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Atomic Bible
Acts 10:1-8·~1 min

Cornelius Sends for Peter

Cornelius is a centurion in Caesarea, and both he and his household are devout and God-fearing. He gives generously to the people and prays to God regularly.

A1t Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment. 2He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly.

At the ninth hour Cornelius sees an angel in a clear vision and answers in fear. The angel tells him that his prayers and gifts have come up before God and instructs him to send to Joppa for Simon called Peter, who is staying with Simon the tanner by the sea.

3One day at about the ninth hour, he had a clear vision of an angel of God who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” 4Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” 5The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to call for a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea. ”

After the angel departs, Cornelius calls two servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants, explains everything, and sends them to Joppa.

7When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants. 8He explained what had happened and sent them to Joppa.

Section summaryIn Caesarea, Cornelius is introduced as a devout, God-fearing centurion whose prayers and generosity are remembered before God. An angel tells him to send to Joppa for Peter, and Cornelius immediately sends servants and a devout soldier to bring him.
Role in the chapterThis opening movement begins the chapter with God's initiative already at work in a Gentile household. Before Peter knows anything, Cornelius is prepared through prayer, vision, and obedience.