Cornelius’ Vision
1. There was a man in Caesarea, called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Cohort.
2. Devout and fearing God with all his house, giving much alms to the people, and praying to God continually.
3. He saw clearly in a vision, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming to him, and saying to him, “Cornelius.”
4. And fixing his eyes upon him and becoming afraid, he said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.
5. And now, send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is surnamed Peter.
6. He is lodging with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
7. And when the angel who spoke to him had gone, he called two of his household servants and a devout soldier of those who were constantly attending him.
8. And having declared all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.
Peter’s Vision
9. On the next day, as they were travelling and approaching the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour.
10. And he became very hungry and desired to eat. But while they were preparing, he fell into a trance.
11. And he saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel coming down, like a great sheet, let down by four corners upon the earth,
12. in which were all the four-footed animals of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the creeping things, and the birds of the air.
13. And there came a voice to him, “Rise, Peter, kill and eat.”
14. But Peter said, “Not so, Lord, for I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”
15. And a second time a voice spoke to him, “That which God has cleansed, do not call common.”
16. This happened three times, and immediately the vessel was taken up into heaven.
The Messengers Arrive
17. And while Peter doubted within himself what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who were sent from Cornelius had asked for Simon’s house and stood on the porch.
18. And they called and asked if Simon whose surname is Peter was staying there.
19. And while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you.”
20. “Therefore arise and go down and go with them without doubting, for I have sent them.”
21. And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?”
22. And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.”
23. Having therefore invited them in, he lodged them. And on the next day, rising up he went away with them, and certain of the brethren from Joppa went with him.
Peter Meets Cornelius
24. And on the next day they came to Caesarea. But Cornelius was looking for them, having called together his kinsmen and his close friends.
25. And when Peter was now coming in, Cornelius met him, and falling down gave him homage.
26. But Peter made him rise, saying, “Rise up: for I am also just a man.”
27. And he went in, talking with him, and found many gathered together.
28. And he said to them, “You know how it is unlawful for a Jew to be joined or come to one of a foreigner, and to me God has shown to call no man common or unclean.”
29. “Wherefore also, having been sent for, I came without saying anything against it. I inquire therefore for what reason you have sent for me.”
30. And Cornelius said, “Four days ago I had been fasting unto this hour, and the ninth I was praying in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31. and said, Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms have come in remembrance before God.
32. ‘Send therefore to Joppa and fetch Simon, who surnamed is Peter; he lodges in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea who when he is come will speak to you.’
33. Therefore I immediately sent to you, and you have done well to come. Now therefore we are all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded you by God.
Peter’s Confession of God’s Impartiality
34. And Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I comprehend that God is not one who shows partiality.
35. But in every nation the one who fears Him and does what is righteous is acceptable to Him.
Peter Proclaims the Gospel to the Gentiles
36. The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, proclaiming good news of peace through Jesus Christ, He is Lord of all.
37. You yourselves know the matter which occurred throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John proclaimed.
38. Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.
39. And we are witnesses of all the things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they also put to death by hanging Him on a tree.
40. God raised Him on the third day and granted that He become visible.
41. Not to all the people, but to witnesses who had been chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.
42. And He ordered us to proclaim to the people and to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.
43. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.
The Holy Spirit Given to the Gentiles
44. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message.
45. And all the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out also upon the Gentiles.
46. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God.
Gentile Believers Baptised
47. Then Peter answered, “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptised who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?”
48. And he ordered them to be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.
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