Act 10:11-12 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 11. And saw heaven opened . ; . This language is derived from a common mode of speaking in the Hebrew Scriptures, as if the sky above us was a solid, vast expanse, and [as] if it were opened to present an opportunity for anything to descend. It is language that is highly figurative. And a certain vessel . . As it had been . It is important to mark this expression. The sacred writer does not say that Peter literally saw such all object descending; but he uses this as an imperfect description of the vision. It was not a literal descent of a vessel, but it was such a kind of representation to him, producing the same impression, and the same effect, as if such a vessel had descended. Knit at the four corners . Bound, united, or tied . The corners were collected, as would be natural in putting anything into a great sheet. (a) "saw heaven" (*) "vessel" "and something" (+) "knit" "bound together"

Acts 10:11-12

Verse 11. And saw heaven opened. Acts 7:56; Mt 3:16. This language is derived from a common mode of speaking in the Hebrew Scriptures, as if the sky above us was a solid, vast expanse, and [as] if it were opened to present an opportunity for anything to descend. It is language that is highly figurative.

And a certain vessel. Acts 9:15.

As it had been. It is important to mark this expression. The sacred writer does not say that Peter literally saw such all object descending; but he uses this as an imperfect description of the vision. It was not a literal descent of a vessel, but it was such a kind of representation to him, producing the same impression, and the same effect, as if such a vessel had descended.

Knit at the four corners. Bound, united, or tied. The corners were collected, as would be natural in putting anything into a great sheet.

(a) "saw heaven" Acts 7:56 (*) "vessel" "and something" (+) "knit" "bound together" Verse 12. Wherein, etc. This particular vision was suggested by Peter's hunger, Acts 10:10. It was designed, however, to teach him an important lesson in regard to the introduction of all nations to the gospel. Its descending from heaven may have been an intimation that that religion which was about to abolish the distinction between the Jews and other nations was of Divine origin. See Rev 21:2.