Acts 10:17
New International Version
While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate.

New Living Translation
Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate,

English Standard Version
Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate

Berean Standard Bible
While Peter was puzzling over the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house and approached the gate.

Berean Literal Bible
And while Peter was perplexed in himself what the vision that he had seen might be, behold, the men having been sent from Cornelius, having inquired for the house of Simon, stood at the gate.

King James Bible
Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

New King James Version
Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate.

New American Standard Bible
Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius had asked directions to Simon’s house, and they appeared at the gate;

NASB 1995
Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon’s house, appeared at the gate;

NASB 1977
Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon’s house, appeared at the gate;

Legacy Standard Bible
Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon’s house, appeared at the gate;

Amplified Bible
Now Peter was still perplexed and completely at a loss as to what his vision could mean when the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions to Simon’s house, arrived at the gate.

Christian Standard Bible
While Peter was deeply perplexed about what the vision he had seen might mean, right away the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions to Simon’s house, stood at the gate.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
While Peter was deeply perplexed about what the vision he had seen might mean, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions to Simon’s house, stood at the gate.

American Standard Version
Now while Peter was much perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate,

Contemporary English Version
Peter was still wondering what all this meant, when the men sent by Cornelius came and stood at the gate. They had found their way to Simon's house

English Revised Version
Now while Peter was much perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
While Peter was puzzled by the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon's house and went to the gate.

Good News Translation
While Peter was wondering about the meaning of this vision, the men sent by Cornelius had learned where Simon's house was, and they were now standing in front of the gate.

International Standard Version
While Peter was still at a loss to know what the vision he had seen could mean, the men sent by Cornelius asked for Simon's house and went to the gate.

Majority Standard Bible
While Peter was puzzling over the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon?s house and approached the gate.

NET Bible
Now while Peter was puzzling over what the vision he had seen could signify, the men sent by Cornelius had learned where Simon's house was and approached the gate.

New Heart English Bible
Now while Peter was very perplexed within himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, look, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate,

Webster's Bible Translation
Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men who were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and were standing before the gate,

Weymouth New Testament
While Peter was greatly perplexed as to the meaning of the vision which he had seen, just then the men sent by Cornelius, having by inquiry found out Simon's house,

World English Bible
Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And as Peter was perplexed in himself what the vision that he saw might be, then, behold, the men who have been sent from Cornelius, having made inquiry for the house of Simon, stood at the gate,

Berean Literal Bible
And while Peter was perplexed in himself what the vision that he had seen might be, behold, the men having been sent from Cornelius, having inquired for the house of Simon, stood at the gate.

Young's Literal Translation
And as Peter was perplexed in himself what the vision that he saw might be, then, lo, the men who have been sent from Cornelius, having made inquiry for the house of Simon, stood at the gate,

Smith's Literal Translation
And as Peter was doubting in himself what the vision might be which he saw, and behold, the man sent from Cornelius having asked for Simon's house, stood at the gate,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now, whilst Peter was doubting within himself, what the vision that he had seen should mean, behold the men who were sent from Cornelius, inquiring for Simon's house, stood at the gate.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now while Peter was still hesitant within himself as to what the vision, which he had seen, might mean, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius stood at the gate, inquiring about Simon’s house.

New American Bible
While Peter was in doubt about the meaning of the vision he had seen, the men sent by Cornelius asked for Simon’s house and arrived at the entrance.

New Revised Standard Version
Now while Peter was greatly puzzled about what to make of the vision that he had seen, suddenly the men sent by Cornelius appeared. They were asking for Simon’s house and were standing by the gate.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now while Simon Peter was bewildered, wondering in himself what the vision he had seen should mean, the men who were sent by Cornelius arrived, and enquired for the house in which Simon Peter had been staying, and they came and stood at the door of the courtyard.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And as Shimeon wondered in himself what this vision was that he had seen, those men arrived who were sent from Cornelius, and they asked for the house in which Shimeon dwelt and they came and stood at the gate of the courtyard.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Now, while Peter was perplexed within himself about the meaning of the vision which he had seen, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius, having made inquiry for the house of Simon, stood before the gate.

Godbey New Testament
And while Peter was at a loss within himself, as to what the vision he saw might be, behold, the men having been sent by Cornelius, making inquiry for the house of Simon, stood at the gate,

Haweis New Testament
But while Peter was perplexed in himself what was meant by the vision which he had seen, then, behold! the men which had been sent by Cornelius having inquired out the house of Simon, stood before the door,

Mace New Testament
While Peter was perplexed about the signification of this vision, the messengers from Cornelius having enquir'd out Simon's house, arriv'd at the gate,

Weymouth New Testament
While Peter was greatly perplexed as to the meaning of the vision which he had seen, just then the men sent by Cornelius, having by inquiry found out Simon's house,

Worrell New Testament
Now, as Peter was much perplexed in himself as to what the vision which he saw might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate;

Worsley New Testament
Now while Peter was doubting in himself what might be the meaning of the vision which he had seen, behold the men that were sent from Cornelius, having enquired for Simon's house, stood at the door;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Peter Called to Caesarea
16This happened three times, and all at once the sheet was taken back up into heaven. 17 While Peter was puzzling over the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house and approached the gate. 18They called out to ask if Simon called Peter was staying there.…

Cross References
Acts 11:5-10
“I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision of something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came right down to me. / I looked at it closely and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. / Then I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat.’ ...

Acts 15:7-9
After much discussion, Peter got up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you that the Gentiles would hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. / And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. / He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts by faith.

Acts 9:10-12
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Here I am, Lord,” he answered. / “Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. / In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

Acts 16:9-10
During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” / As soon as Paul had seen the vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Acts 22:17-21
Later, when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance / and saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem quickly, because the people here will not accept your testimony about Me.’ / ‘Lord,’ I answered, ‘they know very well that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You. ...

Acts 2:17-18
‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. / Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

Acts 8:26-29
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go south to the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” / So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, / and on his return was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet. ...

Acts 13:2-4
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off. / So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.

Acts 18:9-10
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”

Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

Genesis 41:15-16
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” / “I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied, “but God will give Pharaoh a sound answer.”

Daniel 2:19-23
During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision, and he blessed the God of heaven / and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. / He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. ...

Daniel 4:5-9
I had a dream, and it frightened me; while I was in my bed, the images and visions in my mind alarmed me. / So I issued a decree that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. / When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came in, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me. ...

Numbers 12:6
He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.

1 Samuel 3:15-18
Samuel lay down until the morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision, / but Eli called to him and said, “Samuel, my son.” “Here I am,” answered Samuel. / “What was the message He gave you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God punish you, and ever so severely, if you hide from me anything He said to you.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

while.

Acts 10:19
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

Acts 2:12
And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

Acts 5:24
Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

the men.

Acts 10:7-18
And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; …

Acts 9:43
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

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Cornelius Doubt Doubted Enquiry Found Gate Greatly House Inquiry Mean Meaning Mind Perplexed Peter Purpose Simon's Standing Stood Vision
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Cornelius Doubt Doubted Enquiry Found Gate Greatly House Inquiry Mean Meaning Mind Perplexed Peter Purpose Simon's Standing Stood Vision
Acts 10
1. Cornelius, a devout man, being commanded by an angel, sends for Peter,
11. who by a vision is taught not to despise the Gentiles;
17. and is commanded by the Spirit to go with the messenger to Caesarea.
25. Cornelius shows the occasion of his sending for him.
34. As he preaches Christ to Cornelius and his company,
44. the Holy Spirit falls on them, and they are baptized.














While Peter was puzzling over the meaning of the vision
Peter's vision involved a sheet with various animals, symbolizing the breaking down of Jewish dietary laws and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan. This moment reflects Peter's internal struggle with the radical shift from traditional Jewish customs to the new covenant in Christ. The vision challenges Peter to move beyond the Jewish understanding of purity and embrace the universality of the Gospel. This is a pivotal moment in the early church, as it signifies the expansion of the Gospel to all nations, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:3).

the men sent by Cornelius
Cornelius, a Roman centurion, represents the Gentile world seeking God. His sending of men to Peter signifies the divine orchestration of events to bring about the inclusion of Gentiles. Cornelius is described as a God-fearing man, which indicates his respect for the Jewish faith and his desire to know the true God. This encounter is a fulfillment of the prophecy that the Gentiles would come to the light of God's people (Isaiah 60:3).

found Simon’s house
Simon the tanner's house is significant because tanning was considered an unclean profession by Jewish standards, yet Peter is staying there. This setting underscores the theme of breaking down barriers between clean and unclean, Jew and Gentile. The location in Joppa is also noteworthy, as it is the same city where Jonah attempted to flee from God's command to preach to the Gentiles in Nineveh, highlighting the theme of God's mercy extending beyond Israel.

and approached the gate
The gate represents a threshold, both physically and metaphorically, between the Jewish and Gentile worlds. The men approaching the gate symbolize the Gentiles' readiness to receive the Gospel. This moment foreshadows the opening of the door of faith to the Gentiles, as later confirmed by the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. The act of approaching the gate signifies the breaking down of barriers and the beginning of a new era in the church's mission.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
One of Jesus' apostles, known for his leadership in the early church. He is the central figure in this passage, experiencing a vision that challenges his understanding of Jewish dietary laws and the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith.

2. Cornelius
A Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea, described earlier in Acts 10 as a God-fearing man who receives a vision from an angel instructing him to send for Peter.

3. Simon the Tanner's House
The location where Peter is staying in Joppa. Tanners were often considered unclean by Jewish standards, which is significant given the theme of purity and inclusion in this chapter.

4. The Vision
Peter receives a vision of a sheet descending from heaven with various animals, symbolizing the breaking down of Jewish dietary laws and the acceptance of Gentiles.

5. The Men Sent by Cornelius
These men are sent by Cornelius to bring Peter to Caesarea, marking the beginning of a pivotal moment in the early church's mission to the Gentiles.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Timing
Peter's puzzlement over the vision teaches us to be patient and seek God's guidance when we don't immediately understand His plans.

Breaking Down Barriers
The vision signifies the breaking down of cultural and religious barriers, encouraging us to embrace inclusivity in our faith communities.

Obedience to God's Call
Despite his initial confusion, Peter's willingness to follow God's direction is a model of obedience for us.

The Role of Visions and Revelations
This passage highlights how God can use visions to communicate His will, reminding us to be open to His leading in various forms.

The Importance of Hospitality
The men approaching Simon's house and Peter's eventual acceptance of Cornelius' invitation underscore the value of hospitality and openness to others.(17) While Peter doubted in himself . . . .--A doubt might well arise whether the teaching of the vision went beyond its immediate scope. The Apostle might have admitted that it abrogated the old distinction between clean and unclean meats, and yet might hesitate to answer the question, "Did it do more than this?"

Verse 17. - Was much perplexed for doubted, A.V.; the for this, A.V.; might for should, A.V.; that for which, A.V.; by for from, A.V.; having made inquiry, stood for had made enquiry, and stood., A.V. The gate (πυλών); the porch or gate into the court of an Eastern house. In Acts 12:13 we have "the door of the gate" (see Matthew 26:71; Luke 16:20, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
While
Ὡς (Hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

Peter
Πέτρος (Petros)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.

was puzzling over
διηπόρει (diēporei)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1280: To be in trouble, doubt, difficulty; To be at a loss. From dia and aporeo; to be thoroughly nonplussed.

the meaning
εἴη (eiē)
Verb - Present Optative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

of the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

vision,
ὅραμα (horama)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3705: A spectacle, vision, that which is seen. From horao; something gazed at, i.e. A spectacle.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

men
ἄνδρες (andres)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

sent
ἀπεσταλμένοι (apestalmenoi)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 649: From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.

by
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

Cornelius
Κορνηλίου (Kornēliou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2883: Cornelius, a centurion of the Roman army, stationed at Caesarea. Of Latin origin; Cornelius, a Roman.

found
διερωτήσαντες (dierōtēsantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1331: To find by inquiry. From dia and erotao; to question throughout, i.e. Ascertain by interrogation.

Simon’s
Σίμωνος (Simōnos)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4613: Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites.

house
οἰκίαν (oikian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3614: From oikos; properly, residence, but usually an abode; by implication, a family.

[and] approached
ἐπέστησαν (epestēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2186: To stand by, be urgent, befall one (as of evil), be at hand, impend. From epi and histemi; to stand upon, i.e. Be present.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

gate.
πυλῶνα (pylōna)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4440: From pule; a gate-way, door-way of a building or city; by implication, a portal or vestibule.


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NT Apostles: Acts 10:17 Now while Peter was very perplexed (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 10:16
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