Unstoppable! 'The Principle of Three' — Acts 10:14-16

Monday, June 2, 2025

"No, Lord," Peter declared [after being told in his vision to eat unclean things]. "I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean."

But the voice spoke again: "Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean." The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven.

— Acts 10:14-16 NLT

Key Thought

Growing up, my mom would tell us what she wanted us to do. If she had to, she would tell us a second time. Before telling us a third time, she would say to us, "I told you once, and I told you a second time. Don't make me tell you a third time!" God signals Peter that his dream, vision, and revelation are vitally significant by repeating the vision three times! Luke, then, goes on to refer to this story three times, as summarized in yesterday's devotional. Cornelius' conversion was crucial, and we must not miss God's clear message that both Jews and Gentiles were welcome in his family of faith!

Today's Prayer

Dear Father, help me hear with unmistakable clarity what you want me to know and do — as you did with Peter and the leaders in the early church. In addition, dear Father, I commit to obeying what you have already made clear in your word that I should do. O Holy Spirit, please give me the wisdom to seek your power to help me continue becoming more like Jesus, in whose name and power, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 7:13-27; James 1:22-27
  • Ephesians 1:15-20

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 10:14-16 NLT — "No, Lord," Peter declared [after being told in his vision to eat unclean things]. "I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean." But the voice spoke again: "Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean." The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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