On the next day, as they went on their journey, and drew near unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
Read Chapter 10
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
Stated hours for prayer were appointed both in the old and new law. Of this St. Cyprian writes: "In celebrating their prayers, we find that the three children of Daniel observed the third, sixth, and ninth hour. Thus afterwards, at the third hour, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, fulfilling the grace of our Lord's promise: at the sixth hour, Peter going up to the higher room of the house, was both by voice and sign from God instructed, that all nations should be admitted to the grace of salvation, of which he before doubted; and our Lord being crucified at the sixth hour, at the ninth washed away our sins by his blood. But to us, besides the seasons observed of old, the set times of praying are increased; for we must pray in the morning early, that the resurrection of our Lord may be celebrated by morning prayer; in the morning early will I stand before Thee, early in the morning wilt thou hear my voice. (Psalm v.) Towards the evening also, when the sun departeth, we must o...
in order that Peter should not be in perplexity too long. Peter went up upon the housetop, etc. Observe, that not even his hunger forced him to have recourse to the sheet. Rise, Peter, says the Voice, kill and eat.
observe how the Spirit connects the times: no sooner than this, and no later, He Causes this to take place— Peter about the sixth hour went up upon the housetop to pray: that is, privately and quietly, as in an upper chamber. And he became very hungry, and would have eaten; but while they made ready, there fell upon him a trance.
