Twentieth_Century(i)
1 The Apostles and the Brethren throughout Judea heard that even the Gentiles had welcomed God's Message.
2 But, when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those who were converts from Judaism began to attack him,
3 On the ground that he had visited people who were not circumcised, and had taken meals with them.
4 So Peter began to relate the facts to them as they had occurred.
5 "I was in the town of Jaffa," he said, "and was praying; and, while in a trance, I saw a vision. There was something like a great sail descending, let down by its four corners out of the heavens; and it came right down to me.
6 Looking intently at it, I began to distinguish quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds;
7 And I also heard a voice saying to me-- 'Stand up, Peter, kill something and eat.'
8 'No, Lord, I cannot,' I answered, 'for nothing 'defiled' or 'unclean' has ever passed my lips.'
9 Then a second time there came a voice from the heavens. "What God has pronounced 'clean'," it said, "you must not call 'defiled'."
10 This happened three times, and then all was drawn up again into the heavens.
11 At that moment three men, who had been sent from Caesarea to see me, came up to the house in which we were.
12 The Spirit told me to go with them without hesitation. These six Brothers also went with me. And, when we came into the man's house,
13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and how the angel had said to him--'Send to Jaffa and fetch the Simon, who is also known as Peter;
14 For he will tell you truths, which will prove the means of Salvation to you and all your household.'
15 I had but just begun to speak," continued Peter, "when the Holy Spirit fell on them, exactly as on us at the first;
16 And I recalled the saying of the Master-- 'John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
17 Since then, God had given them the very same gift as he gave us when we became believers in Jesus Christ the Master--who was I that I could thwart God?"
18 On hearing this statement, they said no more, but broke out into praise of God. "So even to the Gentiles," they exclaimed, "God has granted the repentance which leads to Life!"