Peter and Cornelius

Cornelius lived in Caesarea. He was a centurion who feared God, prayed often, and generously helped people in need. One afternoon he saw an angel in a vision. The angel told him that God had noticed his prayers and gifts, and that he should send to Joppa for Simon Peter, who was staying by the sea. Cornelius quickly sent two servants and a devout soldier.

The next day, while the messengers were nearing Joppa, Peter went up to pray. He became hungry and saw a vision of a large sheet coming down from heaven, filled with many kinds of animals. A voice told him to kill and eat, but Peter refused because he had not eaten what was unclean. Three times the voice answered that Peter must not call unclean what God had cleansed.

While Peter was still wondering about the vision, Cornelius's men arrived. The Spirit told Peter to go with them without hesitation. Peter welcomed them, and the next day travelled with them to Caesarea, with some believers from Joppa. Cornelius had gathered relatives and close friends. When Peter came in, Cornelius fell at his feet, but Peter lifted him up and said that he too was only a man.

Inside the house, Peter said that God had shown him not to call any person unclean. Cornelius explained why he had sent for him. Then Peter understood more clearly that God does not show favouritism. He told them the good news about Jesus: Jesus did good, was killed, was raised by God, appeared to chosen witnesses, and brings forgiveness of sins to everyone who believes in him.

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came on all who were listening. The Jewish believers with Peter were amazed that this gift had been poured out on Gentiles too, because they heard them speaking in other languages and praising God. Peter then ordered that they be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. Later, when Peter reported this in Jerusalem, the believers stopped arguing and praised God that he had granted repentance and life to Gentiles also.