Peter Visits Cornelius

24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea, [where] Cornelius was expecting them [and] had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him [and] fell at [his] feet to worship [him]. 26 But Peter helped him up “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”

27 [As] [Peter] talked with him, he went inside and found many [people] gathered together. 28 He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit [him]. But God has shown me [that] I should not call [any] man impure or unclean. 29 So when I was invited, I came without objection. I ask, then, why have you sent for me?”

30 Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this, the ninth hour.[fn] Suddenly a man in radiant clothing stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been remembered before God. 32 Therefore send to Joppa for Simon, who is called Peter. He is a guest in [the] home of Simon [the] tanner, by [the] sea.’

33 So I sent for you immediately, and you were kind enough to come. Now then, we {are} all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has instructed you [to tell us].”