Acts 10:16

Thrice] the vision was repeated to confirm and establish the lesson taught by it (Genesis 41:32).

The question of the distinction of meats was important, because, so long as it was observed, the Church (like the Jews) was cut off from all real social intercourse with Gentiles, who placed 'unclean' food on their tables. A special revelation was accordingly made to the chief of the Apostles announcing that the distinction of meats was abrogated, and that henceforth Jew and Gentile were to associate and eat together, on terms of equality (Acts 10:28). Jesus had already laid down this principle (Mark 7:19 RV), but St. Peter had not understood it.