Cornelius Calls for Peter

10 At Caesarea(A) there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing;(B) he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon(C) he had a vision.(D) He distinctly saw an angel(E) of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.

The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering(F) before God.(G) Now send men to Joppa(H) to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner,(I) whose house is by the sea.”

When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.(J)

Peter’s Vision(K)

About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof(L) to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.(M) 11 He saw heaven opened(N) and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”

14 “Surely not, Lord!”(O) Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”(P)

15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”(Q)

16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision,(R) the men sent by Cornelius(S) found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.

19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision,(T) the Spirit said(U) to him, “Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”(V)

21 Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”

22 The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man,(W) who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.”(X) 23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.

Peter at Cornelius’s House

The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers(Y) from Joppa went along.(Z) 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea.(AA) Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”(AB)

27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people.(AC) 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile.(AD) But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.(AE) 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes(AF) stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism(AG) 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.(AH) 36 You know the message(AI) God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news(AJ) of peace(AK) through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.(AL) 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed(AM) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing(AN) all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.(AO)

39 “We are witnesses(AP) of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross,(AQ) 40 but God raised him from the dead(AR) on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people,(AS) but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate(AT) and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people(AU) and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.(AV) 43 All the prophets testify about him(AW) that everyone(AX) who believes(AY) in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”(AZ)

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on(BA) all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter(BB) were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out(BC) even on Gentiles.(BD) 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[b](BE) and praising God.

Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water.(BF) They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”(BG) 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.(BH) Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Peter Explains His Actions

11 The apostles and the believers(BI) throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.(BJ) So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers(BK) criticized him and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”(BL)

Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision.(BM) I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’

“I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’

“The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’(BN) 10 This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.

11 “Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea(BO) stopped at the house where I was staying. 12 The Spirit told(BP) me to have no hesitation about going with them.(BQ) These six brothers(BR) also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 He told us how he had seen an angel(BS) appear in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 14 He will bring you a message(BT) through which you and all your household(BU) will be saved.’

15 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on(BV) them as he had come on us at the beginning.(BW) 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with[c] water,(BX) but you will be baptized with[d] the Holy Spirit.’(BY) 17 So if God gave them the same gift(BZ) he gave us(CA) who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”

18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”(CB)

The Church in Antioch

19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed(CC) traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch,(CD) spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus(CE) and Cyrene,(CF) went to Antioch(CG) and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news(CH) about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them,(CI) and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.(CJ)

22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas(CK) to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done,(CL) he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.(CM) 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit(CN) and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.(CO)

25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus(CP) to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples(CQ) were called Christians first(CR) at Antioch.

27 During this time some prophets(CS) came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus,(CT) stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world.(CU) (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)(CV) 29 The disciples,(CW) as each one was able, decided to provide help(CX) for the brothers and sisters(CY) living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders(CZ) by Barnabas(DA) and Saul.(DB)

Footnotes

  1. Acts 10:19 One early manuscript two; other manuscripts do not have the number.
  2. Acts 10:46 Or other languages
  3. Acts 11:16 Or in
  4. Acts 11:16 Or in

10 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

11 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Peter and Cornelius

10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of (A)what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man (B)who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. (C)About the ninth hour of the day[a] (D)he saw clearly in a vision (E)an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms (F)have ascended (G)as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging (H)with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Peter's Vision

The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, (I)Peter went up (J)on the housetop about (K)the sixth hour[b] to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into (L)a trance 11 and saw (M)the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; (N)for I have never eaten anything that is (O)common or (P)unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, (Q)“What God has made clean, do not call common.” 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

17 Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what (R)the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, (S)the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate 18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. 19 And while Peter was pondering (T)the vision, (U)the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and go down and (V)accompany them without hesitation,[c] for I have sent them.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and (W)God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by (X)a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and (Y)to hear what you have to say.” 23 So he invited them in to be his guests.

The next day he rose and went away with them, and (Z)some of (AA)the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and (AB)fell down at his feet and (AC)worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, (AD)“Stand up; I too am a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew (AE)to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but (AF)God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

30 And Cornelius said, (AG)“Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at (AH)the ninth hour,[d] and behold, (AI)a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, (AJ)your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

Gentiles Hear the Good News

34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that (AK)God (AL)shows no partiality, 35 but (AM)in every nation anyone who fears him and (AN)does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for (AO)the word that he sent to Israel, (AP)preaching good news of (AQ)peace through Jesus Christ ((AR)he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, (AS)beginning (AT)from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how (AU)God anointed Jesus of Nazareth (AV)with the Holy Spirit and with (AW)power. He went about doing good and healing all (AX)who were oppressed by the devil, (AY)for God was with him. 39 And (AZ)we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. (BA)They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but (BB)God raised him on (BC)the third day and made him to (BD)appear, 41 (BE)not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as (BF)witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And (BG)he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify (BH)that he is the one appointed by God to be judge (BI)of the living and the dead. 43 (BJ)To him (BK)all the prophets bear witness that (BL)everyone who believes in him receives (BM)forgiveness of sins (BN)through his name.”

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles

44 While Peter was still saying these things, (BO)the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among (BP)the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because (BQ)the gift of the Holy Spirit (BR)was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them (BS)speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 (BT)“Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit (BU)just as we have?” 48 And he (BV)commanded them (BW)to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

Peter Reports to the Church

11 Now the apostles and (BX)the brothers[e] who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, (BY)the circumcision party[f] criticized him, saying, (BZ)“You went to uncircumcised men and (CA)ate with them.” But Peter began and explained it to them in order: (CB)“I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’ 10 This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. 11 And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea. 12 And the Spirit told me to go with them, (CC)making no distinction. (CD)These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. 13 And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; 14 (CE)he will declare to you a message by which (CF)you will be saved, you and all your household.’ 15 As I began to speak, (CG)the Holy Spirit fell on them (CH)just as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, (CI)‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then (CJ)God gave (CK)the same gift to them as he gave to us (CL)when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, (CM)who was I (CN)that I could stand in God's way?” 18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they (CO)glorified God, saying, (CP)“Then to the Gentiles also God has (CQ)granted (CR)repentance that leads to life.”

The Church in Antioch

19 (CS)Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists[g] also, (CT)preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And (CU)the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed (CV)turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw (CW)the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord (CX)with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, (CY)full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people (CZ)were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to (DA)Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called (DB)Christians.

27 Now in these days (DC)prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named (DD)Agabus stood up and foretold (DE)by the Spirit that there would be a great (DF)famine over all the world (this took place in the days of (DG)Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, (DH)to send relief to (DI)the brothers[h] living in Judea. 30 (DJ)And they did so, sending it to (DK)the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 10:3 That is, 3 p.m.
  2. Acts 10:9 That is, noon
  3. Acts 10:20 Or accompany them, making no distinction
  4. Acts 10:30 That is, 3 p.m.
  5. Acts 11:1 Or brothers and sisters
  6. Acts 11:2 Or Jerusalem, those of the circumcision
  7. Acts 11:20 Or Greeks (that is, Greek-speaking non-Jews)
  8. Acts 11:29 Or brothers and sisters

Cornelius’ Vision

10 Now there was a man in (A)Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was (B)called the Italian [a]cohort, a devout man and (C)one who feared God with all his household, and (D)made many charitable contributions to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually. About (E)the [b]ninth hour of the day he clearly saw (F)in a vision (G)an angel of God who had just come in and said to him, “Cornelius!” And he (H)looked at him intently and became terrified, and said, “What is it, lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and charitable gifts (I)have ascended (J)as a memorial offering before God. Now dispatch some men to (K)Joppa and send for a man named Simon, who is also called Peter; he is staying with a tanner named (L)Simon, whose house is by the sea.” When the angel who *spoke to him left, he summoned two of his [c]servants and a devout soldier from his personal attendants, and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to (M)Joppa.

On the next day, as they were on their way and approaching the city, (N)Peter went up on (O)the [d]housetop about [e](P)the sixth hour to pray. 10 But he became hungry and wanted to eat; but while they were making preparations, he (Q)fell into a trance; 11 and he *saw (R)the sky opened up, and an [f]object like a great sheet coming down, lowered by four corners to the ground, 12 and on it were all kinds of four-footed animals and [g]crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the sky. 13 A voice came to him, “Get up, Peter, [h]kill and eat!” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, (S)Lord, for (T)I have never eaten anything [i]unholy and unclean.” 15 Again a voice came to him a second time, “(U)What God has cleansed, no longer [j]consider unholy.” 16 This happened three times, and immediately the [k]object was taken up into the sky.

17 Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in [l]mind as to what (V)the vision which he had seen might [m]mean, behold, (W)the men who had been sent by Cornelius had asked directions to Simon’s house, and they appeared at the gate; 18 and calling out, they were asking whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was staying there. 19 While Peter was reflecting on (X)the vision, (Y)the Spirit said to him, “Behold, [n]three men are looking for you. 20 But get up, go downstairs and (Z)accompany them [o]without misgivings, for I have sent them Myself.” 21 Peter went down to the men and said, “Behold, I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for which you have come?” 22 They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and (AA)God-fearing man well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews, (AB)was divinely directed by a (AC)holy angel to send for you to come to his house and hear [p](AD)a message from you.” 23 So he invited them in and gave them lodging.

Peter in Caesarea

Now on the next day he got ready and went away with them, and (AE)some of (AF)the brothers from (AG)Joppa accompanied him. 24 On the following day he entered (AH)Caesarea. Now Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and [q](AI)worshiped him. 26 But Peter helped him up, saying, “(AJ)Stand up; I, too, am just a man.” 27 As he talked with him, he entered and *found (AK)many people assembled. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know that it is (AL)forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a [r]foreigner; and yet (AM)God has shown me that I am not to call any person [s]unholy or unclean. 29 That is why I came without even raising any objection when I was sent for. So I ask, for what reason did you send for me?”

30 Cornelius said, “(AN)Four days ago to this hour, I was praying in my house during (AO)the [t]ninth hour; and behold, (AP)a man stood before me in shining clothing, 31 and he *said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your charitable gifts have been remembered before God. 32 Therefore send some men to (AQ)Joppa and invite Simon, who is also called Peter, to come to you; he is staying at the house of Simon the tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent men to you immediately, and you have [u]been kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here present before God to hear everything that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

Gentiles Hear Good News

34 (AR)Opening his mouth, Peter said:

“I most certainly understand now that (AS)God is not one to show partiality, 35 but (AT)in every nation the one who [v](AU)fears Him and [w]does what is right is acceptable to Him. 36 The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, (AV)preaching [x](AW)peace through Jesus Christ (He is (AX)Lord of all)— 37 you yourselves know the thing that happened throughout Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. 38 [y]You know of (AY)Jesus of Nazareth, how God (AZ)anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, [z](BA)and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for (BB)God was with Him. 39 We are (BC)witnesses of all the things that He did both in the [aa]country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on [ab](BD)a cross. 40 (BE)God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He [ac]be revealed, 41 (BF)not to all the people, but to (BG)witnesses who had been chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us (BH)who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He (BI)ordered us to [ad]preach to the people, and to (BJ)testify solemnly that this is the One who has been (BK)appointed by God as (BL)Judge of the living and the dead. 43 (BM)All the prophets testify of Him, that through (BN)His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, (BO)the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the [ae]message. 45 (BP)All the [af]Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had also been (BQ)poured out on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them (BR)speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter responded, 47 (BS)Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized, who (BT)have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 48 And he (BU)ordered them to be baptized (BV)in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.

Peter Reports in Jerusalem

11 Now the apostles and (BW)the brothers and sisters who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, [ag](BX)the Jewish believers took issue with him, saying, “(BY)You [ah]went to [ai]uncircumcised men and ate with them.” But Peter began and explained at length to them (BZ)in an orderly sequence, saying, (CA)I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw (CB)a vision, an [aj]object coming down like a great sheet lowered by four corners from the sky; and it came to where I was, and I stared at it and was thinking about it, and I saw the four-footed animals of the earth, the wild animals, the [ak]crawling creatures, and the birds of the sky. I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; [al]kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘By no means, Lord, for nothing [am]unholy or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But a voice from heaven answered a second time, ‘(CC)What God has cleansed, no longer [an]consider unholy.’ 10 This happened three times, and everything was drawn back up into the sky. 11 And behold, at that moment three men who had been sent to me from (CD)Caesarea came up to the house where we were staying. 12 (CE)And the Spirit told me to go with them (CF)without [ao]misgivings. (CG)These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 And he reported to us how he had seen the angel [ap]standing in his house, and saying, ‘Send some men to Joppa and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; 14 and he will speak (CH)words to you by which you will be saved, you and (CI)all your household.’ 15 And as I began to speak, (CJ)the Holy Spirit fell upon them just (CK)as He did upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, (CL)John baptized with water, but you will be baptized [aq]with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 Therefore, if (CM)God gave them the same gift as He also gave to us after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, (CN)who was I that I could [ar]stand in God’s way?” 18 When they heard this, they [as]quieted down and (CO)glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has also granted to the Gentiles the (CP)repentance that leads to life.”

The Church in Antioch

19 (CQ)So then those who were scattered because of the [at]persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way [au]to (CR)Phoenicia, (CS)Cyprus, and (CT)Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. 20 But there were some of them, men of (CU)Cyprus and (CV)Cyrene, who came to (CW)Antioch and began speaking to the [av](CX)Greeks as well, (CY)preaching the good news of the Lord Jesus. 21 And (CZ)the hand of the Lord was with them, and (DA)a large number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The [aw]news about them [ax]reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent (DB)Barnabas off [ay]to (DC)Antioch. 23 Then when he arrived and [az]witnessed (DD)the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with [ba]resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and (DE)full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And [bb](DF)considerable numbers were added to the Lord. 25 And he left for (DG)Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to (DH)Antioch. And for an entire year they [bc]met with the church and taught [bd]considerable numbers of people; and (DI)the disciples were first called (DJ)Christians in (DK)Antioch.

27 Now [be]at this time some (DL)prophets came down from Jerusalem to (DM)Antioch. 28 One of them, named (DN)Agabus, stood up and [bf]indicated [bg]by the Spirit that there would definitely be a severe famine (DO)all over the [bh]world. [bi]And this took place in the reign of (DP)Claudius. 29 And to the extent that any of (DQ)the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the [bj]relief of (DR)the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 (DS)And they did this, sending it [bk]with (DT)Barnabas and Saul to the (DU)elders.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 10:1 Normally 600 men (the number varied)
  2. Acts 10:3 I.e., 3 p.m.
  3. Acts 10:7 Or household slaves
  4. Acts 10:9 Housetops were flat living areas
  5. Acts 10:9 I.e., noon
  6. Acts 10:11 Or vessel
  7. Acts 10:12 Or reptiles
  8. Acts 10:13 Or sacrifice
  9. Acts 10:14 Or profane; lit common
  10. Acts 10:15 Lit make common
  11. Acts 10:16 Or vessel
  12. Acts 10:17 Lit himself
  13. Acts 10:17 Lit be
  14. Acts 10:19 One early ms two
  15. Acts 10:20 Lit doubting nothing
  16. Acts 10:22 Lit words
  17. Acts 10:25 Or prostrated himself in reverence
  18. Acts 10:28 I.e., Gentile
  19. Acts 10:28 Or profane; lit common
  20. Acts 10:30 I.e., 3 to 4 p.m.
  21. Acts 10:33 Lit done well in coming
  22. Acts 10:35 Or reveres
  23. Acts 10:35 Lit works righteousness
  24. Acts 10:36 Or the gospel of peace
  25. Acts 10:38 Or How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth
  26. Acts 10:38 Lit who went
  27. Acts 10:39 Or countryside
  28. Acts 10:39 Lit wood; see Deut 21:23
  29. Acts 10:40 Lit become visible
  30. Acts 10:42 Or proclaim
  31. Acts 10:44 Lit word
  32. Acts 10:45 Lit believers from the circumcision
  33. Acts 11:2 Lit those from the circumcision
  34. Acts 11:3 Or entered the house of
  35. Acts 11:3 I.e., Gentiles
  36. Acts 11:5 Or vessel
  37. Acts 11:6 Or reptiles
  38. Acts 11:7 Or sacrifice
  39. Acts 11:8 Or profane; lit common
  40. Acts 11:9 Lit make common
  41. Acts 11:12 Or making any distinction
  42. Acts 11:13 Or after he had stood in his house and said
  43. Acts 11:16 Or in
  44. Acts 11:17 Lit prevent God
  45. Acts 11:18 Lit became silent
  46. Acts 11:19 Lit tribulation
  47. Acts 11:19 Lit as far as
  48. Acts 11:20 Lit Hellenists; people who lived by Greek customs and culture
  49. Acts 11:22 Lit word
  50. Acts 11:22 Lit was heard in
  51. Acts 11:22 Lit as far as
  52. Acts 11:23 Lit saw
  53. Acts 11:23 Lit purpose of heart
  54. Acts 11:24 Lit a considerable crowd was
  55. Acts 11:26 Or were gathered together
  56. Acts 11:26 Lit a considerable crowd
  57. Acts 11:27 Lit in these days
  58. Acts 11:28 I.e., a prophetic communication of some kind
  59. Acts 11:28 Or through
  60. Acts 11:28 Lit inhabited earth
  61. Acts 11:28 Lit which took place
  62. Acts 11:29 Lit service
  63. Acts 11:30 Lit by the hand of