Mean
This happened three times- Repetition in Scripture underscores certainty and divine emphasis; compare Joseph’s dreams (Genesis 41:32) and Jesus’ thrice-spoken restoration of Peter (John 21:15-17).
- Peter, devoted to the dietary laws, required triple affirmation to grasp that “What God has made clean, you must not call impure” (Acts 10:15).
- The literal threefold event confirms that God Himself is altering previously established ceremonial boundaries, preparing Peter to welcome Cornelius and the Gentile world (Acts 10:34-35).
- The vision’s authenticity is beyond doubt; it is anchored in the same God who unchangeably speaks truth (Numbers 23:19;Hebrews 6:18).
and all at once- The sheet’s swift removal signals the completion of God’s message—no gradual fade or human tampering.
- Divine timing often unfolds suddenly (Isaiah 48:3;Malachi 3:1), reminding believers to stay receptive and obedient.
- Peter is left to ponder; the abrupt ending propels him into immediate application when Cornelius’ messengers arrive (Acts 10:19-20).
- The phrase highlights that God can shift long-held perspectives in a moment, echoing later teachings about the suddenness of Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).
the sheet was taken back up into heaven- Heaven, the sheet’s point of origin (Acts 10:11), reclaims it, confirming the revelation’s heavenly authority (John 3:13).
- The upward movement reinforces that purity flows from God, not human tradition (Mark 7:18-19;Colossians 2:16-17).
- By removing the sheet, God closes discussion: the ceremonial distinction between clean and unclean foods, symbolizing Jew and Gentile separation, is decisively resolved (Ephesians 2:14-16).
- The sheet’s ascent foreshadows the Gospel’s expansion—Peter will soon declare, “God has granted repentance that leads to life even to the Gentiles” (Acts 11:18).
summaryActs 10:16 records a literal, divinely orchestrated, threefold vision whose abrupt conclusion and heavenly withdrawal seal God’s new directive: in Christ, the old barriers of ceremonial uncleanness are removed, opening the door of salvation to every nation.
(16)
This was done thrice.--The three-fold repetition was at once general and personal in its significance. It was mystically the token of a complete ratification of the truth proclaimed. It reminded him of the three fold command, "Feed My sheep," and taught him to take a wider range of work in obeying it (
John 21:15-17).
Verse 16. -
And this for
this, A.V.;
straightway the vessel for
the vessel...
again, A.V. and T.R.
This was done thrice;
i.e. as is clear from the previous "the second time;" the same voice addressed to him the third time a direction to eat. The repetition three times of the same injunction was to give certainty (comp. Gem 41:32). For the repetition of the same words, comp.
Matthew 26:44. The receiving of the vessel again into heaven merely indicated the termination of the vision. The interpretation of it was to follow ver. 19 and following verses (see especially ver. 28), and was further emphasized by what is related in vers. 44-46 and
Acts 11:15-17.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
ThisΤοῦτο(Touto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.happenedἐγένετο(egeneto)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.three times,τρίς(tris)Adverb
Strong's 5151:Three times. Adverb from treis; three times.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.all at onceεὐθὺς(euthys)Adverb
Strong's 2112:Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon.theτὸ(to)Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.[sheet]σκεῦος(skeuos)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4632:A vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband).was taken back upἀνελήμφθη(anelēmphthē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 353:To take up, raise; I pick up, take on board; I carry off, lead away. From ana and lambano; to take up.intoεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.heaven.οὐρανόν(ouranon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3772:Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.
Links
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Acts 10:16 BibleApps.comActs 10:16 Biblia ParalelaActs 10:16 Chinese BibleActs 10:16 French BibleActs 10:16 Catholic Bible
NT Apostles: Acts 10:16 This was done three times and immediately (Acts of the Apostles Ac) 
