21 Then Peter went down to the men 8who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”

22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and nhas a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them.

On the next day Peter went away with them, oand some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Peter Meets Cornelius

24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, p“Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, “You know how qunlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But rGod has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”

30 So Cornelius said, 9“Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, sa man stood before me tin bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, uyour prayer has been heard, and vyour 1alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. 2When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”

Preaching to Cornelius’ Household

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: w“In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But xin every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is yaccepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the 3children of Israel, zpreaching peace through Jesus Christ—aHe is Lord of all—37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and bbegan from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how cGod anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who dwent about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, efor God was with Him. 39 And we are fwitnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom 4they gkilled by hanging on a tree. 40 Him hGod raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 inot to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us jwho ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And kHe commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify lthat it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge mof the living and the dead. 43 nTo Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, owhoever believes in Him will receive premission 5of sins.”

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, qthe Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 rAnd 6those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, sbecause the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit tjust as we have?” 48 uAnd he commanded them to be baptized vin the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.