1 There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion in the Italian Company.
2
He and his whole household were pious, Gentile God-worshippers. He gave generously to those in need among the Jewish people and prayed to God constantly.
3
One day at nearly three o'clock in the afternoon, he clearly saw an angel from God in a vision. The angel came to him and said, "Cornelius!"
4
Startled, he stared at the angel and replied, "What is it, Lord?" The angel said, "Your prayers and your compassionate acts are like a memorial offering to God.
5
Send messengers to Joppa at once and summon a certain Simon, the one known as Peter.
6
He is a guest of Simon the tanner, whose house is near the seacoast."
7
When the angel who was speaking to him had gone, Cornelius summoned two of his household servants along with a pious soldier from his personal staff.