ed to him a certain
vessel, as a great sheet with chains at the four corners, and resting
upon the earth: (12)in which were all the quadrupeds of the earth, and
wild beasts, and reptiles, and birds of the air. (13)And there came a
voice to him, Rise, Peter; slay and eat. (14)But Peter said, By no
means, Lord for I have never at any time eaten of any thing common or
unclean. (15)And the voice again a second time came to him, What God
hath cleansed, call not thou unclean. (16)This was thrice repeated: and
the vessel was again taken up into heaven.

(17)But while Peter was perplexed in himself what was meant by the
vision which he had seen, then, behold! the men which had been sent by
Cornelius having inquired out the house of Simon, stood before the
door, (18)and calling, asked if Simon, surnamed Peter, lodged there.
(19)But while Peter was musing upon the vision, the Spirit said to him,
Lo! three men are inquiring after thee. (20)Arise then, and go down,
and go with them, entertaining no doubt, for I have sent them. (21)Then
Peter went down to the men who were sent by Cornelius to him; and said,
Lo! I am the person that ye ask for: what is the business on which ye
are come hither? (22)Then they said, Cornelius a centurion, a just man,
and one that feareth God, and of good report with all the nation of the
Jews, has been divinely admonished by a holy angel to send for thee to
his house, to hear words from thee.

(23)Then inviting them in, he lodged them there. And the next morning
Peter went with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied
him. (24)And the next day they entered into Caesarea. Now Cornelius was
expecting them, having called together his relations and nearest
friends. (25)And as Peter was entering, Cornelius met him, and falling
at his feet, paid him homage. (26)But Peter raised him up, saying,
Arise; I also myself am a man. (27)And conversing with him, he entered,
and found many assembled together.

(28)And he said unto them, Ye know how contrary it is to established
usage, for a man who is a Jew to associate with or visit one of another
nation; but God hath shewed me to call no man common or unclean.
(29)Wherefore also without a word, I came when invited: I beg to know
therefore for what purpose ye have sent for me?

(30)Then Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting till this hour;
and at the ninth hour I was praying in my house, and, lo! a man stood
before me in shining apparel, (31)and