Acts 10: Good News for Cornelius

Cornelius, a Roman centurion in Caesarea who feared God, prayed and gave to the needy, and an angel told him to send for Peter. At Joppa, Peter saw a vision of a sheet with animals and heard that what God has cleansed he must not call unclean. Peter went to Cornelius's house and said that God shows no favoritism. While Peter spoke about Jesus, the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentile hearers, and they were baptized.

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World English Bible · 48 verses

¹ Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
² a devout man, and one who feared God with all his house, who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people, and always prayed to God.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³ At about the ninth hour of the day, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, “Cornelius!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴ He, fastening his eyes on him and being frightened, said, “What is it, Lord?” He said to him, “Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up for a memorial before God.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵ Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is also called Peter.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶ He is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the seaside.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier of those who waited on him continually.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁸ Having explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁹ Now on the next day as they were on their journey and got close to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about noon.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁰ He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹¹ He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him, like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹² in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹³ A voice came to him, “Rise, Peter, kill and eat!”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁴ But Peter said, “Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁵ A voice came to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁶ This was done three times, and immediately the thing was received up into heaven.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁷ Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁸ and called and asked whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was lodging there.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁹ While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men seek you.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁰ But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²¹ Peter went down to the men, and said, “Behold, I am he whom you seek. Why have you come?”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²² They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to invite you to his house, and to listen to what you say.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²³ So he called them in and provided a place to stay. On the next day Peter arose and went out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁴ On the next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and his near friends.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁵ When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshiped him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁶ But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up! I myself am also a man.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁷ As he talked with him, he went in and found many gathered together.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁸ He said to them, “You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one of another nation, but God has shown me that I shouldn’t call any man unholy or unclean.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁹ Therefore I also came without complaint when I was sent for. I ask therefore, why did you send for me?”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁰ 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 clothingThis verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³¹ and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of God.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³² Send therefore to Joppa and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Simon, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³³ Therefore I sent to you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God to hear all things that have been commanded you by God.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁴ Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism;This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁵ but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁶ The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all—This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁷ you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁹ We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁰ God raised him up the third day and gave him to be revealed,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴¹ not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴² He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴³ All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁵ They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁷ “Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.”This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁸ He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org

Worksheets

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Open Preschool on its own page

Acts 10 · Preschool

Cornelius Prays

Name Date

Color the sheet coming down from the sky.

Can you find these in the picture? Circle each one!

Bible Verse

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word.”

Acts 10:44 (WEB)

Prayer

Thank You, God, for making me!

Take It Home

Acts 10 shows that God's good news is for people from every nation. Tell your child that God loves people of every land (Acts 10:44).

Open Grade 4 on its own page

Acts 10 · Grade 4

A Vision on the Housetop

Name Date

Read and Think

Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian band, was devout and feared God with all his house. At the ninth hour an angel told him his prayers and gifts had gone up before God. He was to send to Joppa for Simon Peter.

About noon Peter prayed on the housetop and fell into a trance. He saw a sheet let down with animals and birds and heard, "Rise, Peter, kill and eat!" He refused, saying he had never eaten anything unclean. The voice answered, "What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean." While he was pondering, the Spirit told him three men were looking for him.

Peter went to Caesarea. Cornelius had gathered his relatives and friends and fell at Peter's feet. Peter raised him up, saying, "Stand up! I myself am also a man." Peter said God had shown him he should not call any man unholy.

Peter said God shows no favoritism, but in every nation the one who fears him is acceptable. He preached peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all (Acts 10:36). While Peter spoke, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard, and the Jewish believers were amazed. Peter commanded them to be baptized.

Show What You Know

What did the angel say about Cornelius's prayers and gifts?
How many men were looking for Peter?
What did Peter say when Cornelius fell at his feet?
Why were the Jewish believers amazed?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

PeterGodCorneliusSpirit

, a centurion of the Italian band, was devout and feared God with all his house.
At the ninth hour an angel told him his prayers and gifts had gone up before .
He was to send to Joppa for Simon .
While Peter spoke, the Holy fell on all who heard, and the Jewish believers were amazed.

Think About It

God taught Peter not to call any person unclean. Are there people you have been tempted to look down on?
Cornelius gathered his family and friends to hear Peter. Who could you invite to hear about Jesus?

Memory Verse

All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”

Acts 10:43 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for the lesson of Good News for Cornelius. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

What does it mean that God shows no favoritism?
How did God prepare both Cornelius and Peter?

Open Grade 5 on its own page

Acts 10 · Grade 5

Acceptable in Every Nation

Name Date

Read and Think

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.

Show What You Know

Name three things Acts 10 says about Cornelius.
What three kinds of creatures were on the sheet?
What did Peter say God had shown him?
What do all the prophets testify, according to Acts 10:43?

Crossword

Across

The men who were sent by ____.
A centurion of what was ____ the Italian Regiment.

Down

And one who feared God with all his ____.
While ____ was still speaking these words.
He is staying with a tanner named ____.

Think About It

Peter had to change a long-held habit of thinking. What view of others might God be asking you to change?
God answered the prayers of both Cornelius and Peter at the same time. How does this story encourage you to keep praying?

Memory Verse

All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”

Acts 10:43 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for the lesson of Good News for Cornelius. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

Why were the Jewish believers amazed?
How does this chapter change who belongs in the church?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

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Acts 10: Good News for Cornelius

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Worksheets

Cornelius Prays

Prayer

Take It Home

For Everyone

Trace the Words

Match the Pictures

Mini Maze

Draw It

Prayer

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For Everyone

Trace the Words

Match the Pictures

Prayer

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God Loves Every Nation

Read the Story

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Word Search

Prayer

Take It Home

God Shows No Favoritism

Read the Story

Answer the Questions

Good News for Cornelius

Prayer

Take It Home

A Vision on the Housetop

Read and Think

Show What You Know

Word Bank Fill-In

Think About It

Copy It

Prayer

Take It Home

Acceptable in Every Nation

Read and Think

Show What You Know

Crossword

Think About It

Copy It

Prayer

Take It Home

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