This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
{G1161} This {G5124} was done {G1096} thrice {G1909}{G5151}: and {G2532} the vessel {G4632} was received up {G353} again {G3825} into {G1519} heaven {G3772}.
This happened three times, and then the sheet was immediately taken back up into heaven.
This happened three times, and all at once the sheet was taken back up into heaven.
And this was done thrice: and straightway the vessel was received up into heaven.
-
John 21:17
He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, 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. -
Genesis 41:32
And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; [it is] because the thing [is] established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. -
2 Corinthians 13:1
¶ This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
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
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.