and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth.
11. The opening of heaven signifieth, in my judgment, another thing in this place than in the seventh chapter. For it is said there that heaven was opened to Stephen, that he did behold the glory of Christ; in this place Peter saw our heaven which we see divided, so that a sheet came thence.
Peter clung to Jewish prejudice against Gentiles, thinking association with them brought ceremonial pollution. Scripture had plainly spoken of the Gentiles entering the church, Christ Himself had ordered it, yet Peter could not see it until God broke his bigotry with a vision.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 10:9-18
Heaven opened not literally but in vision, revealing the mystery of the Gentiles' calling long hidden. The sheet represents the church of God born from above, pure as linen, knit at four corners to show the Gospel spreading to all parts of the world and the church bound to Christ and to itself.
AI summary