The Sheet of Peter's Vision is a significant event recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts, chapter 10. This vision is pivotal in the early Christian Church as it marks a turning point in the understanding of the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers and the expansion of the Gospel to all nations.

Biblical Account

The vision occurs while Peter is staying in Joppa at the house of Simon the tanner. As Peter goes up to the rooftop to pray, he becomes hungry and falls into a trance. Acts 10:11-13 describes the vision: "He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air. Then a voice said to him, 'Get up, Peter, kill and eat!'"

Peter, a devout Jew, is initially resistant, responding in Acts 10:14 , "Surely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." The voice speaks to him a second time, saying, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (Acts 10:15). This exchange occurs three times before the sheet is taken back to heaven.

Theological Significance

The vision challenges the Jewish dietary laws outlined in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, which distinguish between clean and unclean animals. Peter's initial refusal reflects his adherence to these laws, which were central to Jewish identity and religious practice. However, the divine command to "kill and eat" signifies a new covenantal understanding where the ceremonial laws are fulfilled in Christ.

The vision is not merely about dietary practices but symbolizes the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles. It prepares Peter for his encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion and Gentile, who also receives a divine message to send for Peter. When Peter visits Cornelius, he acknowledges the broader implication of the vision, stating in Acts 10:28 , "God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean."

Impact on Early Church

Peter's vision and subsequent actions lead to the acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian community without the requirement of adhering to Jewish ceremonial laws. This is further affirmed at the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, where the apostles and elders decide that Gentile converts need not follow the entirety of the Mosaic Law.

The vision underscores the universality of the Gospel and the inclusivity of God's salvation plan. It emphasizes that faith in Jesus Christ, rather than adherence to the law, is the basis for righteousness and fellowship with God. This revelation is foundational for the mission to the Gentiles, spearheaded by Paul and other apostles, and is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine regarding the unity of believers.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the first-century Jewish context, dietary laws were a significant aspect of religious and cultural identity. They served to set the Jewish people apart from surrounding nations. The vision, therefore, represents a radical shift in understanding God's covenant people, expanding it to include all who believe in Christ, regardless of ethnic or cultural background.

Conclusion

The Sheet of Peter's Vision is a profound moment in biblical history, illustrating the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. It highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel and the breaking down of traditional barriers, paving the way for the global mission of the Church.Acts 10:11
And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending on him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
Nave's Topical Index

Peter's Apologia
... men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.4. But Peter rehearsed the ... and in a trance
I saw a vision, A certain ... descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/peters apologia.htm

Acts x. 4-Jan
... forced him to have recourse to the sheet. "Rise, Peter," saith the Voice, "kill
and eat." (v.13.) Probably he was on his knees when he saw the vision."To me ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxii acts x 4-jan.htm

Acts x. 44, 46
... For it says, "But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning ... and in a trance I
saw a vision, a certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxiv acts x 44.htm

What God Hath Cleansed
... significance of the vision is plain to us, though Peter was 'much perplexed' about
it. In the light of the event, we understand that the 'great sheet let down ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/what god hath cleansed.htm

Acts x. 23, 24
... (v.28.) And why did he not speak of the linen sheet? ... xiv. 103). How great was
the lesson then, which Peter had been taught in the vision! ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxiii acts x 23.htm

A Seeker for Truth
... In the vision Peter "saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto them,
as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 14 a seeker for.htm

Charity and Loneliness.
... to be done first God lets down the sheet with all ... come out very differently to what
you have.) Peter studies them, and soon the Divine vision has absorbed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vi charity and loneliness.htm

Acts XI
... (4) "But Peter related the ... 5) I was in the city of Joppa, praying, and saw, in a
trance, a vision, a certain vessel like a great sheet descending, let ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.htm

His Great Controversy
... When the messengers of Cornelius were on their way to the Apostle Peter at Joppa,
God showed that leader among the apostles, by the vision of the sheet full of ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter ix his great controversy.htm

Acts X
... spread out before him, a great sheet full of animals, both clean and unclean. This
vision conveys no meaning, until he hears the words, "Arise, Peter; kill and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts x.htm

Is God sovereign over death? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Simon the tanner? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Acts - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

Sheet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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