Cornelius Sends a Delegation

10 There was a certain man in aCaesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian 1Regiment, 2 ba devout man and one who cfeared God with all his household, who gave 2alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 About 3the ninth hour of the day dhe saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”

4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?”

So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 Now esend men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with fSimon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. gHe 4will tell you what you must do.” 7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Peter’s Vision

9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, hPeter went up on the housetop to pray, about 5the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and isaw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”

14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! jFor I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”

15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, k“What God has 6cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

Summoned to Caesarea

17 Now while Peter 7wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.

19 While Peter thought about the vision, lthe Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 mArise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”

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.