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in that day, it was common to have gardens on your rooftops. In 2 Samuel 11:2, David was
walking on the rooftop when he saw Bathsheba. In Matthew 24:17, Jesus warned those alive
during the tribulation to come down from the rooftops.

Peter has gone to the rooftop at noontime. It is a tranquil place for Peter to relax and pray.

While the men sent by Cornelius resumed their journey and approach Joppa, Peter is praying.

Act 10:10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he
fell into a trance,

Peter is trying to pray but smells the lunch being prepared in the home below. While waiting
for the cooks to call him, he slips into a trance. This is an open vision where the functions of his
body are suspended.

Act 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:

The “open” heaven is the opening of the curtain that separates the spiritual realm from the
natural. This is the meaning of the name revelation (apoka-lupsis). This sheet is immense, and
all four corners are tied at the top. Like being held by a giant hand from the knot at the top,
this sheet is let down to the earth and opens when it touches the ground.

Act 10:12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and
creeping things, and fowls of the air.

These “beasts” are all unclean animals that are forbidden to be eaten according to Old
Testament law.

Act 10:13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

In Greek, these are three commands given in the imperative mood: rise, kill, eat.

Act 10:14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or
unclean.

Peter knows the voice of the Lord, but also knows the commandments of the Old Testament.
He is resisting the voice of the Lord, and must be greatly confused by the vision and the

command.

Act 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that
call not thou common.

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