Acts 10:12 kjv
Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
Acts 10:12 nkjv
In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
Acts 10:12 niv
It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds.
Acts 10:12 esv
In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air.
Acts 10:12 nlt
In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds.
Acts 10 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 10:12 | "wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air." | Contains a comprehensive list of creatures, symbolizing diversity and God's creation. |
| Acts 10:15 | "But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." | Directly contrasts Peter's prior understanding of ceremonial law with God's new revelation. |
| Acts 10:28 | "And he said unto them, Ye yourselves know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or to come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." | Explicitly connects the vision to the Gentile mission, extending God's grace. |
| Acts 11:12 | "And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover brethren these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:" | Confirms the Holy Spirit's direct guidance in Peter's actions following the vision. |
| Acts 11:18 | "When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." | Shows the broader acceptance within the early church of the Gentile inclusion. |
| Rom 14:14 | "I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing common of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be common, to him it is common." | Echoes the concept that ceremonial uncleanness in food does not inherently apply through Christ. |
| Rom 14:17 | "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." | Shifts the focus from ritualistic practices to the true nature of the Kingdom. |
| 1 Cor 10:25 | "Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, eat; asking no question for conscience sake:" | Illustrates the practical application of the understanding that most dietary laws for believers are no longer binding. |
| 1 Cor 10:26 | "For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." | Reinforces God's sovereignty over all creation, including what can be eaten. |
| Eph 2:14 | "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;" | This refers to the breaking down of the barriers between Jew and Gentile in Christ. |
| Eph 3:6 | "That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:" | Highlights the inclusion of Gentiles as equals in God's plan. |
| Gal 3:28 | "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." | Emphasizes the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, transcending previous distinctions. |
| Gal 5:1-2 | "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing." | Discusses the freedom from legalistic observances provided by Christ's sacrifice. |
| Col 2:16 | "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:" | Advises against judgment based on Mosaic dietary laws and other regulations. |
| 1 Tim 4:4 | "For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:" | States the principle that what God declares clean is truly clean. |
| Heb 9:10 | "Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation." | Explains that many Old Testament laws related to purification were temporary. |
| Heb 9:13-14 | "For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" | Contrasts the Old Covenant rituals with the complete purification offered through Christ's sacrifice. |
| 1 Pet 1:18-19 | "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" | Points to the value of Christ's blood as the means of redemption for all believers. |
| Gen 1:29 | "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of the whole earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of trees yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." | Early in creation, God provided sustenance for humanity without restriction. |
| Lev 11:1-47 | "And the Lord spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This is the beast which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth." | The Old Testament Law detailed specific dietary laws distinguishing clean and unclean animals. |
| Deut 14:3-21 | "Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing." | Continues the list of dietary restrictions found in Leviticus. |
| Ps 24:1 | "The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." | Emphasizes God's ownership and authority over all creation, supporting the idea of its inherent goodness. |
Acts 10 verses
Acts 10 12 Meaning
This verse describes a vision given to Peter by God. It signifies a major shift in God's plan, extending salvation to the Gentiles. The vision communicates that nothing God has made "unclean" is to be considered unclean by believers, symbolizing the inclusion of all people, regardless of their background or former status in the Mosaic Law, into God's covenant through Christ.
Acts 10 12 Context
This verse is found within the narrative of Acts chapter 10, detailing the pivotal conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, and his household. Peter, a prominent apostle among the Jews, receives this vision at Joppa. The vision occurs during a time when Jewish believers held strict adherence to the Mosaic Law, which included significant dietary regulations distinguishing between clean and unclean foods. These regulations extended to social practices, making it unlawful for a Jew to associate with Gentiles. The vision, therefore, challenges centuries of Jewish tradition and religious understanding. It prepares Peter for a groundbreaking mission: to preach the gospel to Gentiles and extend God's salvation to them, signifying a major expansion of the early Christian church.
Acts 10 12 Word Analysis
And behold (kai idou): "And behold" introduces a sudden and important event, drawing the listener's attention. It signals a divine revelation or a significant occurrence.
a certain (tina): Indicates a specific, though unnamed, object or entity.
vessel (skeuos): Literally means "vessel," "implement," or "container." In this context, it refers to the sheet or container lowered from heaven.
descending (katabainon): Present participle, "descending," indicating a continuous action of movement downwards.
unto it (eis auto): Referring to the sheet, a direction towards its location.
as it were (hōsanei): "As if," "like," indicating a similitude or a comparison, suggesting the vision's nature as a visual representation rather than a literal physical object in its entirety.
a great sheet (arachnēn megalēn): "Sheet" or "cloth." The adjective "great" emphasizes its size, making it more visually impactful and capable of containing the diverse creatures.
knit at the four corners (tessarsin autēs gōniais katebdemmenon): "Fastened by its four corners." This detail highlights the contained nature of the contents within the sheet, ready to be presented. It can also symbolize the encompassing nature of God's new covenant extending to all four corners of the earth.
and let down (kai katalousamenon): Another participle, "being lowered," further describing the object's downward movement from heaven.
unto the earth (epi tēs gēs): Indicating the destination of the descending sheet, bringing the divine content to the human realm.
Group Analysis:
- "And behold, a certain vessel descending unto it as it were a great sheet, knit at the four corners, and let down unto the earth": This entire phrase paints a vivid, supernatural image. The "vessel" or "sheet" represents a divine instrument. Its descent from heaven signifies God's direct intervention and revelation. The "great sheet" containing "all manner of fourfooted beasts... and fowls of the air" is a powerful visual metaphor for the inclusion of all types of people (symbolized by the animals previously classified as clean and unclean) within God's plan. The "four corners" suggest the universality of this inclusion, reaching across all boundaries of the known world.
Acts 10 12 Bonus Section
This event directly prepares Peter to minister to Cornelius, a devout Gentile. Peter’s presence at Cornelius's house, despite Jewish prohibitions against eating or associating with Gentiles, validates the vision's significance. The subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his household, evident in their speaking in tongues, mirrors the experience of Jewish believers at Pentecost, signifying their full acceptance into God's covenant family. This parallel ensures that the Gentile reception into the church is undeniable to the Jewish believers, validating the expansion of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins. This vision is not merely about food but a profound theological statement about God’s universal love and the inclusiveness of the new covenant.
Acts 10 12 Commentary
The vision in Acts 10:12 is a supernatural demonstration designed to revolutionize Peter's understanding of God's inclusive grace. The descending sheet filled with diverse creatures, representing both clean and unclean animals under the Old Testament law, served as a powerful visual metaphor. Peter's initial aversion, based on his upbringing and religious practice, highlights the deeply ingrained divisions between Jews and Gentiles. God uses this vision to teach Peter that these human-made distinctions are dissolved in Christ. The divine message is clear: God declares clean those whom He has cleansed through faith in Jesus, thereby opening the door of salvation to all, without exception. This event is a crucial turning point, breaking down religious and social barriers and ushering in the Gentile mission of the church.