Introduction:
The account of Peter at Cornelius' house is a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, marking the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 10:1-48. It highlights the divine orchestration in breaking down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing the universality of the Christian message.

Cornelius:
Cornelius was a centurion in the Italian Regiment, stationed in Caesarea. He is described as a devout man who feared God, gave generously to the needy, and prayed continually to God (Acts 10:1-2). Despite being a Gentile, Cornelius' piety and reverence for the God of Israel set the stage for a significant divine encounter.

The Vision of Cornelius:
Cornelius received a vision in which an angel of God instructed him to send men to Joppa to bring back Simon Peter (Acts 10:3-6). This vision underscores God's initiative in reaching out to the Gentiles and preparing Cornelius for the message of salvation.

Peter's Vision:
While Cornelius' men were on their way, Peter experienced a vision on the rooftop in Joppa. In this vision, a sheet containing various animals was lowered from heaven, and a voice instructed Peter to kill and eat. Peter, adhering to Jewish dietary laws, initially resisted, but the voice responded, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (Acts 10:15). This vision occurred three times, symbolizing the removal of traditional barriers and the acceptance of Gentiles into the faith.

Peter's Arrival at Cornelius' House:
Upon the arrival of Cornelius' men, Peter, led by the Holy Spirit, agreed to accompany them to Caesarea. When Peter entered Cornelius' house, he found a gathering of people eager to hear his message. Cornelius, in reverence, fell at Peter's feet, but Peter lifted him, saying, "Stand up, I am only a man myself" (Acts 10:26).

Peter's Sermon:
Peter addressed the assembly, acknowledging the divine revelation that God does not show favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right (Acts 10:34-35). He proceeded to preach the Gospel, recounting the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and affirming that Jesus is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42).

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit:
As Peter spoke, the Holy Spirit descended upon all who heard the message, and the Gentiles began speaking in tongues and praising God (Acts 10:44-46). This miraculous event mirrored the Pentecost experience of the Jewish believers and served as divine confirmation of the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant.

Baptism of the Gentiles:
Recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit, Peter declared, "Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!" (Acts 10:47). Consequently, Cornelius and his household were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, marking their full acceptance into the Christian community.

Significance:
The encounter at Cornelius' house is a landmark event in the history of the early church. It signifies the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers, affirming that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all people, regardless of their background. This event also set a precedent for the church's mission to the Gentiles, as later confirmed by the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15.