Acts 10

Cornelius Sends for Peter

Acts 10:1–8

1 There was a certain man in Cæsarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the military unit called the Italian unit,

2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave many charitable gifts to the people, and prayed to God always.

3 He saw clearly in a vision about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thy charitable gifts are come up for a memorial before God.

5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

7 And when the angel which spoke unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

Peterʼs Vision

Acts 10:9–16

9 ¶ On the next day, as they went on their journey, and drew near the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

10 And he became very hungry, and wanted to eat: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

11 And saw heaven opened, and an object descending unto him, like a large 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 any thing that is common or unclean.

15 And the voice spoke unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

16 This was done three times: and the object was received up again into heaven.

Peter Called to Caesarea

Acts 10:17–23

17 Now while Peter was perplexed within himself about what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,

18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

19 ¶ While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was instructed by God through a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the next day Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Peter Visits Cornelius

Acts 10:24–33

24 And the following day they entered into Cæsarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his relatives 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 took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

29 Therefore came I unto you without objection, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye 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, thy prayer is heard, and thy charitable gifts are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and summon Simon here, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Good News for the Gentiles

Acts 10:34–43

34 ¶ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God shows no favoritism:

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judæa, 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, and healing all that were oppressed of 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 killed and hanged on a tree:

40 Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly;

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was appointed by God to be the Judge of living and dead.

43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive forgiveness of sins.

The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit

Acts 10:44–48

44 ¶ While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that 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 received the Holy Spirit as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay for some days.