Cornelius Sends for Peter

1New a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of a band, called the Italian band? 2devout, and fearing God with all his house, giving many alms to the people, and praying to God continually? 3saw in a vision manifestly, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying to him, "Cornelius!" 4And he, looking intently on him, and becoming much afraid, said, "What is it, lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and alms went up for a memorial before God. 5And now send men to Joppa, and fetch one Simon, who is surnamed Peter; 6the same is guest with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea." 7And, when the angel who was talking to him departed, having called two of his household servants and a devout soldier of those attending him; 8and, having recounted all things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Peter’s Vision

9Now, on the morrow, as they were journeying, and coming near to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10And he became very hungry, and wished to eat; and, while they were making ready, there came upon him a trance; 11and he beholds the heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending, as a great sheet, let down by four corners upon the earth; 12in which were all the four-footed beasts, and creeping things of the earth, and birds of the heaven. 13And there came a voice to him, "Arising, Peter, kill and eat." 14But Peter said, "By no means, Lord! because never at any time did I eat anything common or unclean." 15And a voice came to him again, a second time, "What God cleansed, count not common." 16Now this happened three times, and straightway the vessel was taken up into heaven.

Peter Called to Caesarea

17Now, as Peter was much perplexed in himself as to what the vision which he saw might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate; 18and, calling, were inquiring whether Simon who was surnamed Peter, was lodging there. 19And, while Peter was earnestly considering the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are seeking you. 20But, arising, go down, and journey with them, nothing doubting; because I have sent them." 21And Peter, going down to the men, said, "Behold, I am he whom ye are seeking; what is the cause for which ye are present?" 22And they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man, and one fearing God, well reported of also by all the nation of the Jews, was divinely warned by a holy angel to send for you to his house, and to hear words from you." 23Having called them in, therefore, he lodged them. And, on the morrow, arising, he went with them; and some of the brethren from Joppa went with him.

Peter Visits Cornelius

24And on the following day they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius was expecting them, having called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius, meeting him, and falling at his feet, worshipped him. 26But Peter raised him up, saying, "Stand up! I myself also am a man." 27And, while talking with him, he entered, and finds many who had come together; 28and he says to them, "Ye know that it is unlawful for a Jew to join himself with, or come to, one of another race; and yet God showed me that I should call no man common or unclean. 29Wherefore, also, having been sent for, I came without gainsaying. I ask, therefore, with what intent ye sent for me."

30And Cornelius said, "Four days ago, until this hour, I was praying during the ninth hour in my house; and, behold, a man stood before me in bright apparel, 31and says, 'Cornelius, your prayer was heard, and your alms were remembered before God. 32Send, therefore, to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is surnamed Peter; the same is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.' 33At once, therefore, I sent to you; and you did well, in coming. Now, therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things that have been commanded you by the Lord."

Good News for the Gentiles

34And Peter, opening his mouth, said, "Of a truth, I perceive that God is not a respecter of persons; 35but, in every nation, he who fears Him, and works righteousness, is acceptable to Him. 36He sent the word to the sons of Israel, proclaiming the glad tidings of peace through Jesus Christ, (He is Lord of all): 37Ye know the word that came throughout all Judaea, after the immersion which John preached; even Jesus of Nazareth, 38how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power; Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed by the Devil; because God was with Him. 39And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem; Whom they also slew, hanging Him on a tree. 40Him God raised on the third day, and gave Him to become manifest; 41not to all the people, but to witnesses before appointed by God?to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. 42And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to fully testify that it is He Who hath been ordained by God Judge of the living and dead. 43To Him all the prophets testify, that through His Name every one who believes on Him receives remission of sins."

The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
(Acts 19:1–7)

44While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those hearing the word. 45And those of the circumcision who believed, as many as came with Peter, were amazed, because that upon the gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit; 46for they heard them speaking with tongues, and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, 47"Can any one forbid the water, that these should not be immersed, who, indeed, received the Holy Spirit as well as we?" 48And He commanded that they should be immersed in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain some days.