The account of Peter being called to Caesarea is a significant event in the early Christian church, highlighting the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles. This narrative is primarily found in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 10:1-48.

Background and Context

Caesarea was a prominent city in the Roman province of Judea, serving as a major port and the administrative center of the region. It was named in honor of Caesar Augustus and was known for its diverse population, including a significant number of Gentiles. The city played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.

Cornelius the Centurion

The account begins with Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment stationed in Caesarea. Cornelius is described as "a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people and prayed to God continually" (Acts 10:2). Despite being a Gentile, Cornelius's piety and reverence for the God of Israel set the stage for a divine encounter.

The Vision of Cornelius

One afternoon, Cornelius receives a vision in which an angel of God instructs him to send men to Joppa to bring back Simon Peter. The angel tells Cornelius that his prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God (Acts 10:4). Obedient to the heavenly message, Cornelius dispatches two of his servants and a devout soldier to find Peter.

Peter's Vision

Meanwhile, in Joppa, Peter experiences a vision of his own. As he prays on the rooftop, he sees a sheet descending from heaven, filled with all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds. A voice commands him, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat" (Acts 10:13). Peter, adhering to Jewish dietary laws, protests, "Surely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean" (Acts 10:14). The voice responds, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (Acts 10:15). This vision occurs three times, emphasizing its importance.

The Arrival of Cornelius's Messengers

As Peter contemplates the vision, the men sent by Cornelius arrive. The Holy Spirit instructs Peter to go with them without hesitation, for they have been sent by God (Acts 10:19-20). Peter welcomes the men and the following day, he sets out for Caesarea, accompanied by some of the believers from Joppa.

Peter at Cornelius's House

Upon arriving in Caesarea, Peter enters Cornelius's house, an act that defies Jewish customs of the time, which prohibited Jews from associating with Gentiles. Cornelius, having gathered his relatives and close friends, falls at Peter's feet in reverence, but Peter lifts him up, saying, "Stand up, I am only a man myself" (Acts 10:26).

Peter addresses the assembly, explaining that God has shown him not to call any person impure or unclean. He shares the Gospel message, proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord of all, His death, and His resurrection. As Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit descends upon all who hear the message, and the Gentiles begin speaking in tongues and praising God (Acts 10:44-46).

Baptism of the Gentiles

Recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit, Peter declares, "Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!" (Acts 10:47). He orders that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, marking a pivotal moment in the early church where the Gospel is openly extended to the Gentiles.

Significance

The calling of Peter to Caesarea and the conversion of Cornelius and his household represent a watershed moment in the history of Christianity. This event underscores the universality of the Gospel and God's intention to break down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles. It affirms the message that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background, fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.