Acceptable in Every Nation

Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment at Caesarea, was a devout man who feared God with all his house. He gave generously to the needy and prayed always. In a vision at the ninth hour an angel told him that his prayers and gifts had gone up for a memorial before God, and that he should send to Joppa for Simon Peter.

Around the sixth hour the next day, Peter prayed on a housetop. He grew hungry and fell into a trance. A sheet descended holding four-footed animals, creeping things, and birds. Told to kill and eat, Peter protested that he had never eaten anything common or unclean. The voice replied, "What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean." This happened three times. As Peter pondered, Cornelius's men arrived. The Spirit told him to go with them, doubting nothing.

At Caesarea Peter entered a house full of Gentiles, though he noted that it was not lawful for a Jew to visit a foreigner. God had shown him that he should not call any man unholy or unclean. He began, "Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism," and said that in every nation the one who fears God and works righteousness is acceptable to him (Acts 10:35).

Peter summed up the message. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power; he went about doing good and healing. He was put to death, and God raised him on the third day. All the prophets testify that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins (Acts 10:43). While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard. The believers of the circumcision were amazed that the gift was poured out on Gentiles too. Peter asked who could forbid water for baptism and commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.