Chapter

Acts 10:17

ESV Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate
NIV While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate.
NASB Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius had asked directions to Simon’s house, and they appeared at the gate;
CSB While Peter was deeply perplexed about what the vision he had seen might mean, right away the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions to Simon's house, stood at the gate.
NLT Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate,
KJV Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

What does Acts 10:17 mean?

Peter is on the roof of Simon the tanner's house in the coastal town of Joppa. He's just had an odd vision: three times, a sheet filled with animals lowered from heaven and a voice told him to eat. The animals included some that were not allowed to be used as food by the Mosaic law (Acts 11:6). Peter refused, insisting he will never eat non-kosher food (Acts 10:9–16).

Cornelius is a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea Maritima, about thirty-five miles north of Joppa. He is a Gentile, but a devout follower of the Jewish God. An angel came to him and told him to send for Peter and hear what he had to say. Cornelius sent two servants and one of his soldiers who is also a God-follower (Acts 10:1–8). These messengers have just arrived.

That Peter set aside time to pray shows he wanted to be available to God's guidance. He didn't compartmentalize, though. He didn't stop thinking about God's leading once the prayer was over. He remained open. He'll have to remain so.

Despite Peter's strict adherence to food laws, he has already shown Jesus' influence in Joppa. He is there because Jesus-followers found him in nearby Lydda and begged him to come raise a woman named Tabitha from the dead. He went willingly into the room where her dead body lay, creating a real risk for his cleanness (Acts 9:36–42). And, he's living with a tanner, who deals with dead carcasses every day, possibly some of unclean animals (Acts 9:43). The vision has challenged him to reject the food laws he's held since he was born. Now, he has three men asking him to come to the home of a Gentile and a foreign occupier. It's a lot to take in, all in one week.
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