Acts 10
Cornelius’s Vision
1There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment.23He was a devout man and feared God along with his whole household. He did many charitable deeds for the Jewish people and always prayed to God.45About three in the afternoon he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him, “Cornelius.”67Staring at him in awe, he said, “What is it, Lord?” The angel told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have ascended as a memorial offering before God.89Now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also named Peter.1011He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.”12
13When the angel who spoke to him had gone, he called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, who was one of those who attended him.1415After explaining everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.16
Peter’s Vision
17The next day, as they were traveling and nearing the city, Peter went up to pray on the roof about noon.1819He became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing something, he fell into a trance.2021He saw heaven opened and an object that resembled a large sheet coming down, being lowered by its four corners to the earth.2223In it were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, and the birds of the sky.2425A voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat.”2627“No, Lord!” Peter said. “For I have never eaten anything impure and ritually unclean.”28
29Again, a second time, the voice said to him, “What God has made clean, do not call impure.”3031This happened three times, and suddenly the object was taken up into heaven.32
Peter Visits Cornelius
33While Peter was deeply perplexed about what the vision he had seen might mean, right away the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions to Simon’s house, stood at the gate.3435They called out, asking if Simon, who was also named Peter, was lodging there.3637While Peter was thinking about the vision, the Spirit told him, “Three men are here looking for you.3839Get up, go downstairs, and go with them with no doubts at all, because I have sent them.”40
41Then Peter went down to the men and said, “Here I am, the one you’re looking for. What is the reason you’re here?”42
43They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who has a good reputation with the whole Jewish nation, was divinely directed by a holy angel to call you to his house and to hear a message from you.”4445Peter then invited them in and gave them lodging. The next day he got up and set out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him.4647The following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.4849When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him.50
51But Peter lifted him up and said, “Stand up. I myself am also a man.”5253While talking with him, he went in and found a large gathering of people.5455Peter said to them, “You know it’s forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner, but God has shown me that I must not call any person impure or unclean.5657That’s why I came without any objection when I was sent for. So may I ask why you sent for me?”58
59Cornelius replied, “Four days ago at this hour, at three in the afternoon, I was praying in my house. Just then a man in dazzling clothing stood before me6061and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your acts of charity have been remembered in God’s sight.6263Therefore send someone to Joppa and invite Simon here, who is also named Peter. He is lodging in Simon the tanner’s house by the sea.’6465So I immediately sent for you, and it was good of you to come. So now we are all in the presence of God to hear everything you have been commanded by the Lord.”66