Acts 11:5 – “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was.”

Extended Explanation

In Acts 11:5, Peter begins to explain the vision he received while he was praying in Joppa. This vision was a key moment in God’s plan to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. Peter describes seeing a large sheet being lowered from heaven, filled with various animals. This vision wasn’t just about food—it was God’s way of showing Peter that He was removing the barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

The phrase “in a trance I saw a vision” means that Peter was in a state where God was revealing something supernatural to him. God often used visions in Scripture to communicate His will, especially when He was about to do something new. This vision was not just for Peter’s personal growth—it was meant to change the entire church’s understanding of God’s plan for salvation.

Peter was still holding onto Jewish customs about clean and unclean foods (Leviticus 11). But God was preparing him for a bigger truth: If God had declared something clean, Peter had no right to call it unclean. The deeper meaning was that the Gentiles, whom Jews had considered spiritually unclean, were now being welcomed into God’s family through faith in Jesus.

Historical Context

In first-century Jewish culture, the Law of Moses played a huge role in daily life. The law categorized certain foods as clean (acceptable to eat) and others as unclean (forbidden). Observing these dietary laws was not just about food—it was a major part of Jewish identity. Many Jews believed that keeping these rules made them set apart as God’s chosen people.

Because Gentiles didn’t follow these laws, Jews often avoided eating with them. This wasn’t just about personal preference—it was a deep cultural and religious separation. A Jewish man like Peter entering a Gentile’s home and sharing a meal with them was unheard of.

At this time, Joppa was a coastal city with a mix of Jews and Gentiles. Peter was staying there at the house of Simon the Tanner (Acts 10:6), which was already an unusual choice, since tanners worked with dead animals and were considered ritually unclean. Even before the vision, God was moving Peter toward a deeper understanding of grace.

Theological Implications

Acts 11:5 teaches that God’s plans often challenge human traditions. The Jewish people had followed dietary laws for centuries, but now God was doing something new. He was showing Peter that salvation was not about external rituals but about faith in Jesus.

This vision was not just about food—it was about people. Just as the dietary laws separated Jews from Gentiles, many Jews assumed that salvation was only for them. But God was making it clear that His grace extended to all people.

This passage also teaches that God prepares His people for change. Peter didn’t go to Cornelius’s house on his own—God gave him a vision to help him understand the bigger picture. Sometimes, God has to shake up our thinking before we’re ready to follow Him into new areas of obedience.

Literary Analysis

Acts 11:5 is part of Peter’s retelling of the events from Acts 10. The way he describes the vision emphasizes its divine origin:

• “I was in the city of Joppa praying” – This highlights that Peter was seeking God when this revelation came. Many significant biblical events happen during prayer.
• “In a trance I saw a vision” – This indicates that Peter was fully awake but in a supernatural state where God was speaking to him.
• “A large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners” – The detail about four corners may symbolize the four directions of the earth, hinting at God’s plan for all nations.
• “It came down to where I was” – God didn’t expect Peter to figure this out on his own; He brought the message directly to him.

The repetition of this vision in Acts 10 and 11 shows how important it was. Luke, the author of Acts, wanted to make sure the church understood that this was a direct message from God, not just Peter’s opinion.

Biblical Cross-References

• Leviticus 11:1-47 – The Old Testament dietary laws about clean and unclean animals.
• Isaiah 49:6 – A prophecy that salvation would extend beyond Israel to the Gentiles.
• Mark 7:18-19 – Jesus declared all foods clean, foreshadowing this moment.
• Acts 10:9-16 – The original vision Peter received in Joppa.
• Ephesians 2:14-16 – Jesus breaks down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges us to be open to how God leads us, even when it goes against our expectations. Like Peter, we sometimes have ideas about who is worthy of God’s grace or how things should be done. But God’s ways are higher than ours.

It also reminds us that prayer is a time when God often reveals His will. Peter wasn’t looking for a new revelation—he was simply praying. Yet God met him there and showed him something that would change the church forever.

Finally, this verse teaches us that God’s mission is bigger than our traditions. We must be careful not to let personal preferences, cultural norms, or religious habits keep us from seeing what God is doing in the world.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is bigger than human divisions. The Jewish people had lived with a strict separation from Gentiles, but God was breaking down those barriers to bring all people into His family. This vision was a sign of His love for the whole world.

It also shows that God doesn’t leave His people in the dark. He patiently revealed His plan to Peter, guiding him step by step. This is a reminder that God is not distant—He actively leads those who seek Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus often challenged the religious traditions of His time. He ate with sinners and tax collectors (Luke 5:29-32), showing that God’s love wasn’t limited to those who followed Jewish laws.

His death and resurrection made it possible for Jews and Gentiles to be united in faith. Paul later explained this in Galatians 3:28, saying that in Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile—only one family of believers.

Jesus also commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This vision was part of fulfilling that command, as Peter took the gospel to the Gentiles.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have I ever resisted God’s leading because it didn’t fit my expectations?
2. Are there cultural or religious traditions I hold onto more tightly than the truth of God’s Word?
3. How does this passage challenge my view of who belongs in God’s family?
4. Am I open to God speaking to me during prayer, like Peter was?
5. How can I reflect God’s love by breaking down barriers between people today?

Acts 11:5 is a powerful reminder that God’s love and salvation extend to all people. Instead of resisting His work, we should be ready to listen, obey, and share His message with those He calls us to reach.