Acts 10:8-32

Mace(i) 8 and after he had related to them the whole affair, he sent them to Joppa. 9 On the morrow as they were on their journey, and drew nigh the city, Peter went upon the leads to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 and being seiz'd with hunger, he would have had something to eat: but while they were making it ready, he fell into a trance, 11 when he saw the heaven open, and something descending in the form of a great sheet, ty'd at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 in it were all sorts of quadrupeds, reptiles, and birds. 13 and a voice said to him, rise, Peter; kill and eat. 14 but Peter said, not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 and the voice spake to him again the second time, don't call that common, which God calls clean. 16 this was done thrice: and then the sheet was taken up into heaven. 17 While Peter was perplexed about the signification of this vision, the messengers from Cornelius having enquir'd out Simon's house, arriv'd at the gate, 18 and calling somebody, ask'd, whether Simon Peter lodg'd there. 19 As Peter was still pondering upon the vision, the spirit said to him, there are people below, who enquire for you. 20 rise therefore, get thee down, and go with them, without hesitating: for I have sent them. 21 then Peter went down to the messengers; and said, I am the person you look for: what occasion brought you hither? 22 they answered, Cornelius the centurion, a man of probity and piety, one that has an universal good character among the Jews, was divinely admonish'd by an holy angel to send for you to his house, to hear what you had to say to him. 23 then he invited them in, and they lodged there. On the morrow, Peter departed with them, and some of his brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 the next day they arriv'd at Cesarea: where Cornelius expected them, having invited his kinsmen and intimate friends, to his house. 25 as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and prostrated himself at his feet, 26 but Peter rais'd him, saying, stand up; I am but a man, as well as you. 27 and as he discours'd with him, he went in, where finding many persons assembled; you know, 28 said he, how unlawful it is for a Jew, to frequent a stranger, or even to go to his house: but God hath shewed me, that I should not look upon any man as common and unclean. 29 for which reason I came without demur, as soon as I knew your message: I ask therefore upon what account you sent for me? 30 then Cornelius said, it is now four days ago that I was fasting, and while I was at prayers in my house, about the ninth hour, a man in bright attire presented himself before me, 31 and said, "Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and God has approved thine alms. 32 send therefore to Joppa, for one Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner, by the sea-side, who, when he is arriv'd, will give you information."