Background and Context:

The account of Peter visiting Cornelius is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, found in Acts 10. This event marks a significant turning point in the early Christian church, as it illustrates the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Cornelius, a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea, is described as a devout man who feared God, gave alms generously, and prayed continually (Acts 10:2). Despite being a Gentile, Cornelius's piety and reverence for God set the stage for a divine encounter that would challenge and expand the early church's understanding of God's plan for salvation.

Divine Vision and Instruction:

Cornelius receives a vision from an angel of God, instructing him to send men to Joppa to bring back Simon Peter (Acts 10:3-5). Obedient to the heavenly message, Cornelius dispatches two of his servants and a devout soldier to find Peter. Meanwhile, Peter, staying at the house of Simon the tanner in Joppa, experiences his own vision. In this vision, a sheet descends from heaven containing various animals, and a voice commands Peter to "Get up, Peter, kill and eat" (Acts 10:13). Peter, adhering to Jewish dietary laws, initially resists, but the voice responds, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (Acts 10:15). This vision occurs three times, emphasizing its importance and divine origin.

Peter's Journey to Caesarea:

As Peter contemplates the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius arrive. The Holy Spirit instructs Peter to accompany them without hesitation (Acts 10:19-20). Peter travels to Caesarea with some of the believers from Joppa, entering Cornelius's home—a significant act, as Jews traditionally avoided entering Gentile homes to maintain ceremonial purity.

Cornelius's Household and Peter's Message:

Upon Peter's arrival, Cornelius falls at his feet in reverence, but Peter lifts him up, asserting, "Stand up, I am only a man myself" (Acts 10:26). Cornelius recounts his vision, and Peter, now understanding the vision's meaning, declares, "God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean" (Acts 10:28). Peter acknowledges that God does not show favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right (Acts 10:34-35).

Peter then shares the Gospel, proclaiming the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that "everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name" (Acts 10:43). As Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit descends upon all who hear the message, and the Jewish believers with Peter are astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit is poured out even on the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-45).

Baptism and Acceptance:

Recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit, Peter commands that Cornelius and his household be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:48). This act of baptism signifies their full inclusion into the body of believers, breaking down the barriers between Jew and Gentile and affirming the universality of the Gospel.

Significance:

The visit of Peter to Cornelius is a foundational event in the early church, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 22:18). It underscores the message that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background, and sets a precedent for the church's mission to the Gentiles. This event also highlights the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in guiding and expanding the understanding of the early apostles, leading to the inclusion of all people in God's redemptive plan.