Topical Encyclopedia Background and Context: The account of Peter's journey to Caesarea is found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 10. This narrative marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, highlighting the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Caesarea, a significant Roman city located on the coast of Judea, serves as the setting for this transformative event. The city was an administrative center of the Roman Empire and home to a diverse population, including a substantial Gentile community. Cornelius the Centurion: The account begins with Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment stationed in Caesarea. Cornelius is described as "a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people and prayed to God continually" (Acts 10:2). Despite being a Gentile, Cornelius's piety and reverence for the God of Israel set the stage for a divine encounter. The Vision of Cornelius: Cornelius receives a vision in which an angel of God instructs him to send men to Joppa to summon Simon Peter. The angel tells Cornelius that his prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God (Acts 10:4). Obedient to the heavenly message, Cornelius dispatches two of his servants and a devout soldier to bring Peter to Caesarea. Peter's Vision: Meanwhile, in Joppa, Peter experiences a vision while praying on the rooftop. He sees a sheet descending from heaven, filled with all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds. A voice commands him, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat" (Acts 10:13). Peter, adhering to Jewish dietary laws, protests, "Surely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean" (Acts 10:14). The voice responds, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (Acts 10:15). This vision occurs three times, emphasizing its significance. Peter's Journey to Caesarea: While Peter is pondering the vision, the men sent by Cornelius arrive. The Holy Spirit instructs Peter to accompany them without hesitation, for they have been sent by God (Acts 10:19-20). Peter travels to Caesarea with the men, taking along some of the believers from Joppa. Peter Meets Cornelius: Upon arrival, Peter finds Cornelius eagerly awaiting him, having gathered his relatives and close friends. Cornelius falls at Peter's feet in reverence, but Peter lifts him up, saying, "Stand up, I am only a man myself" (Acts 10:26). Peter then addresses the assembly, acknowledging the Jewish custom of not associating with Gentiles, but explaining that God has shown him not to call any person impure or unclean (Acts 10:28). The Gospel to the Gentiles: Peter shares the message of Jesus Christ, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus, who is Lord of all (Acts 10:36). He recounts the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing that "everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name" (Acts 10:43). The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles: As Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit descends upon all who hear the message. The Jewish believers accompanying Peter are astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit has been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they hear them speaking in tongues and praising God (Acts 10:44-46). Peter then declares, "Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have" (Acts 10:47). Consequently, Cornelius and his household are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Significance: Peter's visit to Caesarea and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles signify a monumental shift in the early church. This event underscores the universality of the Gospel message and God's acceptance of all who believe, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. It marks the beginning of the church's mission to the Gentiles, fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. Subtopics Peter of the Law of Defilement Peter of the Law of Forgiveness Peter of the Parable of the Steward Peter of the Prophecy of Jesus Concerning his Second Coming Peter: Accused by the Council; his Defense Peter: Also Called Simon Bar-Jona and Cephas Peter: Calls Attention to the Withered Fig Tree Peter: Confesses Jesus to be the Messiah Peter: Cuts off the Ear of Malchus Peter: Follows Jesus to the High Priest's Palace Peter: Foretells the Death of Ananias and Sapphira Peter: Has a Vision of a Sheet Containing Ceremonially Clean and Unclean Animals Peter: Heals the Immobile Man in the Portico of the Temple Peter: His Denial of Jesus, and his Repentance Peter: His Mother-In-Law Healed Peter: His Presumption in Rebuking Jesus Peter: His Presumption in Refusing to Let Jesus Wash Peter's Feet Peter: His Statement in Front of the Disciples Concerning the Death of Judas Peter: His Treachery Foretold by Jesus, and his Profession of Fidelity Peter: Imprisoned and Delivered by an Angel Peter: Imprisoned and Scourged; his Defense Before the Council Peter: Jesus Sends Message To, After the Resurrection Peter: Prays for the Reception of the Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit Peter: Preaches on Pentecost Day Peter: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Appeared to his Disciples Peter: Present in the Garden of Gethsemane Peter: Present: At the Healing of Jairus' Daughter Peter: Present: At the Transfiguration Peter: Rebukes Simon, the Sorcerer, Who Desires to Purchase This Power Peter: Receives the Servant of the Centurion Peter: Sent With John to Prepare the Passover Meal Peter: Visits Joppa; Stays With Simon, the Tanner; Raises Dorcas from the Dead Peter: Visits Lydda; Heals Aeneas Peter: Visits the Gravesite of Jesus Peter: Walks Upon the Water of Lake Galilee Select Readings: Peter on the Day of Pentecost Related Terms |