Acts 11:10
And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγένετο
was done
G1096
ἐγένετο
was done
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 12
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἐπὶ
G1909
ἐπὶ
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
7 of 12
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
Three times indicates emphatic confirmation—God ensures Peter grasps significance. Biblical pattern of threefold repetition appears elsewhere (Jesus' resurrection predictions, Peter's denial, restoration questions). Drawing up into heaven proves supernatural origin—not dream or hallucination but divine communication. This repeated vision around 40 CE prepared Peter for immediate test—Gentile messengers arriving moments later.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God use threefold repetition for crucial revelations?
- What does vision's supernatural character establish about message's authority?
- How does repetition ensure proper understanding of revolutionary concepts?
- In what ways do dreams/visions differ from natural imagination?
- What role does divine timing play—vision immediately before messengers arrive?
Analysis & Commentary
And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. The threefold repetition emphasizes message's importance while divine origin (drawn up into heaven) validates vision's supernatural character.