25
The minute Peter came through the door, Cornelius was up on his feet greeting him - and then down on his face worshiping him!
26
Peter pulled him up and said, "None of that - I'm a man and only a man, no different from you."
27
Talking things over, they went on into the house, where Cornelius introduced Peter to everyone who had come.
28
Peter addressed them, "You know, I'm sure that this is highly irregular. Jews just don't do this - visit and relax with people of another race. But God has just shown me that no race is better than any other.
29
So the minute I was sent for, I came, no questions asked. But now I'd like to know why you sent for me."
30
Cornelius said, "Four days ago at about this time, midafternoon, I was home praying. Suddenly there was a man right in front of me, flooding the room with light.
31
He said, 'Cornelius, your daily prayers and neighborly acts have brought you to God's attention.
32
I want you to send to Joppa to get Simon, the one they call Peter. He's staying with Simon the Tanner down by the sea.'
33
"So I did it - I sent for you. And you've been good enough to come. And now we're all here in God's presence, ready to listen to whatever the Master put in your heart to tell us."
34
Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites!
35
It makes no difference who you are or where you're from - if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open.