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Book of Acts - Chapter 10 - Verse 10

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

Meaning

This verse comes from the book of Acts in the New Testament of the Bible. In this passage, the apostle Peter is described as becoming very hungry and desiring to eat. However, before he can have a meal, he falls into a trance. This moment is significant because it marks a pivotal point in Peter's life and his ministry. During this trance, Peter receives a vision from God that ultimately leads to a profound shift in his understanding of God's plan for all people. This vision plays a crucial role in Peter's decision to welcome Gentiles into the Christian community, breaking down barriers and emphasizing the inclusive nature of God's salvation. By highlighting Peter's hunger and subsequent trance, this verse underscores the importance of being receptive and open to God's messages, even in the midst of our most basic physical needs. It serves as a reminder that God's timing and purpose are beyond our own understanding, and that we must always be prepared to receive divine guidance, no matter the circumstances.

Theological Overview

According to theological interpretations, the verse 'And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,' from Acts 10:10, is significant in demonstrating a divine intervention through the use of a trance. The hunger experienced by Peter symbolizes his physical need, while the trance represents a spiritual intervention by God. This passage is often seen as a pivotal moment in the conversion of Peter, as it precedes his encounter with Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, and leads to the acceptance of non-Jews into the early Christian community. The word 'trance' in this verse is translated from the Greek word 'ἔκστασις,' which can also be interpreted as a state of being beside oneself or amazed. This word indicates that Peter was in a state of divine revelation, where he received guidance from God. Overall, the verse highlights the importance of being receptive to divine interventions and demonstrates the transformative power of spiritual experiences.

American Standard Version

and he became hungry, and desired to eat: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance;
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