And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

ACTS 11:10KJV
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Acts 11:10 (KJV)

What does Acts 11:10 mean?

Acts 11:10 describes how a certain event was repeated three times, and then everything involved was taken back up into heaven. This verse is recounting a vision that Peter experienced, emphasizing the repetition and the heavenly origin of what he saw.

Peter is explaining his vision to other believers in Jerusalem, describing how a sheet filled with animals was lowered from heaven and then taken back up after being shown three times. The repetition highlights the importance and certainty of the message Peter received, which is central to the story of Gentiles being welcomed into the early Christian community.

Why Acts 11:10 matters

  • Acts 11:10 clarifies that Peter’s vision was not a one-time, fleeting experience but was shown three times for emphasis, signaling its significance and reliability.
  • The verse connects directly to the larger discussion in Acts 10–11 about whether non-Jewish people (Gentiles) could be accepted as followers of Jesus, showing that the vision was meant to change Peter’s understanding.
  • By stating that everything was "drawn up again into heaven," the verse underscores that the vision and its message came from God, not from Peter’s own imagination or tradition.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G385 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 14:5 And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?

“times” Greek G5151 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 26:34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
  • Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

“all” Greek G537 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
  • Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

“again” Greek G3825 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • John 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
  • Acts 10:16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.