Acts 10 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Acts 10 meaning explained in AI Summary

Peter's Vision and Preaching: Peter receives a vision and preaches the gospel to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household.

This chapter marks a pivotal moment in the early church, signifying the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish community to include Gentiles.

1. Cornelius' Vision: Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea, receives a vision from an angel. He is instructed to send men to Joppa to find Simon Peter.

2. Peter's Vision: Meanwhile, Peter has his own vision while praying on a rooftop. A sheet descends from heaven containing all sorts of animals considered unclean by Jewish law. A voice commands him to "kill and eat." Peter initially refuses, citing the dietary laws. The voice responds, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This vision happens three times, leaving Peter confused.

3. Cornelius' Messengers Arrive: Just as Peter ponders the meaning of his vision, Cornelius' men arrive at the gate. The Spirit instructs Peter to go with them without hesitation.

4. Peter Travels to Caesarea: Peter travels with the men to Cornelius' house, where he finds a gathering of Cornelius' relatives and close friends.

5. Peter's Sermon and the Holy Spirit: Peter preaches to the group, emphasizing that God shows no partiality and accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right. During his sermon, the Holy Spirit falls upon everyone present, just as it had on the disciples at Pentecost.

6. Gentile Believers Baptized: The Jewish believers who accompanied Peter are astonished to witness the Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit. Peter, recognizing God's work, commands that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Significance:

God's Inclusivity: This chapter demonstrates that God's salvation is available to all people, regardless of their ethnicity or religious background.
Breaking Down Barriers: The events in Acts 10 break down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles, paving the way for a unified church.
The Holy Spirit's Role: The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles confirms that they have received God's grace and are now equal members of the Christian community.

This chapter marks a turning point in the book of Acts and the early church, setting the stage for the mission to the Gentiles and the spread of Christianity beyond its Jewish origins.

Acts 10 bible study ai commentary

The gospel is universally available to all people, irrespective of ethnic or ritual status. Acts 10 demonstrates God orchestrating events through divine revelation to break down the wall between Jew and Gentile. This is accomplished by guiding Peter, the apostle to the Jews, to preach salvation to the household of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. The subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit on these Gentiles serves as God’s undeniable endorsement, officially opening the church to the non-Jewish world and setting the stage for the global mission.

Acts 10 context

This chapter is set in Caesarea Maritima, the Roman administrative capital of Judea. It was a predominantly Gentile city and the headquarters of the Roman military in the region. This context highlights the stark cultural and religious divide between the Jewish world, represented by Peter, and the Roman/Gentile world, represented by Cornelius. A centurion was a commander of roughly 80-100 soldiers and a symbol of Roman occupation. For a Jew, entering a Gentile's home was considered defiling, not because of a direct Old Testament law, but due to rabbinic tradition designed to prevent association with idolatry and eating unclean food. The key category is "God-fearer" (phoboumenos ton Theon), a well-documented group of Gentiles who admired and worshipped the God of Israel, attended synagogue, and followed ethical laws, but had not fully converted to Judaism by undergoing circumcision. This chapter addresses the foundational question of the early church: "Does a Gentile need to become a Jew first to be a Christian?"

Acts 10:1-2

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.

In-depth-analysis

Cornelius: His Roman name signifies his Gentile status. As a centurion, he was a man of discipline, authority, and influence within the occupying Roman power structure.
Italian Cohort: A Roman military unit composed of volunteers from Italy, indicating Cornelius was not a local recruit but an integral part of the Roman establishment.
Devout and Feared God: Cornelius was not a Jewish proselyte (a full convert) but a "God-fearer." His piety is described in a three-fold manner, echoing Jewish ideals:
1. Fear of God: Reverence and worship directed at Yahweh, the God of Israel.
2. Generous Alms: A core tenet of Jewish righteousness (tzedakah). He gave to "the people," likely referring to the Jewish people.
3. Prayed continually: Practiced regular communion with God.

Bible references

Luke 7:4-5: "he is worthy... for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue." (Another centurion praised for his favorable actions toward Jews).
Acts 8:27-28: "an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace... had come to Jerusalem to worship." (Another example of a high-ranking, God-fearing Gentile seeking the Lord).
Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge..." (The foundation of Cornelius's piety).

Cross references

Dan 4:37 (Pagan king praises God), Jon 3:5-9 (Ninevites repent), 1 Kgs 8:41-43 (Solomon's prayer for foreigners), Mal 1:11 (God's name great among nations).

Acts 10:3-8

About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter..."

In-depth-analysis

Ninth Hour (3 PM): This was the official time of the evening sacrifice and prayer in the Jerusalem Temple. Cornelius, though a Gentile, aligned his life with Jewish pious practices.
Angel of God: The vision is not a dream; it is an explicit, waking Christophany or angelic encounter. His terror is a typical human reaction to divine presence.
Memorial before God: His righteous acts did not earn him salvation. Instead, they were noticed by God and served as a catalyst (mnēmosynon), prompting God's gracious move to reveal the path of salvation through Christ.
Simon who is called Peter: The specificity of the instructions (name, location in Joppa, even the host's profession - v. 6) serves as a divine authentication of the message. God orchestrates both sides of the encounter.

Bible references

Daniel 10:12: "...from the first day that you set your heart to understand... your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words." (Prayer prompting angelic intervention).
Revelation 8:4: "...the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God..." (Prayers ascending to God).
Leviticus 2:2: "...a memorial portion... a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the LORD." (The term "memorial" echoing Old Testament sacrificial language).

Cross references

Gen 18:3-8 (Abraham receives visitors), Acts 9:10-12 (Ananias' vision about Saul/Paul), Heb 1:14 (Angels are ministering spirits).

Acts 10:9-16

The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour... he fell into a trance and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending... In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has cleansed, you must not call common.” This happened three times, and the thing was immediately taken up into heaven.

In-depth-analysis

Sixth Hour (Noon): A common time for prayer. The flat housetop was a quiet, private place for such activity.
Trance (ekstasis): An altered state of consciousness where God can communicate directly, removing Peter's normal cognitive filters and prejudices.
Great Sheet: Contains a mixture of clean and unclean animals, directly confronting Peter with the dietary laws of Leviticus 11. The sight would have been abhorrent to a devout Jew.
Kill and Eat: A command that violates Peter's lifelong, deeply held convictions. His response, "By no means, Lord," shows an inner conflict between obedience to the Lord's voice and obedience to the Law as he understood it. It is paradoxical to call Jesus "Lord" and then refuse His command.
What God has cleansed...: This is the theological core of the vision. God himself is redefining purity. The immediate application is about people, not just food, as Peter later understands (v. 28).
Three Times: This repetition is for emphasis, signifying the message's divine origin and critical importance, leaving no room for doubt.

Bible references

Leviticus 11:47: "...distinguish between the unclean and the clean..." (The basis for Peter's objection).
Ezekiel 4:14: "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I have never defiled myself... no abominable meat has ever entered my mouth." (An Old Testament prophet with a similar pious objection).
Mark 7:19: “‘...whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him…’ (Thus he declared all foods clean.)" (Jesus laid the theological groundwork for this change).
Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free... for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (The ultimate realization of what this vision means for people).

Cross references

Jn 16:13 (Spirit's guidance into truth), 2 Cor 6:17 (command to be separate), Col 2:16-17 (Sabbaths/food as shadows).

Acts 10:17-23

Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate... And the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.”... And the next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.

In-depth-analysis

Inwardly perplexed: The vision was radical. Peter did not immediately understand its full meaning until God provided the real-world context through the arrival of Cornelius's men.
The Spirit said to him: Direct, unambiguous guidance from the Holy Spirit, confirming the vision and connecting it to the Gentile visitors. This moves Peter from perplexity to action.
Without hesitation (mēden diakrinomenos): The same Greek phrase is used in Acts 11:12, where Peter retells the story. It means "making no distinction." The Spirit commands him to stop discriminating between Jew and Gentile.
Invited them in to be his guests: This is Peter's first act of obedience to the vision. By offering hospitality to Gentiles, he was already beginning to cross the cultural barrier of separation.

Bible references

Acts 8:29: "And the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go over and join this chariot.'" (The Holy Spirit's direct, personal guidance in mission).
Romans 12:13: "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (A command Peter now applies across ethnic lines).

Cross references

Isa 55:8-9 (God's ways are higher), Ps 25:9 (He leads the humble), Acts 15:7-9 (Peter recounts these events).

Acts 10:24-29

And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.”... And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.”

In-depth-analysis

Called together his relatives and close friends: Cornelius anticipates a life-changing message from God and eagerly prepares his entire community to hear it. This demonstrates his leadership and faith.
Fell down... and worshiped him: A sign of extreme reverence, common in the ancient Near East when approaching a divine messenger or king. Peter immediately deflects the worship, making a clear distinction between a human messenger and God himself.
I too am a man: Peter's humility contrasts with the arrogance of figures like Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:21-23). He puts himself on equal footing with the Gentile centurion.
God has shown me: Peter now vocalizes his interpretation of the vision. It was not primarily about food but about people. He explicitly states that God has overturned the cultural taboo against associating with Gentiles.

Bible references

Revelation 19:10: "Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, 'You must not do that! I am a fellow servant... Worship God!'" (Angelic refusal to be worshiped, same principle).
Ephesians 2:14: "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility." (The theological reality behind Peter's new understanding).
Acts 14:14-15: "But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it... they cried out, 'Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you...'" (Paul and Barnabas likewise rejecting worship).

Cross references

1 Kgs 8:43 (Foreigners welcome), Dan 2:46 (Nebuchadnezzar worships Daniel), Gal 2:11-14 (Peter's later struggle with this same issue).

Acts 10:30-33

And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God...’ we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

In-depth-analysis

Cornelius's Recounting: By telling his side of the story, Cornelius confirms for Peter that this entire encounter is divinely orchestrated. The two visions are two halves of one divine plan.
In the presence of God to hear: Cornelius and his household are not just there to hear a man. They position themselves as humble recipients of a direct word from God through His chosen messenger. This is the ideal posture for receiving the gospel.

Bible references

Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (The reality of Christ's presence).
James 1:19: "...let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak..." (The attitude of the Caesarean assembly).
1 Thessalonians 2:13: "...when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God..." (The model for receiving apostolic preaching).

Acts 10:34-43

So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him... As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)... they put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day... everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

In-depth-analysis

God shows no partiality: Peter's main theological conclusion. The Greek prosōpolēmptēs literally means "to receive a face," i.e., to judge based on external factors like race, status, or wealth. This is a foundational biblical truth.
Lord of all: A critical parenthetical statement. Jesus is not just Lord of the Jews, but Lord of all creation and all people, including the Romans present.
The Sermon (Kerygma): Peter presents a concise summary of the apostolic gospel proclamation:
1. Jesus's Ministry: Anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power, doing good and healing.
2. Jesus's Death: Crucified ("hanging him on a tree," echoing the language of curse from Deuteronomy 21:23).
3. Jesus's Resurrection: Raised by God and seen by chosen witnesses (the apostles).
4. Jesus's Commission: He is the appointed Judge of the living and the dead.
5. The Response: Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness. Belief is the sole condition.

Bible references

Deuteronomy 10:17: "For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords... who is not partial and takes no bribe." (OT foundation for God's impartiality).
Romans 2:11: "For God shows no partiality." (Paul's clear teaching on the same doctrine).
Acts 2:22-24: "Jesus of Nazareth... you crucified and killed... but God raised him up." (Peter's sermon here is a condensed version of his Pentecost sermon).
Joel 2:32: "...everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved..." (The OT prophetic promise of universal access to salvation).

Cross references

Rom 10:12 (No distinction), Lk 24:47 (repentance for all nations), Jn 5:22 (judgment given to Son), Phil 2:9-11 (Jesus is Lord).

Acts 10:44-48

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

In-depth-analysis

The Gentile Pentecost: The Holy Spirit's descent occurs mid-sermon, a divine interruption and affirmation. This parallels the events of Pentecost in Acts 2, validating the Gentiles' inclusion as full members of God's people.
Amazed: The reaction of the Jewish believers ("the circumcised") demonstrates how radical and unexpected this event was. God was moving beyond their preconceived boundaries.
Evidence: Speaking in tongues: Just as at Pentecost, this serves as the undeniable, external sign of the Spirit's reception. It proved to the Jewish witnesses that this was the exact same gift they had received.
Spirit before Baptism: Peter's logic is compelling. God has already shown His acceptance by giving the Spirit; baptism is the human, obedient response and public identification with Christ. God's sovereign act precedes the human ritual, confirming His will. The question is not "Are they worthy to receive the Spirit?" but "Since God has given the Spirit, who are we to deny them the sign of inclusion (baptism)?"

Bible references

Acts 2:4: "...and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues..." (The direct parallel at the first Pentecost).
Acts 11:15-17: "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning... If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us... who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” (Peter's own reflection, connecting the events).
Galatians 3:14: "...so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith." (The theological explanation for this event).
Isaiah 44:3: "For I will pour water on the thirsty land... I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring..." (OT promise of the Spirit being poured out).

Cross references

Eph 1:13-14 (Sealed with the Spirit), Tit 3:5-6 (washing of regeneration), 1 Cor 1:13-17 (Baptism in Jesus's name).

Acts chapter 10 analysis

The Sovereignty of God: God is the primary actor in this chapter. He initiates contact with Cornelius, gives a vision to Peter, sends the Spirit to provide a real-time interpretation, and confirms the message by pouring out the Spirit on the Gentiles. Humans are responding to divine initiative.
A "Gentile Pentecost": This event is deliberately parallel to the Jewish Pentecost of Acts 2. Both involve the preaching of the gospel, followed by an outpouring of the Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues. It signifies that Gentiles are now incorporated into the church on equal footing with Jews, without needing to adopt Jewish rituals first.
Peter's Crucial Role: As the holder of the "keys of the kingdom" (Matt 16:19), Peter is the one God chooses to officially open the door of faith to the Gentiles. This action, though difficult for him, becomes the definitive precedent he will use to defend the Gentile mission at the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15.
Narrative Parallelism: Luke masterfully uses a diptych structure, presenting two parallel visions that converge. This literary technique emphasizes that the meeting of Peter and Cornelius is not accidental but a perfectly timed, divinely appointed event.
From Common to Clean: The central theme moves from a vision about "common" (unclean) animals to the realization that no person is to be considered "common or unclean" by God. This is a paradigm shift for the early church.
Acts 10 summary
God gives a vision to a devout Roman centurion, Cornelius, instructing him to send for the Apostle Peter. Simultaneously, Peter receives a perplexing vision from God declaring unclean animals clean. As Peter puzzles over the vision, Cornelius's men arrive. Guided by the Spirit, Peter understands the vision's true meaning—that the Gospel is for all people—and travels to the Gentile's home. As he preaches about Jesus, the Holy Spirit falls on all the Gentiles present, who begin speaking in tongues, an event the Jewish believers witness with amazement. Recognizing this as God's clear sign of acceptance, Peter commands that they be baptized, officially welcoming Gentiles into the church by faith alone.

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Acts chapter 10 kjv

¹ 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.

Acts chapter 10 nkjv

¹ There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,
² a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.
³ About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius!"
⁴ And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, "What is it, lord?" So he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.
⁵ Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter.
⁶ He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do."
⁷ And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually.
⁸ So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.
⁹ The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour.
¹⁰ Then 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 like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth.
¹² In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
¹³ And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat."
¹⁴ But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean."
¹⁵ And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common."
¹⁶ This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.
¹⁷ Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate.
¹⁸ And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.
¹⁹ While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are seeking you.
²⁰ Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them."
²¹ Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, "Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?"
²² And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you."
²³ Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
²⁴ And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.
²⁵ As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
²⁶ But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man."
²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together.
²⁸ Then he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
²⁹ Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?"
³⁰ So 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, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.
³² Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.'
³³ So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God."
³⁴ Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
³⁵ But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
³⁶ The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ? He is Lord of all?
³⁷ that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, 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 who were oppressed by 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 by hanging on a tree.
⁴⁰ Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly,
⁴¹ not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.
⁴² And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead.
⁴³ To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins."
⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
⁴⁵ And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.
⁴⁶ For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,
⁴⁷ "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"
⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Acts chapter 10 niv

¹ At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment.
² He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.
³ One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"
⁴ Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.
⁵ Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.
⁶ He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."
⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants.
⁸ He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
⁹ About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.
¹⁰ He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.
¹¹ He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners.
¹² It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds.
¹³ Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."
¹⁴ "Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."
¹⁵ The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
¹⁶ This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
¹⁷ While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate.
¹⁸ They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
¹⁹ While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you.
²⁰ So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
²¹ Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?"
²² The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say."
²³ Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along.
²⁴ The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.
²⁵ As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.
²⁶ But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."
²⁷ While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people.
²⁸ He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.
²⁹ So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?"
³⁰ Cornelius answered: "Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me
³¹ and said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.
³² Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.'
³³ So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."
³⁴ Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism
³⁵ but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
³⁶ You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
³⁷ You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached?
³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
³⁹ "We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross,
⁴⁰ but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.
⁴¹ He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen?by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
⁴² He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.
⁴³ All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.
⁴⁵ The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.
⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said,
⁴⁷ "Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."
⁴⁸ So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Acts chapter 10 esv

¹ At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort,
² a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.
³ About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius."
⁴ And he stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.
⁵ And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter.
⁶ He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea."
⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him,
⁸ and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.
⁹ The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.
¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance
¹¹ and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth.
¹² In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air.
¹³ And there came a voice to him: "Rise, Peter; kill and eat."
¹⁴ But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean."
¹⁵ And the voice came to him again a second time, "What God has made clean, do not call common."
¹⁶ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.
¹⁷ Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate
¹⁸ and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there.
¹⁹ And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are looking for you.
²⁰ Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them."
²¹ And Peter went down to the men and said, "I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?"
²² And they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say."
²³ So he invited them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.
²⁴ And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.
²⁵ When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
²⁶ But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man."
²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered.
²⁸ And he said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.
²⁹ So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me."
³⁰ And Cornelius said, "Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing
³¹ and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God.
³² Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.'
³³ So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord."
³⁴ So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,
³⁵ but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
³⁶ As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),
³⁷ you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed:
³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
³⁹ And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree,
⁴⁰ but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear,
⁴¹ not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
⁴² And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
⁴³ To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
⁴⁴ While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.
⁴⁵ And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.
⁴⁶ For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,
⁴⁷ "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"
⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

Acts chapter 10 nlt

¹ In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment.
² He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God.
³ One afternoon about three o'clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. "Cornelius!" the angel said.
⁴ Cornelius stared at him in terror. "What is it, sir?" he asked the angel. And the angel replied, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!
⁵ Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter.
⁶ He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore."
⁷ As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, one of his personal attendants.
⁸ He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa.
⁹ The next day as Cornelius's messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon,
¹⁰ and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.
¹¹ He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners.
¹² In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds.
¹³ Then a voice said to him, "Get up, Peter; kill and eat them."
¹⁴ "No, Lord," Peter declared. "I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean. "
¹⁵ But the voice spoke again: "Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean."
¹⁶ The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven.
¹⁷ Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon's house. Standing outside the gate,
¹⁸ they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there.
¹⁹ Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, "Three men have come looking for you.
²⁰ Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don't worry, for I have sent them."
²¹ So Peter went down and said, "I'm the man you are looking for. Why have you come?"
²² They said, "We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message."
²³ So Peter invited the men to stay for the night. The next day he went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.
²⁴ They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends.
²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him.
²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, "Stand up! I'm a human being just like you!"
²⁷ So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.
²⁸ Peter told them, "You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.
²⁹ So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me."
³⁰ Cornelius replied, "Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o'clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me.
³¹ He told me, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God!
³² Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.'
³³ So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you."
³⁴ Then Peter replied, "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.
³⁵ In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.
³⁶ This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel ? that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
³⁷ You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism.
³⁸ And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
³⁹ "And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross,
⁴⁰ but God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear,
⁴¹ not to the general public, but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be his witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
⁴² And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all ? the living and the dead.
⁴³ He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name."
⁴⁴ Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message.
⁴⁵ The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too.
⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked,
⁴⁷ "Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?"
⁴⁸ So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days.