1
Now a Captain of the Italian Regiment, named Cornelius, was quartered at Caesarea.
2
He was religious and God-fearing--and so was every member of his household. He was also liberal in his charities to the people, and continually offered prayer to God.
3
About three o'clock one afternoon he had a vision, and distinctly saw an angel of God enter his house, who called him by name, saying, "Cornelius!"
4
Looking steadily at him, and being much alarmed, he said, "What do you want, Sir?" "Your prayers and charities," he replied, "have gone up and have been recorded before God.
5
And now send to Jaffa and fetch Simon, surnamed Peter.
6
He is staying as a guest with Simon, a tanner, who has a house close to the sea."
7
So when the angel who had been speaking to him was gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a God-fearing soldier who was in constant attendance on him,
8
and, after telling them everything, he sent them to Jaffa.
9
The next day, while they were still on their journey and were getting near the town, about noon Peter went up on the house-top to pray.
10
He had become unusually hungry and wished for food; but, while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance.
11
The sky had opened to his view, and what seemed to be an enormous sail was descending, being let down to the earth by ropes at the four corners.