24
On the following day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends.
25
When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him.
26
But Peter helped him up, saying, "Stand up. I too am only a human."
27
As he talked with Cornelius, Peter went inside where he saw many people gathered.
28
He said, "You people understand that it is against our Jewish law for Jewish people to associate with or visit anyone who is not Jewish. But God has shown me that I should not call any person 'unholy' or 'unclean.'
29
That is why I did not argue when I was asked to come here. Now, please tell me why you sent for me."
30
Cornelius said, "Four days ago, I was praying in my house at this same time -- three o'clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, there was a man standing before me wearing shining clothes.
31
He said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and has seen that you give to the poor and remembers you.
32
So send some men to Joppa and ask Simon Peter to come. Peter is staying in the house of a man, also named Simon, who is a tanner and has a house beside the sea.'
33
So I sent for you immediately, and it was very good of you to come. Now we are all here before God to hear everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."
34
Peter began to speak: "I really understand now that to God every person is the same.