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1In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, who was the captain of a group of soldiers called “The Italian Unit.”
2Cornelius was a very religious man. He worshiped God, and so did everyone else who lived in his house. He had given a lot of money to the poor and was always praying to God.
3One afternoon at about three o'clock, Cornelius had a vision. He saw an angel from God coming to him and calling him by name.[#10.3 Probably while he was praying (see 3.1 and the note there).]
4Cornelius was surprised and stared at the angel. Then he asked, “What is this all about?”
The angel answered, “God has heard your prayers and knows about your gifts to the poor.
5Now send some men to Joppa for a man named Simon Peter.
6He is staying with Simon the leather maker, who lives in a house near the sea.”
7After saying this, the angel left.
Cornelius called in two of his servants and one of his soldiers who worshiped God.
8He explained everything to them and sent them off to Joppa.
9The next day about noon these men were coming near Joppa. Peter went up on the roof of the house to pray[#Jdt 8.5.; #10.9 In Palestine the houses usually had a flat roof. Stairs on the outside led up to the roof, which was made of beams and boards covered with packed earth.]
10and became very hungry. While the food was being prepared, he fell sound asleep and had a vision.
11He saw heaven open, and something came down like a huge sheet held up by its four corners.
12In it were all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds.
13A voice said to him, “Peter, get up! Kill these and eat them.”
14But Peter said, “Lord, I can't do that! I've never eaten anything that is unclean and not fit to eat.”[#4 Macc 1.34.; #10.14 The Law of Moses taught that some foods were not fit to eat.]
15The voice spoke to him again, “When God says that something can be used for food, don't say it isn't fit to eat.”
16This happened three times before the sheet was suddenly taken back to heaven.
17Peter was still wondering what all this meant, when the men sent by Cornelius came and stood at the gate. They had found their way to Simon's house
18and were asking if Simon Peter was staying there.
19While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men are here looking for you.[#10.19 One manuscript has “two”; some manuscripts have “some.”]
20Hurry down and go with them. Don't worry, I sent them.”
21Peter went down and said to the men, “I am the one you are looking for. Why have you come?”
22They answered, “Captain Cornelius sent us. He is a good man who worships God and is liked by the Jewish people. One of God's holy angels told Cornelius to send for you, so he could hear what you have to say.”
23Peter invited them to spend the night.
The next morning, Peter and some of the Lord's followers in Joppa left with the men who had come from Cornelius.
24The next day they arrived in Caesarea where Cornelius was waiting for them. He had also invited his relatives and close friends.
25When Peter arrived, Cornelius greeted him. Then he knelt at Peter's feet and started worshiping him.
26But Peter took hold of him and said, “Stand up! I am nothing more than a human.”
27As Peter entered the house, he was still talking with Cornelius. Many people were there,
28and Peter said to them, “You know that we Jews are not allowed to have anything to do with other people. But God has shown me that he doesn't think anyone is unclean or unfit.
29I agreed to come here, but I want to know why you sent for me.”
30Cornelius answered:
34Peter then said:[#Dt 10.17.]
44While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit took control of everyone who was listening.
45Some Jewish followers of the Lord had come with Peter, and they were surprised that the Holy Spirit had been given to Gentiles.
46Now they were hearing Gentiles speaking unknown languages and praising God.
Peter said,
47“These Gentiles have been given the Holy Spirit, just as we have! I am certain that no one would dare stop us from baptizing them.”
48Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days.