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Peter's Vision

Illustration of Peter's Vision
Era
Early Church
Date
c. AD 40 โ‰ˆ Approximate
Reference
Acts 10:9-23

In the Book of Acts, the apostle Peter experiences a divine vision while praying on a rooftop in Joppa. A large sheet descends from heaven containing various animals considered unclean under Jewish law, and a voice commands him to kill and eat them, repeating the instruction three times despite Peter's objections. This vision coincides with a message from the Gentile centurion Cornelius, leading Peter to understand that God shows no partiality and that the gospel message is intended for Gentiles as well as Jews. The event marks a pivotal moment in the early church, resulting in the baptism of Cornelius's household and affirming the inclusion of all people in God's salvation plan without the need for adherence to ceremonial laws.

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Did You Know?

1

A large sheet descends from heaven containing various animals considered unclean under Jewish law, and a voice commands him to kill and eat them, repeating the instruction three times despite Peter's objections.

2

This vision coincides with a message from the Gentile centurion Cornelius, leading Peter to understand that God shows no partiality and that the gospel message is intended for Gentiles as well as Jews.

3

This event is dated to approximately c. AD 40 in biblical chronology.

4

This took place at or near Caesarea.

Key Passage

Peter's Vision

Acts 10:9-23

O9n 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:

10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 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: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 17 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 enquiry for Simonโ€™s house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21 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? 22 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. 23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Read full chapter: Acts 10 โ†’

Meanwhile in the World

The Roman Empire under Nero, Vespasian, and Domitian. Nero persecutes Christians (AD 64). Jerusalem and its temple are destroyed by Rome (AD 70). Pompeii is buried by Vesuvius (AD 79). The Colosseum is built. This is the era of the Pax Romana's later years and increasing imperial cult pressure.

When: c. AD 30 - 100

Key Civilizations: Roman Empire (Flavian dynasty)

Biblical Parallels: Acts 1-28

Destruction of the Second Temple (70 AD), rise of rabbinic Judaism