Acts 11:10

What does Acts 11:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 11:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 11:10 means

The vision of the sheet and the divine command was repeated three times, and then the vessel was drawn back up to heaven. The threefold repetition underscored the certainty and divine authority of the message, leaving no doubt in Peter's mind that this was a genuine revelation from God. This emphatic repetition ensured Peter would grasp the profound implications for all people, signifying God's firm intent to break down the barriers of separation between Jew and Gentile. This prepares Peter for the arrival of messengers and his subsequent mission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And this was done thrice: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And this was done thrice: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And this was done three times, and they were all taken up again into heaven.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And this happened thrice, and again was all drawn up to the heaven,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And this was done three times. And all were taken up again into heaven.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And this took place thrice, and again all was drawn up into heaven;

Context

This verse concludes Peter's recounting of the vision, highlighting its emphatic repetition and eventual withdrawal. The threefold nature of the vision's presentation, alongside its culmination, emphasizes its divine authority and significance, fully preparing Peter for the immediate transition to the arrival of Cornelius's messengers. This sequence of events moves the narrative from divine revelation to direct action, as recounted in the subsequent verses.

v.9But a voice answered the second time out of heaven, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common.

v.10This passage

v.11And behold, forthwith three men stood before the house in which we were, having been sent from Cæsarea unto me.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 13:38

    Jesus answereth, Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

  • John 21:17

    He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

  • Numbers 24:10

    And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together; and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:8

    Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

Related questions readers ask