Acts 10:17

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 Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

Now {G1161} while {G5613} Peter {G4074} doubted {G1280} in {G1722} himself {G1438} what {G5101} this vision {G3705} which {G3739} he had seen {G1492} should mean {G302}{G1498}, behold {G2400}{G2532}, the men {G435} which {G3588} were sent {G649} from {G575} Cornelius {G2883} had made enquiry {G1331} for Simon's {G4613} house {G3614}, and stood {G2186} before {G1909} the gate {G4440},

Kefa was still puzzling over the meaning of the vision he had seen, when the men Cornelius had sent, having inquired for Shim‘on’s house, stood at the gate

While Peter was puzzling over the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house and approached the gate.

Now while Peter was much perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate,

Context of Acts 10:17

Acts 10:17 marks a pivotal moment in the Book of Acts, immediately following Peter's profound and perplexing vision while staying at the house of Simon the tanner in Joppa. This vision, detailed in Acts 10:9-16, involved a sheet descending from heaven filled with all kinds of animals, clean and unclean, with a divine command for Peter to "kill, and eat." Peter, a devout Jew, initially refused, adhering strictly to the dietary laws of the Old Testament. This verse finds Peter in a state of internal reflection and confusion, trying to decipher the meaning of this repeated heavenly instruction. Simultaneously, it introduces the timely arrival of men sent by Cornelius, a Roman centurion, a devout Gentile whom God had also prepared for this encounter (Acts 10:1-8).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Orchestration and Timing: This verse beautifully illustrates God's precise timing and sovereign plan. Peter's internal struggle with the vision is perfectly synchronized with the arrival of Cornelius's messengers. This is not coincidence but divine providence, guiding Peter toward a deeper understanding of God's inclusive plan for salvation.
  • Challenging Religious Preconceptions: Peter's "doubts" highlight the deeply ingrained Jewish understanding of ritual purity and separation from Gentiles. The vision was meant to challenge these preconceptions, preparing him to accept that God's grace was extending beyond the Jewish people. This moment sets the stage for the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, a central theme in early Christian expansion.
  • Preparation for a New Era: The arrival of Cornelius's men signifies the practical application of Peter's vision. The vision wasn't just symbolic; it was a direct preparation for Peter to minister to Gentiles, an unprecedented step that would lead to the conversion of Cornelius and his household, paving the way for the mission to the Gentiles, a cornerstone of the early church's growth.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "Peter doubted in himself" translates the Greek word διηπόρει (diēporei), which conveys a strong sense of perplexity, being utterly at a loss, or deeply troubled in mind. It's more than simple questioning; it describes an intense mental struggle to comprehend something profound and contradictory to one's established beliefs. This emphasizes the significant shift God was asking Peter to make, moving beyond deeply ingrained Jewish traditions regarding ritual cleanliness and association with Gentiles.

Practical Application

Acts 10:17 encourages believers to be open to God's leading, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or traditions. Like Peter, we may sometimes "doubt" or struggle to understand new directions God is calling us to, especially if they push us out of our comfort zones. This verse reminds us that God often works through unexpected encounters and precise timing to reveal His will. It's a call to trust God's sovereignty and be prepared to embrace new opportunities for ministry and fellowship, recognizing that God's love and salvation are for all people, regardless of background or previous distinctions. Just as God used Peter to bridge the gap between Jew and Gentile, we are called to overcome any barriers that hinder the spread of the Gospel and the unity of the church.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 13:12

    So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

  • 1 Peter 1:11

    Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

  • Acts 10:7

    And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

  • Acts 10:19

    ¶ While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

  • Acts 25:20

    And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked [him] whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.

  • Acts 2:12

    And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

  • Acts 9:43

    And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

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