Acts 10:16

Context

Acts 10:16 concludes a pivotal vision given to the Apostle Peter while he was praying in Joppa. This vision, detailed in Acts 10:9-15, featured a large sheet filled with animals considered 'unclean' under Jewish dietary laws. A divine voice commanded Peter to 'kill, and eat,' which he initially refused due to his adherence to traditional Jewish customs. The repetition of this command, emphasized by "This was done thrice," was crucial for Peter to grasp God's radical new directive. The entire sequence prepared Peter for his encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and the monumental realization that salvation through Christ was not exclusive to the Jewish people but extended to all humanity.

Key Themes

• Divine Emphasis and Certainty: The phrase "This was done thrice" powerfully underscores the divine origin and undeniable truth of the message. In biblical numerology, three often signifies completeness, divine action, and confirmation (e.g., Jesus' resurrection on the third day, Peter's three denials and three affirmations of love for Christ). This repetition left no room for doubt in Peter's mind regarding the validity of the vision, ensuring he understood the breaking down of old distinctions.
• Abolition of Old Covenant Distinctions: The core message of the vision, solidified by its triple repetition, was God's declaration that what He had cleansed should no longer be considered 'common' or 'unclean.' This directly challenged centuries of Jewish dietary laws and, by extension, the broader separation between Jews and Gentiles. It paved the way for the universal spread of the Gospel to all nations, as further elaborated in Acts 11.
• Divine Authority and Origin: The swift withdrawal of the "vessel... up again into heaven" signifies that the vision was not a mere dream or human fabrication but a direct, authoritative revelation from God. It confirms the heavenly source of this new understanding and the divine mandate for Peter to act upon it, ensuring the integrity of the message about the inclusion of the Gentiles.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "This was done thrice" directly translates the Greek word tris (τρίς), meaning "three times." The repetition of an action or statement three times in scripture often serves to emphasize its truth, certainty, or divine significance, leaving no doubt about the message being conveyed. This reinforced the divine mandate for Peter to accept the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community, a concept previously unimaginable to many Jewish believers.

Practical Application

Acts 10:16 serves as a powerful reminder of God's progressive revelation and His desire for His people to embrace a broader, more inclusive understanding of His will.

• Challenging Preconceptions: Just as Peter had to overcome deeply ingrained cultural and religious biases concerning clean and unclean distinctions, we are called to examine our own preconceptions and prejudices that might hinder us from embracing God's love for all people. The Gospel is for everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, or social status.
• God's Impartiality: This verse, and the broader narrative of Peter and Cornelius, beautifully illustrates God's impartiality. As Peter later declared in Acts 10:34-35, "God is no respecter of persons." This principle is foundational to the Christian faith and the global mission of the church, emphasizing that salvation is available to all who believe.
• Readiness for New Revelation: The quick ascension of the vessel back into heaven suggests the finality and urgency of God's message. We must be ready to receive and act upon new insights from God, even if they challenge our comfort zones or long-held traditions, ensuring we align with His evolving plan for humanity and the spread of His kingdom.