1
A man named Cornelius lived in the city of Caesarea. He was a Roman army officer in the Italian Regiment.
2
He and everyone in his home were devout and respected God. Cornelius gave many gifts to poor Jewish people and always prayed to God.
3
One day, about three in the afternoon, he had a vision. He clearly saw an angel from God come to him and say, "Cornelius!"
4
He stared at the angel and was terrified. Cornelius asked the angel, "What do you want, sir?" The angel answered him, "God is aware of your prayers and your gifts to the poor, and he has remembered you.
5
Send messengers now to the city of Joppa, and summon a man whose name is Simon Peter.
6
He is a guest of Simon, a leatherworker, whose house is by the sea."
7
After saying this, the angel left. Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, one of those who served him regularly.
8
Cornelius explained everything to them and sent them to Joppa.
9
Around noon the next day, while Cornelius' men were on their way and coming close to Joppa, Peter went on the roof to pray.
10
He became hungry and wanted to eat. While the food was being prepared, he fell into a trance.
11
He saw the sky open and something like a large linen sheet being lowered by its four corners to the ground.