1At Caesarea there was a Roman centurion named Cornelius, head of the band called the “Italian Band”, 2He was a devout man; he and all his house revered God. He gave generously to people in need, and prayed to God regularly. 3And one day, about the ninth hour (3PM), he had a vision in which he distinctly saw an angel of God coming to him, and saying, “Cornelius.” 4And he stared at him in fear, and asked, “What is it, lord?” And he said, “Your prayers and your gifts to the poor have come up for a memorial before God. 5And now send men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon, surnamed Peter. 6He is staying with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you ought to do.” 7And when the angel had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants; 8And when he had told them all that he had just experienced, he sent them to Joppa.

9And about the sixth hour (noon) the next day, as they were approaching Joppa, Peter went up on the housetop to pray. 10And he became very hungry, and craved something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance, 11And he saw heaven opened, and something like a large sheet, knit at the four corners, being lowered to him. 12In it were all kinds of four-footed animals, creeping things (reptiles), and birds. 13And then a voice told him, “Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.” 14But Peter said, “Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15And then voice said, “What God has made pure, do not call common (unclean).” 16This was repeated three times; and then the sheet was taken back up into heaven. 17And then, while Peter was pondering what this vision meant, the men that Cornelius had sent arrived and stood before the gate of Simon's house, 18And they called, and asked whether Simon, surnamed Peter, was staying there. 19While Peter reflected upon the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Look, three men are seeking you. 20So arise, and get down there, and go with them without hesitation, because I have sent them.” 21Then Peter went down to the men that were looking for him; and said, “I am who you are seeking; why have you come?” 22And they said, “Cornelius, the centurion, a just man, who reveres God, and is of good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was told by God through a holy angel to send and ask you to come to his house, that they may hear what you have to say.” 23Then Peter invited them in, as his guests. And the next day, Peter went with them, along with certain brethren from Joppa. 24And the following day they arrived at Caesarea. And Cornelius was expecting them, and had called together his family and close friends.

25And as Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet, in reverence. 26But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I am also only a man.” 27And as they talked with him, they went in, and found many that had gathered there. 28And Peter said to them, “You know that it is unlawful for a man that is a Jew to associate with gentiles, or enter a gentile home; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone common or unclean. 29That is why I came to you without objection, as soon as I was sent for. May I ask why you have sent for me?” 30And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour (3PM), as I prayed in my house, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31And said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your kind deeds. 32So send to Joppa, and call here Simon, surnamed Peter; he is staying in the house of one Simon, a tanner, by the seaside; and when he comes, he shall speak to you.’ 33And so I promptly sent to you; and it was good of you to have come. Now we are all here, in the presence of God, to hear all the things that God has commanded you to tell us.” 34Then Peter said, “Of a truth, I now perceive that God is no respecter of persons (has no favorites); 35But He accepts from every nation anyone who fears (reveres) Him, and seeks righteousness. 36You know the message that God sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, Who is Lord of all. 37And you know what has occurred, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John preached, and was published throughout the province all Judaea; 38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; Who went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; because God was with Him. 39And we are witnesses of all the things He did, throughout Judea, and in Jerusalem. This same Jesus they hanged on a tree and killed. 40But God raised Him from the dead the third day, and caused Him to appear openly. 41He was not seen by all people, but only the witnesses chosen by God, including us, who both ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. 42And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He Who was ordained by God, to be the Judge of the living and the dead. 43To Him all the prophets give witness, that through His name, whoever believes in Him shall receive remission (forgiveness) of sins.” 44And while Peter was speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came upon all who heard the message. 45And those circumcised (Jewish) believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out upon the Gentiles. 46For they heard them speaking in tongues, and praising God. Then Peter asked, 47“Can anyone withhold water, or object to these being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit, just as we have?” 48And he ordered that they be baptized in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.