*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
This was done thrice. The repetition of the vision served for the confirmation of Peter, lest any doubt [1] should remain in his mind. Whence we gather how deeply the observing of the law was rooted in his mind. And I know no reason why God left him in a dump, [perplexed,] until, by the event which followed, he might learn the cause of the vision, save only because being astonished he did not desire to know what this thing meant; although it was all in good time, that the messengers of Cornelius should come shortly after to interpret it. The vessel was at length taken up again into heaven, that Peter might be certified that this message came from heaven, [God.]
1 - "Vel anxietas vel scrupulus," or anxiety or scruple, omitted.
This was done thrice - Three times, doubtless to impress the mind of Peter with the certainty and importance of the vision. Compare Genesis 41:32.
This was done thrice - For the greater certainty, and to make the deeper impression on the apostle's mind.
And the vessel was received up again into heaven - Both Jews and Gentiles came equally from God; and to him, both, by the preaching of the Gospel, shall again return.
This was done thrice,.... That is, either the voice spoke the same words three times, or the sheet was let down three times; and it may be both; it may be, that every time the voice was spoke, the sheet was let down: this was done, not with respect to any mystical meaning in the number three, but for the confirmation of Peter, that he might be the more firmly assured of the truth of the things represented unto him:
and the vessel was received up again into heaven; to denote, that when the general assembly and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven, whether Jews or Gentiles, are all gathered in, by the preaching of the Gospel to them, they will be taken up to heaven, their original and native place, and be for ever with the Lord; as well as to certify to Peter, that what was now shown him on earth, concerning the taking away the distinction of men and meats, was ratified in heaven.
done thrice--See Genesis 41:32.
This was done thrice. The voice spoke three times. See Acts 10:15.
This was done thrice - To make the deeper impression.
*More commentary available at chapter level.