“I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:”
'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.'—Peter's retelling preserves the vision's vividness; the descent of the sheet is emphasized (it 'came down' to him), establishing God's initiative. The prayer-context (11:5) frames the vision as an answer to prayer; spiritual receptivity opens the soul to revelation.
Church Fathers on Acts 11:5
And the Apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter had come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, saying, You went in to men uncircumcised, and ate with them. Acts 11:1-3 After such great things, they of the circumcision contended: not the Apostles; God forbid! It means, they took no small offense. And see what they allege. They do not say, Why did you preach? But, Why…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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