Cornelius

Cornelius, a Roman centurion of the Italian Regiment, lived as a devout man who feared God along with his household. He gave generously to the Jewish people and prayed to God regularly, gaining respect from the local Jewish community despite being a Gentile.

At about three in the afternoon during prayer time, Cornelius received a vision of an angel of God who told him his prayers and gifts to the poor had come up as a memorial offering before God. The angel instructed him to send men to Joppa to bring back Simon Peter who was staying with Simon the tanner.

Cornelius immediately called two of his servants and a devout soldier from his personal attendants, explained the vision to them, and sent them to Joppa to find Peter. This demonstrated his obedience to God's command and his faith in the supernatural vision he had received.

When Peter arrived, Cornelius fell at his feet in reverence, but Peter lifted him up, saying he too was only a man. Cornelius explained his vision and gathered his relatives and close friends to hear what God had commanded Peter to tell them.

Peter proclaimed the gospel message about Jesus Christ to Cornelius and his household, declaring that God shows no partiality and accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. This marked a pivotal moment in the expansion of Christianity to the Gentiles.

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word, and they began speaking in tongues and praising God. The Jewish believers were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, and Peter immediately baptized Cornelius and his household.