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Open English Bible (U. S. spelling) - Acts - Acts 10

Acts 10:8-37

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8and, after telling them the whole story, sent them to Jaffa.
9On the next day, while these men were on their way, just as they were nearing the town, Peter went up on the housetop about midday to pray.
10He became hungry and wanted something to eat; but while it was being prepared, he fell into a trance,
11and saw that the heavens were open, and that something like a great sail was descending, let down by its four corners towards the earth.
12In it were all kinds of quadrupeds, reptiles, and birds.
13Then he was aware of a voice which said — “Stand up, Peter, kill something, and eat.”
14“No, Lord, I cannot,” answered Peter, “for I have never eaten anything defiled and unclean.”
15Again he was aware of a voice which said — “What God has pronounced clean, do not regard as defiled.”
16This happened three times, and then suddenly it was all taken up into the heavens.
17While Peter was still perplexed as to the meaning of the vision that he had seen, the men sent by Cornelius, having enquired the way to Simon's house, came up to the gate,
18and called out and asked if the Simon, who was also known as Peter, was lodging there.
19Peter was still pondering over the vision, when the Spirit said to him, “There are two men looking for you at this moment.
20Go down at once and do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
21Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the person you are looking for. What is your reason for coming?”
22The men replied, “Our captain, Cornelius, a pious man who reverences God and is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, has been instructed by a holy angel to send for you to his house, and to listen to what you have to say.”
23So Peter invited them in and entertained them. The next day he lost no time in setting out with them, accompanied by some of the Lord's followers from Jaffa;
24and the day following he entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them, and had invited his relatives and intimate friends to meet them.
25So, when Peter entered the city, Cornelius met him, and, throwing himself at Peter's feet, bowed to the ground.
26Peter, however, lifted him up, saying as he did so, “Stand up, I am only human like yourself.”
27Talking with him as he went, Peter entered the house, where he found a large gathering of people, to whom he said,
28“You are doubtless aware that it is forbidden for a Jew to be intimate with a foreigner, or even to enter his house; and yet God has shown me that I ought not to call anyone defiled or unclean.
29That was why I came, when I was sent for, without raising any objection. And now I ask your reason for sending for me.”
30“Just three days ago this very hour,” Cornelius said, “I was in my house, saying the Afternoon Prayers, when a man in dazzling clothing suddenly stood before me.
31‘Cornelius,’ he said, ‘your prayer has been heard, and your charities have been accepted, by God.
32Therefore send to Jaffa, and invite the Simon, who is also known as Peter, to come here. He is lodging in the house of Simon the tanner, near the sea.’
33Accordingly I sent to you at once, and you have been so good as to come. And now we are all here in the presence of God, to listen to all that you have been instructed by the Lord to say.”
34Then Peter began. “I see, beyond all doubt,” he said, “that God does not show partiality,
35but that in every nation he who reverences him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
36God has sent his message to the Israelites and told them, through Jesus Christ, the good news of peace — and Jesus is Lord of all!
37You yourselves know the story which spread through all Judea, how, beginning form Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed —

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