Acts 11:5

KJV

I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

KJV (with Strong's)

I {G1473} was {G2252} in {G1722} the city {G4172} of Joppa {G2445} praying {G4336}: and {G2532} in {G1722} a trance {G1611} I saw {G1492} a vision {G3705}, A certain {G5100} vessel {G4632} descend {G2597}, as it had been {G5613} a great {G3173} sheet {G3607}, let down {G2524} from {G1537} heaven {G3772} by four {G5064} corners {G746}; and {G2532} it came {G2064} even {G891} to me {G1700}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“I was in the city of Yafo, praying; and in a trance I had a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being lowered by its four corners from heaven, and it came down to me.

Berean Standard Bible

“I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision of something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came right down to me.

American Standard Version

I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even unto me:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 11:5 presents Peter's personal recounting of the pivotal vision he received in Joppa, a divine revelation that fundamentally challenged his deeply ingrained Jewish understanding of ritual purity and the boundaries of God's covenant people. This supernatural encounter, featuring a great sheet filled with diverse animals, served as God's direct preparation for Peter's groundbreaking ministry to the Gentile household of Cornelius, thereby initiating the inclusion of non-Jews into the nascent Christian community without requiring adherence to Mosaic ceremonial law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Peter's defense before the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, as recorded in [Acts 11:1-18](/acts/11-1-18 "Peter's Defense Before the Jerusalem Church"). Having heard that Peter had entered the home of uncircumcised men and eaten with them, the Jewish believers in Jerusalem "criticized him" ([Acts 11:2](/acts/11-2 "Peter Criticized for Eating with Gentiles")). Peter's detailed recounting of the vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Peter's Vision of the Sheet") and his subsequent encounter with Cornelius and his household ([Acts 10:17-48](/acts/10-17-48 "Peter Preaches to Cornelius's Household")) serves as his justification. By reiterating the divine imperative behind his actions, Peter demonstrates that he was not acting on his own accord but in direct obedience to God's clear instruction, thereby paving the way for the acceptance of Gentile converts.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's vision occurred in Joppa (modern Jaffa), a coastal city with a significant port, located northwest of Jerusalem. As a devout Jew, Peter would have meticulously observed the dietary laws (kashrut) outlined in the Mosaic Law, which distinguished between "clean" and "unclean" animals ([Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Dietary Laws in Leviticus 11")). These laws were not merely dietary regulations but deeply embedded cultural and religious markers that reinforced Jewish distinctiveness and separation from Gentile nations. Jews typically avoided social interaction, especially shared meals, with Gentiles, who were considered ritually unclean. The challenge presented by the vision was therefore immense, striking at the core of Peter's identity and the prevailing social norms of his time.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 11:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Initiative and Guidance**, emphasizing that the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles was not a human strategy but a direct command from God, initiated through supernatural revelation. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the **Overcoming of Barriers**, particularly the breaking down of the long-standing Jewish-Gentile divide, a central theological development in early Christianity. The vision's message, "What God has made clean, do not call common" ([Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "God Declares All Clean")), extends beyond food to people, signifying God's universal redemptive plan. Lastly, the verse underscores the importance of **Prayer and Openness to God's Will**, as Peter's receptiveness to this transformative vision occurred during a time of prayer, demonstrating how spiritual disciplines can prepare one for divine encounter and new understanding.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trance (Greek, _ékstasis'_):** From G1611, meaning "a displacement of the mind, i.e. bewilderment, 'ecstasy.'" This term signifies a profound, supernatural state where Peter's normal consciousness was suspended, allowing for direct perception of divine realities. It emphasizes that the vision was not a dream or a product of his imagination, but an external, divinely imposed experience that overwhelmed his natural senses.
* **Saw (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, a primary verb meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." While often used for physical sight, in the context of a "trance," it denotes a spiritual or revelatory seeing, implying a direct apprehension of truth or a divine manifestation. This seeing was accompanied by understanding and knowledge imparted by God.
* **Heaven (Greek, _ouranós'_):** From G3772, meaning "the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity)." The origin "from heaven" underscores the divine authority and origin of the vision. It was not an earthly phenomenon but a direct communication from God's dwelling place, imbuing the message with ultimate authority and significance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I was in the city of Joppa praying:"** This opening clause establishes the setting and Peter's posture. Joppa, a coastal city, was where Peter was staying with Simon the tanner ([Acts 10:6](/acts/10-6 "Peter Stays with Simon the Tanner")). His act of "praying" highlights his spiritual receptivity and availability to God, often a precursor to divine revelation in Scripture.
* **"and in a trance I saw a vision,"** This phrase describes the supernatural nature of Peter's experience. The "trance" (ékstasis) indicates an altered state of consciousness, a profound spiritual experience where Peter was taken "outside himself" to receive a direct message from God, distinct from a mere dream or contemplation. The "vision" (hórama) signifies a divine manifestation or spectacle.
* **"A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners;"** This is the central imagery of the vision. "A certain vessel" (skeûos) is clarified as "a great sheet" (othónē), implying a large, perhaps sail-like, piece of linen. Its descent "from heaven" by "four corners" emphasizes its divine origin and universal scope—suggesting something encompassing all parts of the world or all types of creatures.
* **"and it came even to me:"** This final clause personalizes the vision, indicating that this divine communication was specifically directed at Peter. It was not a general phenomenon but an intentional, personal encounter designed to prepare him for a specific mission and to challenge his deeply held convictions.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several key literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "great sheet" serving as a potent symbol of God's inclusive plan. The sheet, containing "all kinds of four-footed animals, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air" ([Acts 10:12](/acts/10-12 "Contents of the Sheet")), symbolizes the entire spectrum of humanity, particularly the Gentiles, previously considered "unclean" by Jewish law. Its descent "from heaven" underscores **Divine Authority** and initiative, indicating that this new understanding of inclusion originates solely from God. The "trance" itself is a form of **Supernatural Revelation**, a common narrative device in biblical literature (e.g., Ezekiel's visions, Paul's Damascus Road experience) to signify direct communication from God that transcends ordinary human experience and carries undeniable divine weight. The narrative structure, where Peter recounts the vision, also functions as **Repetition for Emphasis**, reinforcing the divine mandate for Gentile inclusion to his skeptical audience in Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's vision in Joppa is a watershed moment in salvation history, marking a profound shift in God's redemptive plan from a primary focus on the Jewish people to a universal outreach encompassing all nations. It dismantles the rigid categories of "clean" and "unclean" that had defined Jewish identity and separation for centuries, revealing that God's grace extends beyond ethnic and ritual boundaries. This theological reorientation is crucial for understanding the expansion of the early church and the core message of the Gospel: that salvation is available to all through faith in Christ, irrespective of their background, and that God's people are now defined by their relationship with Him, not by adherence to ceremonial law.

* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "God Shows No Partiality")
* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Breaks Down the Wall of Hostility")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 11:5 offers profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to examine our own preconceptions and biases that might hinder God's inclusive work in the world. Just as Peter's worldview was radically transformed by divine revelation, we are called to remain open to God's ongoing guidance, especially when it pushes us beyond our comfort zones or challenges long-held traditions. The "great sheet" vision reminds us that God's love and redemptive embrace are boundless, extending to every person regardless of their background, ethnicity, social status, or past. It compels us to cultivate a posture of humility and spiritual receptivity, recognizing that God often reveals His next steps when we are earnestly seeking Him in prayer. This passage encourages us to actively participate in God's mission of reconciliation, breaking down barriers and extending genuine welcome to all, reflecting the expansive and unconditional love of Christ to a diverse world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What deeply ingrained cultural or personal biases might be hindering my understanding or participation in God's inclusive mission today?**
* **How does my prayer life prepare me to receive and respond to God's challenging or unexpected directions?**
* **In what ways can my community or church better embody the "great sheet" vision by actively welcoming and embracing those who are different from us?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "trance" Peter experienced?**

Answer: The "trance" (Greek: _ékstasis_) was a crucial element, signifying a state of profound spiritual rapture or ecstasy where Peter's normal consciousness was suspended. This was not a mere dream or a product of his own thoughts, but a direct, supernatural intervention by God. Its significance lies in underscoring the divine origin and authority of the message Peter received. It demonstrated that the vision was an undeniable revelation from God, designed to convey a specific, transformative truth that would challenge Peter's deeply held Jewish beliefs about clean and unclean, and ultimately about the inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God. This divine imposition ensured that Peter, and later the Jerusalem church, understood that this radical shift in ministry was God's will, not a human innovation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 11:5, with Peter's vision of the great sheet, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the very embodiment of God's inclusive grace. The vision's message, "What God has made clean, do not call common" ([Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "God Declares All Clean")), directly echoes Christ's own teachings that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of their heart ([Mark 7:18-23](/mark/7-18-23 "Jesus Explains True Defilement")). Jesus's ministry consistently broke down social and religious barriers, reaching out to the marginalized, the Samaritan woman ([John 4:7-42](/john/4-7-42 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")), tax collectors like Zacchaeus ([Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Jesus and Zacchaeus")), and even Gentiles, as seen in His healing of the Syrophoenician woman's daughter ([Mark 7:24-30](/mark/7-24-30 "Jesus Heals Syrophoenician Woman's Daughter")). His death on the cross ultimately abolished the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Breaks Down the Wall of Hostility")). Thus, Peter's vision is not merely about dietary laws but about the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, made possible by Christ's atoning work, which welcomes all people into God's family through faith, fulfilling the promise that in Abraham's seed "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Abram")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 10:9

¶ On 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:

Acts 10:32

Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of [one] Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

Ezekiel 2:9

And when I looked, behold, an hand [was] sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book [was] therein;

Acts 22:17

And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

Amos 7:4

Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me: and, behold, the Lord GOD called to contend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did eat up a part.

Amos 7:7

Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall [made] by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand.

Acts 11:5

I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: