Lexical Summary othoné: Linen cloth, sheet Original Word: ὀθόνη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sheet. Of uncertain affinity; a linen cloth, i.e. (especially) a sail -- sheet. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition fine linen, hence a sheet or sail NASB Translation sheet (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3607: ὀθόνηὀθόνη, ὀθονης, ἡ (from Homer down); a. linen (i. e. fine white linen for women's clothing; cf. Vanicek, Fremdwörter, under the word). b. linen cloth (sheet or sail); so Acts 10:11; Acts 11:5. Acts 10:11 and Acts 11:5 record Peter’s rooftop vision in Joppa, where “he saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners” (Acts 10:11). Luke repeats the scene verbatim when Peter later recounts it: “I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me” (Acts 11:5). The term rendered “sheet” translates the Greek ὀθόνη (Strong’s 3607). Historical Background of Household Textiles In the first-century Mediterranean world, large linen cloths were common household items. They served as bedcovers, sails, awnings, food-preparation surfaces, and even burial wrappings. The dimensions implied by “a large sheet” are expansive; it was easily envisioned as broad enough to contain a representative menagerie of creatures. Such fabrics typically had hemmed quadrants, so the mention of “four corners” would immediately evoke a sizeable, squared textile—practical imagery for both a fisherman-apostle and his audience. Visionary Function of the Sheet The sheet descends “from heaven,” framing the vision as a divine disclosure. Its mundane familiarity contrasts with its celestial origin, underscoring the union of the everyday and the heavenly. The sheet’s ability to hold animals symbolically gathers divergent elements into a single receptacle, thus preparing Peter to rethink long-standing ceremonial distinctions. Symbolism of Inclusion of the Nations The four corners accentuate universality, echoing the compass points of the earth (Isaiah 11:12; Revelation 7:1). The sheet therefore becomes a portable map of the inhabited world, lowering Gentile nations into Peter’s view. Within it, “all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air” (Acts 10:12) dramatize the breadth of humanity. What was ritually divided below is gathered by a heavenly authority above, signaling the gospel’s reach beyond Israel. Continuity and Fulfillment of Dietary Laws Peter’s reflexive objection—“Surely not, Lord” (Acts 10:14)—reveals his reverence for Leviticus 11 dietary codes. Yet the Lord’s reply, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (Acts 10:15), does not abolish earlier revelation but interprets it in light of Christ’s finished work. Mark 7:19 already records Jesus’ declaration that “He thus declared all foods clean.” Acts 10–11 applies that truth corporately, demonstrating the unfolding plan of salvation history: ceremonial laws served as a guardian until the Messiah completed redemption (Galatians 3:24-25). Impact on Early Church Mission The descent of the sheet occurs immediately before the Gentile centurion Cornelius receives the gospel. Peter’s vision equips him to proclaim salvation without imposing Mosaic food restrictions. Consequently, “the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the message” (Acts 10:44), proving divine approval. The episode becomes a decisive argument at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:7-11), shaping apostolic policy toward Gentile converts. Thus ὀθόνη links doctrinal clarification with missionary breakthrough. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Discernment: Believers must test long-held traditions against fresh guidance from the unchanging Word and the Spirit. Reflections in Christian Worship and Art Early Christian catacomb frescoes occasionally depict Peter’s vision, portraying animals within a sail-like cloth. Medieval commentators perceived the sheet as a type of the church’s baptismal garment, enveloping diverse peoples in one body (Ephesians 4:4). Modern mission conferences still reference the “four-cornered sheet” when praying for the evangelization of the world’s four corners. Summary Ὀθόνη in Acts 10–11 functions as more than a mere household item; it is a divinely choreographed symbol teaching that God’s redemptive plan encompasses every nation. The sheet’s downward sweep bridges heaven and earth, law and gospel, Israel and the Gentiles, thereby reinforcing the unity, authority, and progressive revelation of Scripture while galvanizing the church toward global mission. Englishman's Concordance Acts 10:11 N-AFSGRK: τι ὡς ὀθόνην μεγάλην τέσσαρσιν NAS: a great sheet coming KJV: it had been a great sheet knit INT: certain as a sheet great by four Acts 11:5 N-AFS |
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