Book of Acts - Chapter 10 - Verse 16

The verse "This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven" refers to the miraculous event described in the book of Acts where Peter, one of the disciples of Jesus, had a vision from God. In the vision, he saw a sheet descending from heaven containing all kinds of animals, both clean and unclean according to Jewish dietary laws. A voice instructed Peter to 'kill and eat' but Peter refused, citing the Jewish laws. This vision occurred three times, emphasizing its importance and significance. This event was a crucial moment in the early Christian church as it represented a shift towards inclusivity and the recognition that the message of Jesus was meant for all people, not just the Jewish community. By receiving the vessel back up into heaven, it symbolized the acceptance and approval of this new understanding by God. It was a turning point in the Christian faith, leading to the spread of the gospel to all nations.

In the theological interpretation of the verse 'This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven,' the concept of the number three holds significance. In Christian tradition, the number three is often associated with divine completeness and perfection. The repetition of an action or event three times in the Bible is seen as a sign of its importance or divine intervention. In this verse, the act of the vessel being received up again into heaven thrice could signify the completeness of God's work or the certainty of His divine plan being carried out.

Furthermore, a word study on the term "vessel" in this verse could reveal deeper symbolism. In biblical contexts, a vessel is often used to represent a person as a vessel of God’s spirit or a carrier of His message. The imagery of the vessel being received up into heaven could symbolize the ascension of a righteous individual or the completion of a sacred task. This interpretation adds layers of meaning to the verse, suggesting a connection between the physical act described and a spiritual truth or lesson for the reader.