Cornelius Sends a Delegation
THERE was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the cohort called the Italian cohort,
2 A devout man, and one that feared God together with all his house; which gave much alms to the people, and besought God in everything.
3 He saw in a vision clearly about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying to him: “Cornelius.”
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said: “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him: “Your prayers and your alms giving has come up in remembrance before God.
5 And now, send men to Joppa and send for Simon, who is called Peter;
6 He lodges with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell you what you must do.”
7 ¶ And when the Angel which spoke to Cornelius departed; he called two of his household servants, and a soldier who was devout, of those that served him personally;
8 And when he had declared all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.
Peter’s Vision
9 ¶ Now the next day, as they went on their journey, and drew near to the city; Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
10 And he became very hungry, and wished to eat: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance;
11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending to him: as a great sheet tied at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and 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 defiled or unclean.”
15 And the voice spoke to him again a second time: “What God has made clean, you shall not regard as defiled.”
16 This was done three times: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
Peter goes to Caesarea
17 ¶ Now while Peter doubted within himself what this vision, which he had seen, should mean: behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate;
18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was called Peter, lodged there.
19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said to him: “Behold, three men seek you.
20 Arise therefore, and go down; and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.”
21 ¶ Then Peter went down to the men which were sent to him from Cornelius; and said: “Behold, I am he whom you seek: what is the reason for which you have come?”
22 And they said: “Cornelius the centurion, a righteous man, and one that fears God; and of good report among all the nation of the Jews: was warned of God by a holy angel to send for you in his house, and to hear words from you.”
23 Then he invited them in, and lodged them. And the next day Peter went out with them, and certain brothers from Joppa accompanied him.
Peter meets Cornelius
24 ¶ And the next day they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his kinsmen and close friends.
25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
26 But Peter lifted him up, saying: “Stand up; I myself am also a man.”
27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found that many had come together.
28 And he said to them: “You know how that it is an unlawful for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come to one of another nation; but God has showed me that I should not call any man defiled or unclean.
29 Therefore I came to you without raising any objection, as soon as I was sent for. I ask therefore, for what intent you have sent for me?”
30 And Cornelius said: “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold: a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 And said: “Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your alms giving has come up in remembrance before God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is called Peter; he lodges in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he comes, shall speak to you.”
33 Immediately therefore I sent to you; and you have done well that you have come. Now therefore, are we all here present in the sight of God, to hear all things that are commanded you by God.”
Preaching to Cornelius’ Household
34 ¶ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said: “Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation, he that fears him, and works righteousness, is accepted with him.
36 The word which was sent to the sons of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all);
37 That message you know, which took place throughout all Judea; and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached.”
38 ¶ “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good work, and healing all that were oppressed by the devil; for God was with him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did: both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they executed by hanging on a tree.
40 Him, God raised up the third day, and showed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but to witnesses appointed beforehand of God: us, who did eat and drink with Him after he rose from the dead.
42 And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to bear witness that it is He, which is determined by God: to be the Judge of the living and the dead.
43 To Him give all the prophets witness: that through His name, whosoever believes in Him shall receive forgiveness of sins.”
Holy Spirit Given to Gentiles
44 ¶ While Peter was still speaking these words: the Holy Spirit fell on all those which heard the word.
45 And those of the circumcision which believed were astonished (as many as came with Peter): because on the Gentiles also, was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter:
47 “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized: which have also received the Holy Spirit just as we?”
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a certain number of days.