Acts 10:10 – “He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes what happened to Peter while he was praying on the rooftop. He became physically hungry and, while waiting for food, he “fell into a trance”—a state where God was about to reveal something important to him.
The mention of hunger is significant because the vision Peter receives in the following verses will focus on food. God often uses familiar, everyday experiences to communicate His message, and in this case, Peter’s physical hunger set the stage for a deeper spiritual truth.
The word “trance” in this context refers to a supernatural experience where Peter was fully awake but caught up in a vision from God. This was not a dream, but a moment when God opened Peter’s mind to something new and significant.
At this point, Peter had no idea that Cornelius’ men were on their way. But God was already preparing his heart for the change that was coming—the full inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, food laws were a major part of religious life. The Old Testament (especially Leviticus 11) outlined strict dietary rules that determined which foods were clean (allowed) and unclean (forbidden). Observing these laws was a way for the Jewish people to show their devotion to God and set themselves apart from the surrounding nations.
Peter, as a devout Jew, had followed these dietary laws his entire life. Eating unclean foods was completely unthinkable to him. That’s why the vision he was about to receive—a vision that involved eating food that had always been forbidden—would be so shocking.
This moment also takes place while Cornelius’ men were approaching. Cornelius was a Gentile, and Jewish law also discouraged close relationships with Gentiles. Through this vision, God was preparing Peter to break free from these long-standing barriers and recognize that salvation was for all people, not just the Jewish nation.
Theological Implications
This verse introduces several important theological themes:
- God Prepares Hearts Before Change – Peter had no idea what was coming, but God was already at work preparing him for a new understanding of His plan.
- Everyday Experiences Can Have Spiritual Meaning – Peter’s hunger wasn’t just a physical feeling; it became part of how God communicated a deeper truth.
- God’s Plan is Bigger Than Human Traditions – Peter was about to learn that God’s grace extended beyond Jewish customs and traditions, opening the way for Gentiles to be fully included in His kingdom.
This moment challenges the idea that religious rules alone define righteousness. While Old Testament food laws served a purpose in Israel’s history, God was now shifting the focus from outward religious practices to the inward transformation that comes through faith in Christ.
Literary Analysis
Luke, the author of Acts, carefully sets up the moment by giving details about Peter’s hunger and the preparation of a meal. These small details create a sense of anticipation—something big is about to happen.
The phrase “fell into a trance” is unique in the book of Acts and signals that this is not an ordinary event. Luke often records supernatural moments when God speaks through visions or angels, and this is one of those moments. The use of a trance rather than a spoken message emphasizes that Peter needed to see this truth for himself in a way that would challenge his current thinking.
The contrast between physical hunger and spiritual revelation is also intentional. Peter thought he was waiting for food to satisfy his stomach, but God was about to give him something much greater—a revelation that would change his understanding of who could be included in God’s family.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 11:1-47 – The Jewish dietary laws that Peter had followed his entire life.
- Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” Peter was about to experience this truth firsthand.
- Mark 7:18-19 – Jesus declared that all foods were clean, foreshadowing the lesson Peter was about to learn.
- Acts 1:8 – Jesus told His disciples they would be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” Peter was about to take a major step in that direction.
- Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” The message Peter received in this vision later became a foundational truth in the early church.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse teaches us that God often prepares our hearts for change before we realize what’s happening. Peter didn’t wake up that day expecting to have a vision that would transform his understanding of God’s plan, but God was at work, shaping his heart for what was coming.
It also reminds us that everyday experiences can have deeper spiritual meaning. Peter’s hunger was just an ordinary physical need, but God used it to communicate a profound truth. In the same way, God often speaks to us through simple, everyday moments if we are willing to listen.
Finally, this verse challenges us to be open to God’s leading, even when it stretches beyond our current understanding. Peter had deeply held religious beliefs that God was about to challenge. Are we willing to let God expand our thinking and show us His greater plan?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He patiently prepares Peter for the next step in His plan. He doesn’t force Peter to change instantly but instead leads him through a process of revelation. This shows that God understands our struggles and leads us with grace.
It also reveals God’s love for all people. Peter was about to learn that salvation was not just for the Jews but for the Gentiles as well. God’s love is not limited to one group or nation—He desires that all people come to Him.
This verse is a reminder that God meets us where we are. Peter was simply hungry and waiting for a meal, but in that moment, God spoke to him in a way that would change history. God meets us in our ordinary moments and invites us into His greater purpose.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus had already laid the foundation for this moment in His teachings. In Mark 7:18-19, Jesus declared all foods clean, but Peter and many other Jewish Christians had not yet fully understood this truth. Now, through this vision, God was reinforcing what Jesus had already taught.
This moment also connects to Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19 to make disciples of all nations. Peter was about to play a major role in fulfilling that command by bringing the gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile.
Ultimately, this verse points to the larger truth of Jesus’ mission—to break down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles and offer salvation to all who believe in Him (Ephesians 2:14-16). Peter was about to be a part of this incredible mission, even though he didn’t fully understand it yet.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does Peter’s hunger teach us about how God can use ordinary experiences to communicate spiritual truths?
- Are there areas in our lives where God might be preparing us for a change, even if we don’t see it yet?
- How can we be more open to God stretching our understanding, as Peter was about to experience?
- Have we ever resisted God’s leading because it challenged our traditions or beliefs? How can we respond with faith instead?
- How does this passage encourage us to trust God’s timing, even when we don’t know what’s coming next?
Acts 10:10 is more than just a simple detail about Peter’s hunger—it’s the beginning of a major turning point in God’s plan to bring the gospel to all nations. It reminds us to be open to God’s leading, to trust His timing, and to be willing to embrace His plans, even when they challenge our expectations.