10 There
was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band
called the Italian band, 2 A
devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much
alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3 He
saw in a vision evidently 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 thine alms 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 spake 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. 9 On
the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city,
Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And
he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready,
he fell into a trance, 11 And
saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had
been a great sheet knit 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 fowls 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 spake unto him again the second time, What
God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This
was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 17 Now
while Peter doubted in himself 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 warned from God
by an 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 morrow Peter went away
with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
24
And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for
them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near 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
shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore
came I unto you without gainsaying, 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 thine alms are had in remembrance
in the sight of God. 32 Send
therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, 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. 34 Then
Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter
of persons: 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 Judaea, and began
from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost 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 slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him
God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not
to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before 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 ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To
him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth
in him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While
Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost 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 Ghost. 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 Ghost as well as we? 48 And
he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they
him to tarry certain days.