| Barnes' Notes on the Bible This was done thrice - Three times, doubtless to impress the mind of Peter with the certainty and importance of the vision. Compare Genesis 41:32. Clarke's Commentary on the BibleThis was done thrice - For the greater certainty, and to make the deeper impression on the apostle's mind. And the vessel was received up again into heaven - Both Jews and Gentiles came equally from God; and to him, both, by the preaching of the Gospel, shall again return. Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis was done thrice,.... That is, either the voice spoke the same words three times, or the sheet was let down three times; and it may be both; it may be, that every time the voice was spoke, the sheet was let down: this was done, not with respect to any mystical meaning in the number three, but for the confirmation of Peter, that he might be the more firmly assured of the truth of the things represented unto him: and the vessel was received up again into heaven; to denote, that when the general assembly and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven, whether Jews or Gentiles, are all gathered in, by the preaching of the Gospel to them, they will be taken up to heaven, their original and native place, and be for ever with the Lord; as well as to certify to Peter, that what was now shown him on earth, concerning the taking away the distinction of men and meats, was ratified in heaven. Geneva Study BibleThis was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. People's New Testament 10:16 This was done thrice. The voice spoke three times. See Ac 10:13,15. Wesley's Notes 10:16 This was done thrice - To make the deeper impression. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary16. done thrice-See Ge 41:32. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary10:9-18 The prejudices of Peter against the Gentiles, would have prevented his going to Cornelius, unless the Lord had prepared him for this service. To tell a Jew that God had directed those animals to be reckoned clean which were hitherto deemed unclean, was in effect saying, that the law of Moses was done away. Peter was soon made to know the meaning of it. God knows what services are before us, and how to prepare us; and we know the meaning of what he has taught us, when we find what occasion we have to make use of it. |