Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. New Living Translation When I looked inside the sheet, I saw all sorts of tame and wild animals, reptiles, and birds. English Standard Version Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. Berean Standard Bible I looked at it closely and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. Berean Literal Bible Having looked intently on it, I was observing it, and I saw the quadrupeds of the earth and the wild beasts and the creeping things and the birds of the air. King James Bible Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. New King James Version When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. New American Standard Bible and I stared at it and was thinking about it, and I saw the four-footed animals of the earth, the wild animals, the crawling creatures, and the birds of the sky. NASB 1995 and when I had fixed my gaze on it and was observing it I saw the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the crawling creatures and the birds of the air. NASB 1977 and when I had fixed my gaze upon it and was observing it I saw the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the crawling creatures and the birds of the air. Legacy Standard Bible and when looking closely at it, I was observing it and saw the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the crawling creatures and the birds of the sky. Amplified Bible and looking closely at it, I saw all kinds of the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the crawling creatures and the birds of the air [both clean and unclean according to the Law], Christian Standard Bible When I looked closely and considered it, I saw the four-footed animals of the earth, the wild beasts, the reptiles, and the birds of the sky. Holman Christian Standard Bible When I looked closely and considered it, I saw the four-footed animals of the earth, the wild beasts, the reptiles, and the birds of the sky. American Standard Version upon which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw the fourfooted beasts of the earth and wild beasts and creeping things and birds of the heaven. Contemporary English Version When I looked in it, I saw animals, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds. English Revised Version upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw the fourfooted beasts of the earth and wild beasts and creeping things and fowls of the heaven. GOD'S WORD® Translation I looked into the sheet very closely and saw tame animals, wild animals, reptiles, and birds. Good News Translation I looked closely inside and saw domesticated and wild animals, reptiles, and wild birds. International Standard Version When I examined it closely, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the air. NET Bible As I stared I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and wild birds. New Heart English Bible When I had looked intently at it, I considered, and saw the four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, crawling creatures, and birds of the sky. Webster's Bible Translation Upon which when I had fastened my eyes, I considered, and saw four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping animals, and fowls of the air. Weymouth New Testament Fixing my eyes on it, I examined it closely, and saw various kinds of quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleI looked at it closely and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. World English Bible When I had looked intently at it, I considered, and saw the four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionat which having looked steadfastly, I was considering, and I saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the creeping things, and the birds of the sky; Berean Literal Bible Having looked intently on it, I was observing it, and I saw the quadrupeds of the earth and the wild beasts and the creeping things and the birds of the air. Young's Literal Translation at which having looked stedfastly, I was considering, and I saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the creeping things, and the fowls of heaven; Smith's Literal Translation Upon which having looked intently, I observed, and saw quadrupeds of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and the flying things of heaven. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleInto which looking, I considered, and saw fourfooted creatures of the earth, and beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air: Catholic Public Domain Version And looking into it, I considered and saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the reptiles, and the flying things of the air. New American Bible Looking intently into it, I observed and saw the four-legged animals of the earth, the wild beasts, the reptiles, and the birds of the sky. New Revised Standard Version As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd as I looked at it, I saw that there were in it fourfooted beasts, and creeping things of the earth, and fowls of the air. Aramaic Bible in Plain English I stared at it and I saw beasts in it, four footed animals and creeping things of The Earth and birds of the sky. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWhen I had looked attentively into it, I observed and saw four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts and creeping things and birds of the air. Godbey New Testament into which looking, I was investigating, and I saw quadrupeds of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and the birds of the heaven. Haweis New Testament on which looking attentively, I perceived, and saw the quadrupeds of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the reptiles, and the birds of the air. Mace New Testament as I was considering it very attentively, I saw several quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. Weymouth New Testament Fixing my eyes on it, I examined it closely, and saw various kinds of quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. Worrell New Testament into which gazing intently, I was considering, and saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and the birds of the heaven. Worsley New Testament And looking stedfastly upon it, I observed four-footed creatures and wild beasts, and reptiles, and fowls of the air. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Peter's Report at Jerusalem…5“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. 6I looked at it closely and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7Then I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat.’… Cross References Acts 10:11-16 He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. / It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air. / Then a voice said to him: “Get up, Peter, kill and eat!” ... Genesis 7:8-9 The clean and unclean animals, the birds, and everything that crawls along the ground / came to Noah to enter the ark, two by two, male and female, as God had commanded Noah. Leviticus 11:2-47 “Say to the Israelites, ‘Of all the beasts of the earth, these ones you may eat: / You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud. / But of those that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof, you are not to eat the following: The camel, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is unclean for you. ... Deuteronomy 14:3-20 You must not eat any detestable thing. / These are the animals that you may eat: The ox, the sheep, the goat, / the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep. ... Ezekiel 8:10 So I went in and looked, and engraved all around the wall was every kind of crawling creature and detestable beast, along with all the idols of the house of Israel. Isaiah 6:1-4 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ... Matthew 15:11 A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” Mark 7:14-23 Once again Jesus called the crowd to Him and said, “All of you, listen to Me and understand: / Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him; but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him.” / If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. ... Romans 14:14 I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 1 Timothy 4:4-5 For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, / because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. Genesis 1:24-25 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, land crawlers, and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. / God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that crawls upon the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 9:3 Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things. Isaiah 66:17 “Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves—to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats—will perish together,” declares the LORD. Ezekiel 4:14 “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.” Daniel 7:13-14 In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Treasury of Scripture On the which when I had fastened my eyes, I considered, and saw four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. fastened. Acts 3:4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. Jump to Previous Air Animals Attention Beasts Birds Closely Considered Crawling Creatures Creeping Earth Examined Eyes Fastened Fixed Fixing Fourfooted Four-Footed Fowls Gaze Heaven Intently Kinds Observed Quadrupeds Reptiles Sky Sorts Stedfastly Various WildJump to Next Air Animals Attention Beasts Birds Closely Considered Crawling Creatures Creeping Earth Examined Eyes Fastened Fixed Fixing Fourfooted Four-Footed Fowls Gaze Heaven Intently Kinds Observed Quadrupeds Reptiles Sky Sorts Stedfastly Various WildActs 11 1. Peter, being accused for preaching to the Gentiles,5. makes his defense; 18. which is accepted. 19. The gospel being spread in Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, 22. Barnabas is sent to confirm them. 26. The disciples are first called Christians at Antioch. 27. They send relief to the brothers in Judea in time of famine. I looked at it closely This phrase indicates a deliberate and careful examination, suggesting the importance of the vision Peter received. In biblical narratives, visions often require careful attention to discern their divine message. This reflects the need for spiritual discernment, as seen in other scriptural accounts such as Daniel's visions (Daniel 7) and John's Revelation (Revelation 1:10-11). and saw four-footed animals of the earth wild beasts reptiles and birds of the air Persons / Places / Events 1. PeterThe apostle who is recounting his vision to the believers in Jerusalem. He is a central figure in the early church and a key leader among the apostles. 2. Vision A supernatural revelation given to Peter, which challenges Jewish dietary laws and signifies the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith. 3. Jerusalem The location where Peter is explaining his vision to the Jewish believers, emphasizing the importance of the city as a center for early Christian activity. 4. Four-footed animals, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds These represent the creatures Peter saw in his vision, symbolizing the breaking down of Jewish dietary restrictions and the broader acceptance of Gentiles. 5. Gentiles Non-Jewish people who are being welcomed into the Christian faith, as symbolized by the vision Peter received. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in RevelationGod chooses to reveal His plans and purposes in His timing and manner. Peter's vision is a reminder that God is in control and His ways may challenge our preconceived notions. Breaking Down Barriers The vision signifies the breaking down of cultural and religious barriers. As Christians, we are called to embrace unity and inclusivity within the body of Christ. Obedience to God's Call Peter's willingness to follow God's instruction, despite initial confusion, teaches us the importance of obedience to God's call, even when it challenges our understanding. The Universality of the Gospel The vision underscores the message that the Gospel is for all people, regardless of background. We are called to share the Gospel with everyone, without prejudice. Discernment in Spiritual Experiences Peter's careful examination of the vision teaches us the importance of discernment in spiritual experiences, ensuring they align with God's Word and purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 11:6?2. How does Acts 11:6 challenge our understanding of God's creation? 3. What does Acts 11:6 reveal about God's authority over dietary laws? 4. How can Acts 11:6 inspire us to overcome personal prejudices? 5. How does Acts 11:6 connect with Peter's vision in Acts 10? 6. In what ways can Acts 11:6 encourage us to embrace God's inclusivity? 7. What does Acts 11:6 reveal about God's view on clean and unclean animals? 8. How does Acts 11:6 challenge traditional Jewish dietary laws? 9. What is the significance of Peter's vision in Acts 11:6 for early Christians? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 11? 11. How do we reconcile Peter's vision of unclean animals in Acts 11:5-10 with scientific evidence about dietary laws and hygiene at that time? 12. If Leviticus 11 is God's eternal command, why does Acts 10:9-16 appear to contradict these dietary laws? 13. How can Paul's assurance in 2 Corinthians 9:6 that giving generously guarantees abundant reaping be reconciled with real-world examples of generous people who experience hardship? 14. Can humans command angels? What Does Acts 11:6 Mean I looked at it closelyPeter is recounting his rooftop vision to believers in Jerusalem. His deliberate attention underscores that this was no fleeting dream. God wanted Peter to observe every detail (Acts 10:11-16). The Lord often calls His servants to “look carefully” so they can discern His will, as with Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3:3-4) and Jeremiah’s almond branch (Jeremiah 1:11-12). Peter’s careful gaze prepares him—and us—for a lesson that overturns long-held traditions. and saw four-footed animals of the earth The sheet held ordinary livestock—creatures Israel commonly classified as clean or unclean (Leviticus 11:2-8). By including four-footed animals, God hints that both familiar and previously off-limits creatures are in view. This anticipates the broader revelation that Gentiles, once regarded as “outsiders,” are now welcomed through Christ (Ephesians 2:11-13). Just as Peter’s diet would expand, so would his mission field. wild beasts These untamed animals symbolize nations and peoples Israel considered dangerous or defiling (Daniel 7:3-6). Yet God owns “the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10) and all wildlife (Job 12:7-10). Their presence in the sheet proclaims God’s sovereign right to include those deemed wild—such as the Roman centurion Cornelius—within His covenant family (Acts 10:28, 34-35). reptiles Crawling creatures were explicitly forbidden to Israel (Leviticus 11:41-44). Their inclusion drives home the radical nature of the vision: nothing God cleanses remains unclean. Peter would later write, “It is not God’s will that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). The reptiles remind us that the gospel reaches the most unlikely people, for “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). and birds of the air Birds span the spectrum from the majestic eagle to scavenging vultures (Leviticus 11:13-19). In Scripture they often picture both blessing and judgment (Genesis 8:8-12; Matthew 13:4, 32). Their appearance rounds out the vision’s totality: every category of creature—clean or unclean, noble or common—is enveloped in God’s redemptive plan. Peter would soon witness the Holy Spirit “fall on all who heard the word” (Acts 10:44-45), just as Jesus promised (Acts 1:8). summary Acts 11:6 unfolds in vivid layers so Peter—and we—grasp God’s sweeping declaration: through Christ, the former boundaries of ritual purity and ethnic separation have been abolished. By spotlighting four-footed animals, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds, the Lord shows that He alone defines what is clean and whom He will call. The vision readies the church to welcome Gentiles, illustrating that the gospel is for “every creature under heaven” (Colossians 1:23). (6) Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered.--Here again we trace the same kind of vividness as in the previous verse. The Apostle recalls the intense eager gaze with which he had looked on the strange vision.Verse 6. - The four-footed for four-footed, A.V.; heaven for air, A.V.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek I lookedἀτενίσας (atenisas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 816: To direct my gaze, look steadily. From a compound of a and teino; to gaze intently. at εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. it {closely} ἣν (hēn) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. [and] saw κατενόουν (katenooun) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 2657: To take note of, perceive, consider carefully, discern, detect, make account of. From kata and noieo; to observe fully. four-footed animals τετράποδα (tetrapoda) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 5074: Four-footed. From tessares and pous; a quadruped. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. earth, γῆς (gēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe. wild beasts, θηρία (thēria) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 2342: Properly: a wild beast, hence: any animal; met: a brute. Diminutive from the same as thera; a dangerous animal. reptiles, ἑρπετὰ (herpeta) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 2062: Neuter of a derivative of herpo; a reptile, i.e. (compare remes) a small animal. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. birds πετεινὰ (peteina) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 4071: A bird, fowl. Neuter of a derivative of petomai; a flying animal, i.e. Bird. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive 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. air. οὐρανοῦ (ouranou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. Links Acts 11:6 NIVActs 11:6 NLT Acts 11:6 ESV Acts 11:6 NASB Acts 11:6 KJV Acts 11:6 BibleApps.com Acts 11:6 Biblia Paralela Acts 11:6 Chinese Bible Acts 11:6 French Bible Acts 11:6 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 11:6 When I had looked intently at it (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
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