Peter's Vision

Peter's vision, as recorded in Acts 10, is a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, marking the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles. The Apostle Peter, a devout Jew, was staying in Joppa at the house of Simon the tanner. Around noon, while waiting for a meal, Peter went up to the rooftop to pray. During this time, he fell into a trance and saw a vision from God.

In the vision, Peter saw "heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners" (Acts 10:11). Inside the sheet were all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds. A voice instructed Peter, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat" (Acts 10:13). Peter, adhering to Jewish dietary laws, responded, "Surely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean" (Acts 10:14). The voice spoke again, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (Acts 10:15). This exchange occurred three times before the sheet was taken back to heaven.

The vision challenged Peter's understanding of Jewish purity laws and foreshadowed the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith. It emphasized that God's salvation through Jesus Christ was not limited by ethnic or cultural boundaries.

Cornelius' Conversion

Cornelius, a centurion in the Roman army, is introduced in Acts 10 as a God-fearing man who was respected by the Jewish community in Caesarea. He was known for his devoutness, prayer, and generosity to the poor. One day, Cornelius received a vision of an angel of God, who instructed him to send men to Joppa to bring back Peter.

As Cornelius' men approached Joppa, the Holy Spirit spoke to Peter, instructing him to go with them without hesitation. Peter welcomed the men and the next day traveled with them to Caesarea, accompanied by some of the believers from Joppa.

Upon arrival, Peter found Cornelius, his family, and close friends gathered to hear his message. Cornelius recounted his vision, and Peter, now understanding the meaning of his own vision, declared, "I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right" (Acts 10:34-35).

Peter preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His death and resurrection, and the forgiveness of sins through His name. As Peter spoke, the Holy Spirit descended upon all who heard the message, and the Gentiles began speaking in tongues and praising God. This astonished the Jewish believers who had accompanied Peter, as they witnessed the Holy Spirit being poured out even on the Gentiles.

Peter then commanded that Cornelius and his household be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, signifying their full inclusion into the body of believers. This event marked a significant turning point in the early church, affirming that the Gospel was for all people, Jew and Gentile alike, and setting the stage for the widespread missionary efforts that would follow.