Biblical Reference: The account of Peter's vision is found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 10:9-16.

Context: The vision of Peter is a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, marking a significant shift in the understanding of the Gospel's reach beyond the Jewish community. This event occurs during the early days of the church, as the apostles and disciples are spreading the message of Jesus Christ throughout Judea and beyond.

Narrative Summary: The vision occurs while Peter is staying in Joppa at the house of Simon the tanner. Around noon, Peter goes up to the rooftop to pray. As he prays, he becomes hungry and falls into a trance. During this trance, he sees a vision of heaven opening and something like a large sheet being lowered to the earth by its four corners. In this sheet are all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds.

A voice speaks to Peter, saying, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat!" (Acts 10:13). Peter, adhering to Jewish dietary laws, responds, "Surely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean" (Acts 10:14). The voice speaks to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (Acts 10:15). This exchange happens three times before the sheet is taken back to heaven.

Theological Significance: Peter's vision is a divine revelation that challenges the traditional Jewish dietary laws and, more broadly, the separation between Jews and Gentiles. The vision signifies that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people, not just the Jewish nation. The command not to call anything impure that God has made clean is a profound statement about the inclusivity of God's salvation plan.

Subsequent Events: Following the vision, Peter is visited by men sent by Cornelius, a Roman centurion and a Gentile, who has also received a divine message. Peter is led by the Holy Spirit to accompany these men to Cornelius's house. Upon arrival, Peter shares the Gospel with Cornelius and his household, and they receive the Holy Spirit, leading to their baptism. This event confirms the vision's message and marks the beginning of the Gentile mission in the early church.

Interpretation and Impact: The vision and subsequent events underscore the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, a theme that is further developed in the New Testament. It highlights the universality of the Christian message and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his offspring (Genesis 22:18).

Peter's vision is often cited in discussions about the relationship between the Old Covenant laws and the New Covenant established through Christ. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel and the call to embrace all people as part of God's redemptive plan.