Cornelius Sends a Delegation

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,

About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”

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.

Summoned to Caesarea

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.

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?”

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.”

Peter Meets Cornelius

And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.

As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.

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,

and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God.

Preaching to Cornelius’ Household

Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.