Cornelius The Roman Centurion

1. Cornelius, a Devout Gentile:
– Cornelius is a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea, who is described as a devout man who fears God and gives alms to the people.

2. Cornelius’s Vision:
– One day, an angel of God appears to Cornelius in a vision and tells him that his prayers and acts of charity have been noticed by God.
– The angel instructs Cornelius to send men to Joppa to find a man named Peter.

3. Peter’s Vision:
– Meanwhile, God gives Peter a vision of a sheet lowered from heaven with all kinds of animals, clean and unclean.
– A voice tells Peter to “kill and eat,” but Peter refuses, saying he has never eaten anything impure or unclean.

4. The Meeting of Cornelius and Peter:
– Peter realizes that the vision is God’s way of showing him that he should not consider any person unclean.
– Cornelius’s men find Peter, and Peter accompanies them back to Cornelius’s house.

5. Peter Preaches to Cornelius:
– Peter proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ to Cornelius and his household, explaining that God shows no partiality and that anyone who fears Him and does what is right is accepted by Him.

6. Cornelius and His Household Receive the Holy Spirit:
– As Peter is speaking, the Holy Spirit falls upon all who hear the message, and they begin speaking in tongues and praising God.
– Peter then baptizes Cornelius and his household, welcoming them into the community of believers.

This event is significant because it demonstrates God’s intention to extend salvation to the Gentiles, not just the Jews. It marks a pivotal moment in the early church’s expansion beyond its Jewish origins.