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:

ACTS 11:5KJV
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Acts 11:5 (KJV)

What does Acts 11:5 mean?

Acts 11:5 describes Peter explaining how, while he was praying in the city of Joppa, he fell into a trance and saw a vision: something like a large sheet was lowered from heaven by its four corners and came down to him. This sets the stage for Peter to recount a supernatural experience that led to a major turning point in the early church.

Peter is speaking to other believers in Jerusalem, recounting the events that led him to visit the house of Cornelius, a Gentile. The vision he describes is central to his explanation of why he associated with non-Jews, something that was controversial at the time. The details about the sheet and its descent from heaven highlight that this was a message from God, not just a personal idea or dream.

The Greek behind Acts 11:5

  • ἔκστασις (ekstasis, G1611): Translated "trance," this word often refers to a state of being so caught up in a spiritual experience that normal awareness is suspended. It emphasizes that Peter’s vision was not just a daydream but a profound, God-given encounter.
  • ὅραμα (horama, G3705): The word for "vision" here means a supernatural sight or revelation, not just an ordinary mental image. This underlines that what Peter saw was meant to communicate something important from God.
  • ἀρχαί (archai, G746): Translated "corners," this word literally means "beginnings" or "origins." In this context, it refers to the four corners of the sheet, possibly symbolizing the whole world or completeness, which becomes significant in the story’s message about all people being included.

Why Acts 11:5 matters

  • Acts 11:5 helps clarify that Peter’s actions were not impulsive or rebellious but were guided by a direct vision from God, which was crucial for convincing skeptical believers in Jerusalem.
  • The verse emphasizes the supernatural origin of Peter’s experience, showing that the inclusion of Gentiles was God’s initiative, not just a human decision.
  • By describing the sheet coming down by its four corners, Acts 11:5 sets up the later explanation that God’s message was for all nations, not just one group, which becomes a major theme in the book of Acts.

Where else these words appear

“sheet” Greek G3607 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

“down” Greek G2524 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 5:19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.
  • Acts 9:25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
  • Acts 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

“trance” Greek G1611 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 5:42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
  • Luke 5:26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.
  • Acts 10:10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

“Joppa” Greek G2445 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
  • Acts 9:43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
  • Acts 10:23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.